DUCHESS

A MARVELOUS PARTY

Anzic Records

Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner, Melissa Stylianou, vocals/members Duchess; Michael Cabe, piano; Jesse Lewis, guitar; Matt Aronoff, bass; Jared Schonig, drums; Erica von Kleist, alto & soprano saxophone; Jason Rigby, tenor saxophone; Owen Broder, baritone saxophone; Summer Camargo, trumpet; Nick Finzer, trombone; Oded Lev-Ari, piano/producer/arranger.

This is a group that winds the clock back to the 1940s when the Andrew Sisters were the American sweethearts of harmony and vocal jazz.

Duchess brings their own sweet, harmonic sound into the 21^st century.  They have chosen a dozen familiar tunes to color with their wonderful harmonics.  With each arrangement, they bring a rainbow of excitement and vocal entertainment to my listening room, opening with “This Could Be the Start of Something Big” a much loved, Steve Allen original.

They follow this with an uplifting performance of “Lucky Day.”  I find most of their song repertoire full of tunes that lift the spirit and offer hope on the bleakest of days.  Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner and Melissa Stylianou spread joy with their fourth album release as Duchess.. Uniquely, it’s the first time I heard women sing this song that reminds me of the Dean Martin days.

The three ladies have a rich, harmonic, warm sound.  When they encourage the listener to “Enjoy Yourself (it’s Later Than You Think)” I find myself tapping my toes and agreeing with those encouraging lyrics.

I find their wonderful vocal arrangements show great creativity on “Hey, Look Me Over.”  Their vocalese capabilities become more contemporary, challenging and fresh. You will enjoy their take on the Peggy Lee hit, “Is That All There is?” and the special chemistry of the trio’s vocal blend on “Put On a Happy Face.”

This New York-based trio insists lightness of spirit is their priority.  Their joyful band, often sounds more like a big band than a small ensemble. The energized musicians support each tune with zest. This album is just plain fun!  From one song presentation to the next, Duchess and their accompanying band sounds like “A Marvelous Party.”

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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