Denise Mangiardi – On The Brink: After a five-year hiatus, the talented singer, songwriter, pianist, and classical composer Denise Mangiardi makes a triumphant return with her highly anticipated new album, On The Brink. Following the success of her 2019 masterpiece, Brown Book, this latest release is a testament to Mangiardi’s deep love and mastery of strings, vocals, and arranging, featuring a blend of original compositions and American songbook classics.
“I wanted to create an album of ballads that are both soothing and uplifting, capturing the wide range of emotions many of us are experiencing during these challenging times,” Mangiardi explains. Her five new compositions, alongside two fresh interpretations of timeless standards, achieve just that.
On The Brink was recorded in New Orleans, a city Mangiardi called home for five years. Reflecting on the recording process, Mangiardi shares, “Many of the musicians featured on the album are close friends and exceptional talents from the New Orleans area. Our shared love for the city and its people played a significant role as we approached this project.”
The album boasts an impressive lineup of musicians, including saxophonist Tony DaGradi, drummer Johnny Vidacovich, bassist Chris Severin, and pianist Michael Pellera, with the strings of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra adding a lush backdrop. Special guest artists Cindy Scott (alto flute), Emily Mikesell (flugelhorn), Luca Boscagin (guitar), and Jon Thorne (bass) further enhance the album’s rich soundscape.
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Mangiardi’s original compositions are both intimate and evocative, with lyrics that resonate on a personal level. The opening track, “The Walk,” inspired by her walks on the Isle of Wight, features Cindy Scott’s alto flute and Luca Boscagin’s gentle guitar, setting the tone for the album’s reflective nature.
The title track, On The Brink, is a poignant piece that combines Mangiardi’s emotive vocals and forlorn string arrangements with DaGradi’s expressive soprano saxophone, delivering a message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
“Portrait of a Lady,” released as a single, blends Luca Boscagin’s acoustic guitar, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and a specially commissioned electronic arrangement by composer Arthur Brouns, capturing the loneliness and disillusionment with today’s global leaders.
“Les Rues de Paris,” a charming French ballad about two lovers, features Emily Mikesell’s soft-toned flugelhorn, perfectly complementing Mangiardi’s lyrical storytelling.
The album also includes two standards enveloped in Mangiardi’s luxurious string arrangements: Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and David Mann’s “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” Michael Pellera delivers a lyrical, swinging solo on the former, while Tony DaGradi’s tender tenor saxophone graces the latter, adding a touch of elegance to these timeless classics.
“Celeste,” a poignant tribute to Mangiardi’s sister who passed away a decade ago, is beautifully echoed by DaGradi’s tenor saxophone, adding emotional depth to the album.
Mangiardi’s exceptional skills as a songwriter, vocalist, pianist, and arranger shine throughout On The Brink, making this album a compelling and beautiful addition to her body of work. With its creative arrangements and heartfelt performances, On The Brink is set to captivate audiences and solidify Mangiardi’s place as one of today’s most innovative and expansive contemporary artists.
