So Right

Joni Mitchell is greatly admired by many current jazz singers. But when they interpret her songs, in most cases, the performances are pretty straight, often sounding like a pale imitation of the original. Maria Pia DeVito is an Italian singer who in her career has explored local folk songs, Indian music, and a variety of jazz styles. Her voice and English are flawless and she has a very adventurous spirit. So Right is comprised of seven Joni Mitchell songs and four of Pia DeVito's originals that are in the style of Mitchell. The interpretations of Joni Mitchell's songs give proper respect to the lyrics, the melodies and the unusual folk songs, but Maria Pia DeVito is also not shy to stretch the music. She scats in spots, sometimes sounds quite bluesy, leaves space for solos by her sidemen and finds a middle ground between folk music and jazz. Her versions will lead listeners back to Joni Mitchell's recordings and one will come away with good feelings towards both renditions. ~ Scott Yanow|