Joanie Pallatto & Bradley Parker-Sparrow

May 8, 2025

JOANIE PALLATTO & BRADLEY PARKER-SPARROW

Song

Southport Records

Joanie Pallatto, vocals/composer; Bradley Parker-Sparrow, piano.

This is a duo recording that features the original compositions of Bradley Parker-Sparrow and Joanie Pallatto. Chicago is their home and music is their life. The married couple are co-owners of Southport Records, acting as both producers and engineers at the Sparrow Sound Design Recording Studio. Since 1977, they have released over 156 recordings, mostly jazz, along with cabaret performers and contemporary classical artists.

Joanie’s warm vocals interpret the title tune simply called, “Song.” The lyrics are thought provoking. She sings, “We live within our song, turning page after page so swiftly.” This album seems to be a diary of songs written over time, sometimes collaborated, but with the majority of the music composed by Bradley Parker-Sparrow. In fact, the next five songs are all composed by pianist Parker-Sparrow. “The Ferris Wheel” has a lovely melody. This tune is followed by “Monk is Drunk” and the Parker-Sparrow lyrics tell a story of a Thelonious Monk concert. On “Jobim” the lyrics tribute the great composer, Carlos Jobim.

This album plays like a songwriter’s demo. It celebrates the continuing original work of two dedicated artists who have been in the music business nearly half a century.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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