“Mangiardi’s original songwriting, interpretative, pianistic, vocal and arranging skills are most impressive.” – Paul Buckmaster
“With On The Brink, Denise Mangiardi has created an album that is as beautiful as it is captivating; once again proving she is one of our most creative and expansive contemporary artists.” – Nick Lea- Jazz Views 2024
“Beautiful and creative arrangements and renditions.” – Chick Corea
After a five-year hiatus, the gifted singer, songwriter, pianist, and classical composer Denise Mangiardi returns with her highly anticipated new album, On The Brink. Following her 2019 masterpiece, Brown Book, this latest offering showcases Mangiardi’s profound love and mastery of strings, singing, and arranging through a collection of original compositions and American songbook classics.
“I wanted to record an album of ballads that was both relaxing and inspiring; and to address the range of emotions so many of us are feeling in these troubling times,” Mangiardi shares. Her five new compositions, along with two fresh arrangements of timeless standards, do just that.
On The Brink, was recorded in New Orleans, a city Mangiardi called home for five years. “Many of the musicians who play on the album are very dear friends of mine and incredible musicians from the New Orleans area. Our love of the city and its people was important for us all as we approached this project,” Mangiardi reflects.
The album features an impressive lineup of musicians, including saxophonist Tony DaGradi, drummer Johnny Vidacovitch, bassist Chris Severin, and pianist Michael Pellera, alongside the strings of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Special guest artists Cindy Scott (alto flute), Emily Mikesell (flugelhorn), Luca Boscagin (guitar), and Jon Thorne (bass) further enrich the album’s sound.
The two standards — Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and David Mann’s “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” — are enveloped in Mangiardi’s luxurious string arrangements. Michael Pellera delivers a lyrical swinging solo on the former, while Tony DaGradi’s tender tenor saxophone graces the latter.
Mangiardi’s original compositions are intimate and compelling, with personal and heartfelt lyrics. The opening track, “The Walk,” inspired by her rambles on the Isle of Wight, features Cindy Scott’s alto flute and Luca Boscagin’s gentle guitar.
The title track, On The Brink, with its forlorn strings, conveys a message of resilience and positivity through Mangiardi’s vocals and DaGradi’s soprano saxophone, pushing back against fear and adversity.
“Portrait of a Lady,” released as a single, combines Luca Boscagin’s acoustic guitar, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and a specially commissioned electronic bed by composer Arthur Brouns, expressing the loneliness and disillusionment towards current global leaders.
“Les Rues de Paris,” a delightful French ballad about two lovers, features Emily Mikesell’s soft-toned flugelhorn and perfectly complements Mangiardi’s lyrics.
The poignant “Celeste,” dedicated to Mangiardi’s sister who passed away a decade ago, is beautifully echoed by DaGradi’s tenor saxophone.
Mangiardi’s exceptional songwriting, interpretative, pianistic, vocal, and arranging skills shine throughout, On The Brink. Her beautiful and creative arrangements make this album as compelling as it is beautiful, reaffirming her status as one of today’s most creative and expansive contemporary artists.
On The Brink, is set to captivate audiences and reaffirm Mangiardi’s place in the pantheon of modern music.
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