I sometimes write about albums that are too big to enjoy on headphones. This is one of those. It demands to be on the studio monitors in the big room.

Calabria Foti – Prelude To A Kiss (MoCo Records)
Released – 1 November 2019

My impression is that there are a few cathedrals for recording music – those spaces that made legendary music by the giants – work to which many aspire, but few attain. The studios at Capitol Records are one of those.

From Wikipedia: “For over 60 years, Capitol Studios has hosted some of the most celebrated artists, from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, and Dean Martin to Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and the Beach Boys.”

It is claimed that the microphone that recorded Frank is still used there, as well as the reverb chamber designed by Les Paul. So when artists say they recorded at Capitol Records, it gets attention. Well, gets my attention.

But what I’m thinking is – is it deserving?

That’s not a problem for Calabria Foti, who comes trailing an orchestra of more than 20 musicians, a cameo by John Pizzarelli on guitar and a duet (on “It’s The Mood That I’m In,”) and a eclectic stack of standards arranged to put a gilded frame around her lush and intimate voice. It’s a voice that is more than worthy of the hardware, the “A” list of West Coast musicians, the arrangements, and the friends. She writes, “This is the most expansive project I have ever done, and at the same time, it’s the most intimate and personal. I recorded at Capitol Records with full orchestra, singing some of the most endearing, sentimental songs ever written, about my devotion to the ones I love.”

Whether cooing a tender ballad or something up and swingy, Ms. Foti’s versatile voice demands attention and deserves it.

In the days of short attention spans, and the ability to purchase a single track, I’d suggest three. “On the Street Where You Live” is familiar and up-tempo, showcasing a short scat that sells the track for me. “Goodbye” is the single original on the set – penned by Ms. Foti – deserves to stand alongside the classics, lets the orchestra open up, and highlights Ms. Foti’s remarkable range – both in power and emotion. The third would be a toss-up between Mr. Pizzarelli’s appearance on “It’s The Mood I’m In,” and trombonist Bob McChesney’s solo turn on “The Man With The Horn.”

But if you buy those three (or four), you’ll want to get the rest, too.

Mr. McChesney produces – he’s got a lot to work with here, and I didn’t mention that Ms. Foti doubles as an accomplished and confident violinist, as well.

More than worthy of the legendary studio, this is a set that’s also worthy of your big speakers in a big room.

In the evening.

With someone you love.

Highest recommendation for this gem.