Diane Marino - I Hear Music

(M&M Records, 2022)

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NYC-born, Nashville native Diane Marino has a track record of six previous recordings released since 2003, the last being the boldly focused Soul Serenade: The Gloria Lynne Project (M&M Records, 2018). Marino has established herself as a solid presence in the Nashville area and parts beyond. Her durable and inviting alto voice is well equipt for the full variety of her repertoire, which includes the Great American Song Book, traditional jazz, Latin, and Brazilian jazz. On I Hear Music, the singer orbits the jazz-popular realm from 1940 forward.

The title piece is a Lane and Loesser composition included in the Joseph Santley-directed Dancing On A Dime (Paramount Pictures, 1940), the song more memorable than the film. It serves well to set the tone for the entire recording as assertive and friendly. Marino excels on the lilting island vibe of "It Could Happen to You" and "You Better Love Me."

The presence of Joel Frahm on tenor and soprano saxophones is a major plus, particularly on "Moonray" and the Anita O'Day vehicle, "Let Me Off Uptown." Another instrumental standout is vibraphonist Chuck Redd, who provides ornamentation to "Ain't No Use," "It Could Happen To You," and "When Lights Are Low," the latter of which Redd makes sparkle with his succinct playing. Marino continues to stake out her corner of jazz vocals with confidence and joy.