Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Melinda Rose Rodriguez and Frenchy Romero: I'm On My Way

Melinda Rose Rodriguez and Frenchy Romero: I'm On My Way

By Nicholas F. Mondello
November 7, 2024
View read count

Melinda Rose Rodriguez and Frenchy Romero: I'm On My Way

Longtime friends from their Miami days, vocalist

Melinda Rose Rodriguez

vocals
b.1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Melinda Rose Rodriguez and pianist

" data-original-title="" title="">Frenchy Romero offer their debut collaboration, I'm on My Way. It is a ten-track collection of known fare, as well as original compositions from Rodriguez. The album is a festive musical playground for the two artists, both of whom will be performing in elite U.S. Army Bands in Washington, DC.

Curtains rise with "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," an easy-swinging appetizer with Rodriguez delivering a sassy take. Her rhythmic elasticity here adds a slick tension and her scatted insertions spice. Romero lends a well-spun solo over a four-beat drive. Bassist

Vince Dupont

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Vince Dupont also offers a solo. A vocal-keys back-and-forth takes things out. "Once Upon a Summertime," originally a waltz ("La Valse de Lilas") co-composed by

Michel Legrand

piano
1932 - 2019

" data-original-title="" title="">Michel Legrand and covered by many with

Johnny Mercer

composer / conductor
1909 - 1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Mercer's English lyrics, presents Romero delivering a lengthy improvised introduction, which teases Latin then launches into a passionate tango groove. Rodriguez sings the selection initially in Spanish and later in English. This is a sexy tale. "If It's Magic," from Stevie Wonder has Rodriguez stating, with Romero's lush, yet appropriate responses. A rubato platform, there are soulful overtones as both artists make it so. Romero's bop opens "It Could Happen to You," an up-tempo burner. Both artists flitter with melody and rhythm before Rodriguez launches into an

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald-like scat over Romero's comps. The track also exposes the fact that both Rodriguez and Romero have done their history homework on the jazz vocabulary. Romero is simply swing-possessed on a frantic solo. This is an all-around highlight track.

Rodriguez has an exceptionally appealing higher voice and a killer sense of rhythm, swing, and taste. She is playful, very much a risk-taker and is never reticent to flaunt same. Romero's command of her axe is substantial. She has a blisteringly fast, yet tasteful, set of hands. And, like her long-time friend, one can tell she likes to push envelopes. While this is their first album together, it is obvious that they are mind-melded creatively and know where each wants to go. Because of that, one senses that every take they do would be unique, even vastly different from any other. Bassist Dupont and drummer

Matt Wilson

drums
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Wilson are fine and involved supporting with each deeply observant as the women run their creative ways. Trumpeter

Summer Camargo

trumpet
b.2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Summer Camargo, she of the SNL Band, guests and thrills.

"Don't Come Back" is a slick Rodriguez original with shades of "I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out." It is a bluesy ultimatum, which features Camargo with a growling and very-vocalized plungered trumpet solo. Romero and the group burn through the piece and exhibit vengeful musical gusto throughout. "In My Own Little Corner" is another up-tempo statement with theatrical and exotic carnaval overtones. The Latin-grooved Rodriguez original spotlights Camargo again with a spirited solo. Romero quotes "Brazil" in a fierce solo. The rhythm section is driving yet again, with Dupont and Wilson having a field day behind. The title track, "I'm on My Way," has Rodriguez singing over Dupont's hand drumming before things develop swinging. She is on game with punctuated lyrics, and the ensemble follows suit backing. Dupont gives a melodic solo before Romero spins her own. "It's Not You, It's Me," is another speedball on which Rodriguez rips through the lyrics, zipping around with flair. There is more ace scatting from her here. This last track is a perfect climax and closes things out, displaying the entire group's spirit.

I'm On My Way is an auspicious and ambitious first effort. There is an abundance of talent, taste and fun. Whether in Washington or anywhere else, this is a capital effort.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Let's Call The Whole Thing Off; Once Upon a Summertime; If It's Magic; It Could Happen To You; Don't Come Back; I'd Do It All Again; In My Own Little Corner; I'm On My Way; You Can Have Him; It's Not You, It's Me.

Personnel

Melinda Rose Rodriguez

vocals

Frenchy Romero

piano

Vince Dupont

bass

Matt Wilson

drums

Summer Camargo

trumpet

Album information

Title: I'm On My Way | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced

PREVIOUS / NEXT

New And Old Voices
< Previous

Stylings of Silver, Nods to Nica, Qu...
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.