"River of My Own" Musicians Denise Mangiardi-Vocals Michael Pellera-Piano Chris Severin-Bass Johnny Vidacovich-Drums Eric Traub-Tenor Tony DaGradi-Tenor Erik Jekabson-Trumpet Bill Huntington-Bass James Singleton-Bass Steve Masakowski-Guitar Peter Martin-Piano(Don't Explain) Tomato-Vocals Denise Mangiardi-piano(Fantasy) Recorded at the Word of Mouth Studio/New Orleans Tim Stambaugh-engineer This is the second of Denise's self produced CD's that include some of New Orleans Finest Musicians. Denise has been compared to Ricky Lee Jones, Shirley Horn and Astrid Gilberto. Denise's song "River of My Own", was awarded an Honorary Mention from the John Lennon song writing contest. This CD features 12 originals by Denise Mangiardi, two of which was co-written by pianist Michael Pellera. There is also an original "spoken" poem written and spoken by New Orleans Drummer Johnny Vidacovich. It also includes a unique rendition of Billy Holiday's/A.Herzogs tune "Don't Explain". The CD has a pop jazz quality and the tunes vary in style with 3 horn arrangements by Denise as well as some very original ideas with Dave Easley on pedal steel on China and Fantasy. "A spectacular voice that achieves its effects effortlessly... and an obvious aptitude for choosing accompanists. Tony Dagardi, Eric Traub and the rest provide the sort of tastefully jazzy backdrop she needs to excel - and she does! " Michael Roberts, Westword "Mangiardi is a gifted poet who sings jazz. Her lyrics are a powerful exploration of redemption and self-transformation (slightly 'new agey' but not pretentiously so). On this record she works with some of New Orleans' finest." www. offbeat.com NEW ORLEANS "Mangiardi's soft voice and earthy piano style bring to mind Shirley Horn." Jeff Bradley, Denver Post "River shows that Mangiardi has staked out a path of her own...that works whether you are in New Orleans or not. '" Norman Provizer, Rocky Mountain News :HOME::ABOUT THE ARTIST::ORDER CD'S: Denise Mangiardi began writing and playing classical music at the age of ten and by the time she was 14 she was playing professionally beginning with NYC's "The Bitter End." She started out writing folk/blues type of music until she turned toward the jazz scene beginning with her introduction to 'Berklee College of Music,' where she majored in piano and composition. Her influences varied, including the blues of Blind Lemon Jefferson and Blind Billie Blake, to the folk/jazz style of Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro, to the Motown pop of Steve Wonder until she came under the influence of artists such as Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis. Coming under the wings of legendary pianist Ellis Larkin, Denise developed her singing style and became influenced by his rich sophisticated harmonies which have now become a unique trademark in Denise's style of composition as a lyricist and composer. She used to perform with Ellis in NYC and has played with some of the world's finest pianists. She has also studied harmony with pianist, Gary Dial and tenor saxaphonist, Gerry Bergonzi, who is featured on her latest CD, "Naked Truth." Denise often plays piano herself on gigs and prefers the small club kind of atmosphere. Denise also writes orchestral music. At the present time, she is leaning towards film scoring and had some of her music featured in an animated video by Regina Tierney's "I Love my Fumily" which featured at the Ricco-Maresca Gallery in NYC. She has also had her string quartet piece "City Park" played at the Ziegiest Theatre in New Orleans. Denise is a Native to New York and the eighth out of nine children. She has lived in many countries, including a five year stint in New Orleans where she recorded all of her CD's and feels most at home due to the wonderful support of many of the musicians. Her favorite place to entertain is in the New Orleans Premier Jazz Club, "Snug Harbor" where she enjoys going to on trips back to the states. After two years of living in Paris, she now resides in London with her husband and two daughters.