Pentimento

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Jessica Molaskey is probably best known for Jason Robert Brown's 1996 revue, Songs for a New World, in which she sang the Weillesque "Surabaya Santa" and the irresistibly snappy "Stars and the Moon." Six years later and stylistic worlds away, Molaskey's solo debut, Pentimento, is in its own way equally irresistible. It's filled with songs from the 1920s and '30s that hoped to brighten the Depression, and she delivers them in a soft, airy voice with a trace of Blossom Dearie-type naiveté. She's accompanied by a wonderful band that includes her husband, John Pizzarelli, and father-in-law, Bucky (both playing guitars and ukuleles), bassist brother-in-law Martin, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and violinist Johnny Frigo. Molaskey and John Pizzarelli also contribute two originals in the flavor of the era, "I Tried Too Hard for Too Long" and "Sail Away," and John joins her on the vocals for "With Plenty of Money and You/We're in the Money." We could single out favorite moments, such as Irving Berlin's luscious "What'll I Do" or anything with Peplowski, but why commit ourselves when we'll have a different favorite tomorrow? --David Horiuchi

Pentimento, Music, Jessica Molaskey, American Popular Song, Pop, Pop Vocals, Popular Music, Show Tunes, Standards, Vocal

Average customer rating:

Singing With Grace, Elegance And Style

New for me

so sad, too bad

It's alright I guess

Perfection for those longing for subtlety in singing

Pentimento
Jessica Molaskey
Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000065DVR
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Oh, You Beautiful Doll
I'm Just Wild About Harry
Ain't We Got Fun
What'll I Do
With Plenty Of Money And You/We're In The Money
Waitin' For The Train To Come In
Red, Red Robin
By The Beautiful Sea
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning
You Made Me Love You
I Tried Too Hard for Too Long
When I Lost You
Look For The Silver Lining
I Can't Give You Anything but Love
Beautiful Dreamer
Sail Away

Amazon.com

Jessica Molaskey is probably best known for Jason Robert Brown's 1996 revue, Songs for a New World, in which she sang the Weillesque "Surabaya Santa" and the irresistibly snappy "Stars and the Moon." Six years later and stylistic worlds away, Molaskey's solo debut, Pentimento, is in its own way equally irresistible. It's filled with songs from the 1920s and '30s that hoped to brighten the Depression, and she delivers them in a soft, airy voice with a trace of Blossom Dearie-type naiveté. She's accompanied by a wonderful band that includes her husband, John Pizzarelli, and father-in-law, Bucky (both playing guitars and ukuleles), bassist brother-in-law Martin, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and violinist Johnny Frigo. Molaskey and John Pizzarelli also contribute two originals in the flavor of the era, "I Tried Too Hard for Too Long" and "Sail Away," and John joins her on the vocals for "With Plenty of Money and You/We're in the Money." We could single out favorite moments, such as Irving Berlin's luscious "What'll I Do" or anything with Peplowski, but why commit ourselves when we'll have a different favorite tomorrow? --David Horiuchi

Description

Jessica Molaskey was born in the underground of a later time, with ties to the past. She is droll, understated and heartbreaking. Her singing is witty and beautiful, and her album, at least to me, is a singular work of art.--Jonathan Schwartz, National Public Radio. Featuring Bucky Pizzarelli, Larry Goldings, Ken Peplowski and The John Pizzarelli Trio. Produced by Allen J. Sviridoff and John Pizzarelli. Songs: Oh You Beautiful Doll, I'm Just Wild About Harry, Ain't We Got Fun, What'll I Do, With Plenty of Money and You/We're in the Money, Waitin' for the Train to Come In, Red Red Robin, By the Beautiful Sea, I'm Always Chasing Rainbows, Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning, You Made Me Love You, I Tried Too Hard for Too Long, When I Lost You, Look for the Silver Lining, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Beautiful Dreamer, Sail Away.

Customer Reviews:

Singing With Grace, Elegance And Style.......2006-08-19

"Here are the songs that my mother taught me. They are not just artifacts from long ago. These songs provide clues from one generation to the next on how to get through the most difficult times with grace, fun and hope." ~ Jessica Molaskey ~

I just added Jessica Molaskey in my list of favorite remarkable female vocalists for her outstanding album "Pentimento," which is my very first CD of hers but definitely will not be the last. I'm looking forward to more of her recordings of standards from Great American Songbook.

Listening to these beautiful recordings of songs from the "Roaring Twenties" and "Thundering Thirties" is like recapturing the sounds from the Great Depression. These eras when Irving Berlin's music was dominating the airwaves set the tone of this CD recorded so beautifully by Jessica Molaskey with superb arrangements by her talented hubby, John Pizzarelli, and the support of Larry Goldings on dazzling solo piano arrangements and Ray Kennedy for additional arrangements that are so original and spectacular. John Peplowski shows off his artistry in clarinet and ditto with Johnny Frigo on violin and Bucky Pizzarelli shares his mastery on guitar and ukulele which he played with ease and adeptness.

What really shines thru on this excellent CD is Ms. Molaskey's singing with her naturally beautiful voice with touches of grace, elegance and style. Hers is one of the most remarkable and distinguishable female voices of our time. Let her take you back in time as she sings from the heart and evokes the poignancy of Irving Berlin's "When I Lost You."

"I lost the sunshine and roses
I lost the heavens of blue
I lost the beautiful rainbow
I lost the morning dew
I lost the angel who gave me summer
The whole winter, too
I lost the gladness that turned into sadness
When I lost you."

Let her move you as she interprets tuneful melodies with meaningful lyrics such as "Beautiful Dreamer," "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" and "What'll I Do?" How can you ignore the sublime piano accompaniments by Larry Goldings on these tracks? So breathtakingly beautiful!

"Gone is the romance that was so divine
It's broken and cannot be mended
You must go your way and I must go mine
But now that our love dreams have ended...
What'll I do?"

Two of my absolute favorites are her heartfelt versions of "You Made Me Love You" and "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," which features another great piano player, Ray Kennedy.

Ms. Molaskey included "I Tried Too Hard For Too Long" in honor of Mary Ford and Les Paul whose music represented the essence of the Dust Bowl and the American Plains. The medley "With Plenty of Money and You"/"We're In The Money" with John Pizzarelli is also noteworthy and one of the highlights. Jerome Kern and B.G. De Sylva's "Look For The Silver Lining" is a delight and so uplifting ...

"A heart full of joy and gladness
Will always banish sadness and strife
So always look for the silver lining
And try to find the sunny side of life."

This is an album of elegance, grace and beauty. It's one of the most extraordinary recordings of all-time and a work of art.

Vocals: Exquisite
Arrangements: Exceptional
Musicianship: Excellent
Overall Rating: Ten Stars

"Jessica Molaskey was born in the underground of a later time, with ties to the past. She is a droll, understated and heartbreaking. Her singing is witty and beautiful and her album, at least to me, is a singular work of art." ~ Jonathan Schwartz, National Public Radio ~

With my heartfelt recommendation.

New for me.......2005-06-15

I just stumbled over this artist and have to know, "Where has she been hiding?!" I LOVE this album and Jessica Molaskey. This is my favorite album of hers. She is just so melodic and soothing! I listen to this album over and over!

so sad, too bad.......2004-11-10

I have to agree with the reviewer who claims this CD is "just ok." It's really too bad - I wanted to like it so much. In that, I mean that I wanted a good version of these songs. As it turns out, there are only 3 songs I can even really patiently make it through and that is because of a brilliant clarinet track by Ken Peplowski: (3) Ain't we got fun, (7) Red, Red Robin and (8) By the Beautiful Sea. Everything else is more than "sleepy," as suggested by the previous reviewer, but I would call them downright tired. I would expect a number of these titles to be upbeat and fun - but no, even the track (10) Oh, how I hate to get up ... is as boring as can be. Peplowski's contribution, in some ways, saves this CD from being, for me, a waste of money. Regarding track (5)plenty of money and you: it started out okay, but the addition of the male voice (of Pizzarelli) just brought it down several notches. I typically enjoy a "broadway style," but sadly, this CD doesn't have enough verve to make it interesting. I was let down by the Amazon staff reviewer. Several other have called this the stronger of her two efforts, so I have to say this is my last Molasky purchase.

It's alright I guess.......2003-05-22

I bought this based on the fact that she's John Pizzarelli's wife - which sounded very promising.

Unfortunately, & maybe unfairly, I was hoping for a Pizzarelli-like jazzy performance. This cd is ok - just ok.

It's a little too Broadwayish at times, it's a little too sleep-inducing the other times - yawn. Her voice is alright, nothing too memorable though - there's definitely better singers out there.

Overall I found it very unenthusing - maybe I was in a wrong mood at the time. This is NOT the female version of John Pizzarelli in case you were wondering; however John does show up on 'We're in the Money'. Sadly though, this cd's just not worth the Money.

Perfection for those longing for subtlety in singing.......2003-02-21

Anyone who has heard Jessica Molaskey's singing in "Songs for a New World" or the recently closed "A Man of No Importance" (CD due in April) knows she can belt with the best of them. Yet for this recording she offers a restrained, subtle take on a collection of classic tunes from the Depression (and two new songs). Those of us who are tired of American Idol-style histrionics overshadowing any semblance of melody should delight in Ms. Molaskey's interpretations of these songs. She offers spare, elegant renditions of each - every one of today's young "singers" should be forced to listen, and take notes.

Laderman: Pentimento; Trimble: Symphony No3

Average customer rating:

Laderman: Pentimento; Trimble: Symphony No3

Manufacturer: Composers Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Roger Sessions: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3

ASIN: B000005TTP
Release Date: 1994-04-20

Tracks:

Pentimento
'The Tricentennial', Allegro Moderato
'The Tricentennial', Note = 60
'The Tricentennial', Note = 84

Vaudeville Accordion Classics: The Complete Works of Guido Deiro

Average customer rating:

Accordion as you have never heard it!
Excellent Album

Vaudeville Accordion Classics: The Complete Works of Guido Deiro

Manufacturer: Bridge
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000UX502
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

Temperamental Rag
Pink Slippers Valse
Preparedness March
Il Pentimento Waltz
Royal Flying Corps March
Kismet Fox Trot
Orazione e Marcia Militare
Western Stars March
Moonlight Waltz
Hand Grenade Throwers March
Deiro Rag
Muskateers March
Deirina Mazurka
I Don't Care Polka
Lido Tango
Queen of the Air march
Valse Caprice No. 1
Neapolitan Polka
My Florence Waltz
Egypto Fantasia
Zampa Rag
Lola Fox Trot
Breitenbush March
Tango Tosino
Guido's Royal March
Light & Shadow Waltz
Variety Polka
Valse Pirouette
Marines March
Dolores Waltz
Los Bomberos March
Accordionette Waltz
Young Accordionist March
Little Accordion Player Waltz
Torpedo March
Beautiful Girl Waltz
The Peasant Quadrille
Radio Waltz
Dimples Polka
The Accordion Girl Waltz
Sharpshooters March
Veno (Duet) Fox Trot
Jewel Waltz (Duet)
King Boy (Duet) Fox Trot
Minneapolis March (Duet)
California Mazurka (Duet)
Sharpshooters March (Reprise)

Album Description

Guido Deiro, the Italian-American accordion virtuoso-- frequently called "The Great Deiro"-- was of paramount importance in the popularization of the accordion in the early 20th century. The first accordionist to perform on the Vaudeville stage (1910), he was also the first accordionist to make sound recordings (Edison Wax Cylinders, 1911). For many years Deiro was a headline attraction at the great vaudeville houses throughout America and abroad, and made more than 100 recordings for the Columbia record company. On Bridge's 2-CD set, Henry Doktorski's sparkling performances of Deiro's music quickly confirm the reason for Deiro's immense popularity. In 1913, Deiro met the young vaudeville performer, and later-to-be Hollywood starlette, Mae West, while both were performing on a vaudeville show in Detroit. The couple quickly fell in love and secretly married. Henry Doktorski's liner notes detail Deiro and West's torrid love affair, and early photograph's of Deiro, provided by Deiro's son, Count Guido Deiro Jr., add to the significance of this release. Deiro's delightful compositions are a window onto an era long past, much like the re-discovery of Scott Joplin's music, twenty-five years ago.

Customer Reviews:

Accordion as you have never heard it!.......2007-04-03

Guido Deiro was the first virtuoso of this much maligned and very difficult to play instrument. An accomplished composer and recording star, Deiro was a hughely popular in Vaudeville. The liner notes reveal his marriage to Mae West and I enjoyed the vintage photos. Henry Doktorski plays Deiro's compositions with great technique and every piece is a revelation of what the accordion is really capable of when played by a master musician.

Excellent Album.......2005-01-04

This two CD set is certainly worth the money. Henry Doktorski's performance is indeed breathtaking. It is as if someone were transported back to the days when Guido Deiro himself was performing these songs. Guido Deiro was a recording pioneer who he became the first star piano-accordionist, the first piano-accordionist to perform on the vaudeville stage, and to make sound recordings(I've got at least two of Mr. Deiro's old Columbia 78 RPM records at home). In fact, Guido became the first person to coin the phrase "Piano-accordion." You'll find plenty of good stuff about Guido in Mr. Doktorski's liner notes on the two-CD set as well as on the GuidoDeiro.com website. Mr. Doktorski's sparkling performance certainly does Mr. Deiro's songs justice.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan

Scarlatti: Colpa, Pentimento e Grazia

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

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Cecilian Vespers

ASIN: B0001L1B88
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-29

Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1723) composed many oratorios to celebrate special events. 'Colpa (sin),Pentimento (repentance) e Grazia (grace),subtitled 'Oratorio per la Passione' and created for Easter 1708 evokes the passion of Christ written in part by a great Roman patron of the time, Cardinal Ottoboni. I can't believe that no one has commented on this very unusual and exciting oratorio the text of which is in part a free paraphrasing of the Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah. It is scored for three voices:La Colpa(mezzo), Il Pentimento(countertenor) and La Grazia (soprano).In some of La Colpa's numbers and those of Il Pentimento Scarlatti uses parts of the Gregorian Chant of the Lamentations, in the manner of an accompanied recitative, or in "arioso" style, always with a strings only accompaniment. The anguished and sorrowing character of La Colpa is contrasted with the lively demeanour of La Grazia, for some of Grazia's arias are quite exuberant. Scattered throughout the oratorio, are a few impressive duets accompanied by varying instruments. Scarlatti was one of the first composers to appreciate and utilize recitative with instruments, now that he had become firmly convinced that the sonorous intensity and quality of the recitative would not have compromised the sound of the arias. The work is provided with a full and spacious orchestral accompaniment. The surprise for me was my first hearing of Martin Oro's voice (countertenor). It is richly sonorous with interesting vocal changes as mandated by the text. The sopranos do a good job of maintaining their individual parts especially La Colpa. Though I personally prefer Il Pentimentos' solos I have to say that the trios are delightful both vocally and dramatically! Incidentally, this is a live performance which somehow adds to the excitement.

Average customer rating:

Pentimento
Anamude
Manufacturer: KEEP Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000F1HQRY
Release Date: 2005-02-21

Tracks:

A Dim-lit Road
No One #2
Confetti in the Sea
Distance and the Flood
The Night Was Just Black
New Leaves
Honey
Running
One Good Dress
The Train's Here
Improbable Airplane
Faded Things
The Place I Would Wait

Product Description

Anamude is a San Francisco based songwriter who combines expressive and experimental guitar-playing with poetic lyrics to create moods that range from the quirkey and off-kilter to the lush and cinematographic. Bridging influences from classical, country blues, folk and pop music, Anamude's music is uncompromisingly unique. Her music has been compared to Laurie Anderson, Kristen Hersh, Cat Power and M. Ward. Others have described ANAMUDE's music as "guitar folk pop that temptingly hints at a shy PJ Harvey playing from John Fahey's songbook."

Scarlatti: La Colpa, Il Pentimento, La Grazia

Average customer rating:

Scarlatti: La Colpa, Il Pentimento, La Grazia

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008EWKF
Release Date: 1996-01-18

Alessandro Scarlatti: La Colpa, Il Pentimento, La Grazia / Stradella: Lamentatione

Average customer rating:

2 CDs for the price of 1

Alessandro Scarlatti: La Colpa, Il Pentimento, La Grazia / Stradella: Lamentatione

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000001WP5
Release Date: 1992-12-12

Tracks:

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Part One: Fosco Orrore Il Tutto Ingombra - Mechthild Bach
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Part One: Le Strade Di Sion - Mechthild Bach
Part One: Stende L'ali Funeste - Petra Geitner/Mechthild Bach/Kai Wessel
Part One: Piangero - Kai Wessel/Petra Geitner
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Part One: Gerusalem Non Ha Dove - Mechthild Bach
Part One: Passeggia Per Sentier Sordido - Mechthild Bach
Part One: Mira Signor Deh - Mechthild Bach
Part One: Gerusalem Ritorna - Petra Geitner
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Part One: Vide Sion Rapirsi - Mechthild Bach
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