Denise Mangiardi releases new record ‘On the Brink’

Denise Mangiardi is an award-winning jazz singer-songwriter and classical composer who’s been an enduring figure in the music scene for nearly three decades. Coming from New York City, her career has seen her collaborate with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Mark Soskin, Tony DaGradi and Ellis Larkins.

Her musical journey began with the release of her debut album, Fine Tuning, in 1995, which marked the start of a prolific career filled with both critically acclaimed singles and full-length records. After a five-year hiatus from performing to focus on composing and music production, Denise Mangiardi has returned to the spotlight, bringing with her a refreshed sound and new material.

Returning this year with two new singles in the build up to her latest release, she now shares her brand new album titled On the Brink, a collection of seven tracks that underscores her profound love for strings, vocals and intricate arrangements. Following her 2019 release, Brown Book, this new album offers a reflective and emotionally-charged listening experience, perfectly aligned with the turbulent times we live in. Denise describes her intention for the album as a desire to create music that’s both relaxing and inspiring, addressing the tapestry of emotions that many people are grappling with today. With five original compositions and two reimagined American songbook classics, On The Brink beautifully captures this intent.

Recorded in New Orleans, a city that the artist once called home, On The Brink carries the spirit of the Crescent City within its notes. The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, many of whom are long-time collaborators and close friends of Mangiardi. Saxophonist Tony DaGradi, drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist Chris Severin and pianist Michael Pellera, along with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, deliver performances that are technically masterful and deeply soulful.

Opened by “The Walk,” which features Cindy Scott on alto flute and Luca Boscagin on guitar, Denise crafts a spellbinding sound of delicate instrumental tones and elegant vocals, carried by the soft brushes of drums. With her rendition of Cole Porter’s “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye,” Denise creates a dazzling string arrangement which interplays with her stunning vocal and piano performance to form a truly beautiful re-imagining of the original.

Title-track “On the Brink” casts a melancholic sound with bass piano notes and percussive taps lifted by graceful strings and Tony DaGradi soprano sax dashes which underpin Denise’s laid back vocal delivery. Previously released lead single “Portrait of a Lady” sees Luca Boscagin’s acoustic guitar merge with the work of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to form a moody soundscape that’s blends subtly intensity with soothing melodic lines capped by superb vocals by Denise. Bringing the release to a close with her take on David Mann’s “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” silky string stretches, mellow piano elements and Tony’s sax leads provide a charming backing her Denise Mangiardi’s delightful voice, resulting in a timeless sound to conclude her magical new album.

Listen to On The Brink below