Click on the link to read Rob's entire column, which listed me right next to the fantastic Patti Lupone.  I'm honored!!!  Below is Rob's humbling review...check it out!  -Stefano

 

UNDER THE RADAR

Here's something I found while looking for Christmas albums with songs that weren't just the same old same old ...

STEFANO
MIRACLE
Baci Records

There are half a dozen fine original songs on Stefano's Christmas CD, Miracle, and the singer brings heart and reverence to the material he's written and the familiar Christmas classics, too. The album emphasizes songs not about Santa or sleigh bells, but about the birth of Jesus, sung with a sense of joy and awe. Stefano has a flexible and warm vocal timbre; he sings with sincerity and soulfulness. He and Dean Bailin play all the instruments and did the arranging and producing of all tracks.

My initial spark of interest in the album is that I noticed it credited Lorinda Lisitza, a singer whose work I've enjoyed. (She's been doing her own nightclub show this year and was in Plain and Fancy at the York Theatre and a Broadway by the Year concert.) Sounding simply sensational, Lorinda does back-up vocal work and is featured on one of the CD's highlights: the duet, "So in Love." No, it's not the Cole Porter song from Kiss Me Kate. It's about being so in love on Christmas Eve and wanting to be together forever - the notes mention that Stefano's parents were married on Christmas Eve.

The self-penned numbers have a satisfying mix of reverence and exultation. I especially like the title song with its drive and strength, electric guitars and vocals both wailing. "Itty Bitty Baby Born in Bethlehem" is a catchy rhythmic upbeat number with the voice of Darrel Blackburn added and it's great fun. The non-originals include a strongly sung medley of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

This is Stefano's second recording, the first being So Good to Me, a collection of 14 songs, mostly originals he wrote over a period of several years. It reveals him as a likeable pop singer who can work in a variety of styles. It also includes instrumental work from Dean Bailin along with other band members. Some are on the light side, several have strong musical hooks, and it's quite pleasing. A couple of pieces show the ability to write with more specificity in storytelling and character, and there is some of the same power and openness that makes his Christmas CD so gratifying and invigorating to hear.

More information on the singer's website, www.stefanomusic.com. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next, as these two CDs show versatility and a still-developing talent.

2006 may be almost over, but there are still CDs in the pile to be discussed in the home stretch before we call it a year and look back.

- Rob Lester