Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rose Mallett: Dreams Realized

Rose Mallett: Dreams Realized

By Richard J Salvucci
August 16, 2024
View read count

Rose Mallett

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Rose Mallett has an intriguing story, and that history comes out in her singing. While she is a chameleon, channeling

Sarah Vaughan

vocals
1924 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Sarah Vaughan and

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald, she is also a powerhouse performer, witty and a born raconteur. One could think of a lot worse combinations in a jazz singer. Mallett seemingly knows how to work a room pretty well too.

Born in Chicago, and growing up in Los Angeles, Mallett has a broad musical background that included singing in church, working with Motown demos, backup vocals, and ultimately working in clubs, especially in Palm Springs. She has a lot of chops, and easily adapts herself to a variety of genres, of which pop, jazz, and soul (or some mixture) come naturally. Mallett obviously likes what she does. Her voice conveys emotion, experience, enthusiasm, a lot of living. She does the Great American Songbook but in her own way, and distinctively. Her sources include

Frank Sinatra

vocals
1915 - 1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Frank Sinatra,

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder,

B.B. King

guitar, electric
1925 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">B.B. King and even Armando Manzanero. It is not difficult to think she should be better known beyond Southern California, because her work is not only moving, but also sassy and fun.

When was the last time we heard a recording that included "It's Impossible," "The Snake" and "Send in the Clowns"? Interesting combination. "It's Impossible" can be cloying in the wrong hands, but Mallett's is reflective, and even includes some very passable Spanish. It is followed by a down and dirty "Rock Me Baby," a complement to "The Snake," so one gets a dose of gritty blues, and some arch accompaniment, particularly by

Nolan Shaheed

trumpet
b.1949

" data-original-title="" title="">Nolan Shaheed on trumpet. Hard not to be entertained. Mallett closes with a particularly evocative "If I Never Sing Another Song." That would really be a shame, because Rose Mallett has a lot to offer. One of these days, she needs to record "My Way" . With this band, one hopes.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Ain't Nobody; Feelin' Good; My Funny Valentine; Creepin' In; Send in the Clowns; The Snake; The Way He Makes Me Feel; Building Dreams; It's Impossible; Rock Me Baby; If I Never Sing Another Song.

Personnel

Rose Mallett

vocals

Matt Politano

piano

David Miller

drums

Quentin Dennard

drums

Yvette Devereaux

violin

Jamison Trotter

piano

Trey Henry

bass

Mike Shapiro

drums

Nolan Shaheed

trumpet

Munyungo Jackson

percussion

Alex Burke

vibraphone

Keith Eaddy

bass

Michael Turner

drums

Tim Kobza

guitar, electric

Ron Hasley

piano

Album information

Title: Dreams Realized | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Eleonora Strino Trio at the Garda Ja...
< Previous

Jaco Pastorius Legacy 5tet, Orrin Ev...
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.