JOSIE FALBO, Kickin' It

Here are some fascinating points to ponder as listeners immerse in the surreally expansive vocal range, spirited scat and wildly eclectic stylistic terrain traversed by Josie Falbo on her majestic, richly orchestrated and appropriately titled jazz, big band and Brazilian fired third album Kickin’ It.

Tucked into her bio, behind her hundreds of commercial jingles and backing work with legends (Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Mavis Staples, et al) is the coolness that the Chicago based performer was one of the last artists to be signed to the legendary Vee-Jay Records, the label that originally signed the Beatles in America.

For a nearly five decade vocal veteran who says she hadn’t felt much need to record solo albums or be a star, she packs a lot of emotional punch on this dazzling 11-track collection surrounded by a top Chicago rhythm section (including pianist Jeremy Kahn and famed guitarist Fareed Haque) and incredible horn soloists, while buffeted by the shimmering, ever-caressing arrangements and orchestrations of Carey Deadman and, for the three Brazilian numbers, Marshall Vente.

Truly living up to the extreme praise offered by Neil Tesser’s effusive liner notes, Josie effortlessly offers jaw dropping wow after emphatic wow as she journeys amiably through colorful spins on classics by Cole Porter (a boisterous opening spin on “I Get A Kick Out of You”), Djavan (the breezy Portuguese-English romp “Flor de Lis”), Ivan Lins (an exquisite “Love Dance”), Billy Strayhorn (the soulful, meditative “Chelsea Bridge”) and many others. It’s an amazing repertoire from beloved artist folks outside of her sweet home Chicago are going to want to hear more of!