After a five-year break, Denise Mangiardi, the gifted singer, songwriter, pianist, and classical composer, makes a highly anticipated return with her new album, On The Brink. Following her 2019 album Brown Book, this latest work features a mix of original compositions and fresh takes on American songbook classics, showcasing her mastery of strings, singing, and arranging.
A beautiful blend of strings, jazz instrumentation and emotive delivery , the album showcases a rich musical understanding and some wonderful virtuoso musicianship. From the opening track ‘The Walk’ to the title track ‘On The Brink’, and poignant pieces like ‘Celeste’, Mangiardi’s songwriting, piano, and vocal skills shine bright across the album’s 7 tracks.
“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.
Recorded in New Orleans, the album features a stellar lineup of local musicians, including saxophonist Tony DaGradi, drummer Johnny Vidacovitch, bassist Chris Severin, pianist Michael Pellera and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The album also features special guests Cindy Scott (alto flute), Emily Mikesell (flugelhorn), Luca Boscagin (guitar), and Jon Thorne (bass) adding depth to the sound.
Listen below:
