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Corinne Mammana: Yes, No, Next

By C. Michael Bailey
February 15, 2021
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Vocalist

Corinne

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Corinne follows her 2016 EP Under An August Moon (CD Baby) with her full-length debut, Yes, No, Next. Blending the tried-and-true (

" data-original-title="" title="">Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" taken straight ahead) with the downright inventive (The Cure's "Lovesong" rendered as a smooth samba), Mammana demonstrates a dense and fearless creative mettle not frequently equalled by her peers. With a voice at once coquettish and confident, Mammana reveals an ability to address any vocal genre, doubtless from her theater experience. Capably supported by the core trio of pianist

Sean Gough

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Sean Gough, bassist

Gene Perla

bass
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Gene Perla and drummer

Ian Froman

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Ian Froman, with wind input from

Lorenzo Branca

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Lorenzo Branca, the singer is able to showcase her impressive vocal chops, always tasteful and never over-the-top. Mamanna makes it all sound too easy.

A full-service singer, Mamanna arranged the nine selections (ten, including the CD-bonus "Everybody Needs A Best Friend") on the release. Her arrangements are capable and utilitarian until they become sheer genius, as on the thoughtful mash-up of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" with Strauss and Adams' "Put On A Happy Face." It is a well-presented, acute juxtaposition of two quite different songs, seamlessly linked thematically and musically. Few singers could have pulled this off, but Mammana does so with gusto. The singer is a composer also, cooing her way through a blues infused "This And That," while allowing Gough a searing organ solo. In a market clotted with the refuse of much lesser talent, Mammana distinguishes herself as the total package, with an omnivorous appetite for music... any music.

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Track Listing

Blue Skies, Painter Song, Lovesong, Smile/Put on a Happy Face, In Need of a Good Night��s Sleep, Music of the Night, This & That, Yes No Next, The Best is Yet to Come

Personnel

Corinne

vocals

Gene Perla

bass

Ian Froman

drums

Sean Gough

piano

Lorenzo Branca

drums

Album information

Title: Yes, No, Next | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Corinne Mammana

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