| Jazz, Pop |
If you live in Chicago, you’ve probably already heard of Josie Falbo, one of the city’s most seasoned and soulful jazz vocalists. For everyone else, her latest album will come as a welcome revelation. I’m not often persuaded by collections of cover songs, but when an interpreter of this caliber channels such heart, energy, and technical mastery into familiar material, the result is impossible to resist.
Reviving a tune as harmonically intricate as “Autumn Nocturne,” by Josef Myrow and Kim Gannon, is no small feat. It takes both vision and conviction to tackle a piece like that, and Falbo does so with breathtaking assurance. The entire album carries that same sense of daring and refinement, guiding the listener through one elegant surprise after another. It’s a record that never wears out its welcome.
Falbo’s vocal command is impressive, yet she never lets technique overshadow emotion. She shapes each phrase with purpose and subtlety, illuminating every melody with color and nuance. There’s a Latin shimmer to some of the rhythm, tasteful, never show, and an unmistakable joy in her delivery, the kind that comes only from an artist who genuinely loves sharing her craft. Though I’ve never seen her perform live, it’s easy to imagine the power and warmth she must radiate on stage.
Her voice has long been part of the American soundscape. Falbo has sung in countless advertising campaign,McDonald’s, Mr. Clean, Sara Lee, Oscar Mayer, Green Giant, United Airlines, Nationwide, Coca-Cola, Budweiser, and many more, heard not just across the U.S. but around the world. She even appeared in the soundtrack of the video game Cruisin’ USA. That broad exposure may explain why her voice feels instantly familiar, even to those who don’t know her by name.
The list of musicians involved in this album is far too long to fit in one review, almost encyclopedic, but that breadth reflects Falbo’s reputation in the studio world. The sound she achieves here, lush and full-bodied, recalls the grandeur of a Broadway score: detailed, disciplined, yet overflowing with vitality.
Yes, the record sits squarely within a traditional jazz-pop framework, a little outside the realm of the more experimental projects we often highlight. But artistry of this level deserves attention. Between Falbo’s luminous vocals, the inspired arrangements, and the meticulous musicianship throughout, this is a work that transcends categories. Loving art sometimes means setting aside style or fashion and recognizing beauty for what it is.
Listening to this album brings the same jolt of recognition as standing before one of Dalí’s melting clocks: surprise, delight, a touch of wonder. Whatever emotion it evokes, the impression lingers. This may not be surrealism, but it’s certainly art, crafted with intent, courage, and conviction. Creating a project like this is no small risk, and few could pull it off with such grace. Josie Falbo does, and the result shines.
Thierry De Clemensat
Member at Jazz Journalists Association
USA correspondent for Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief – Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 13th 2025
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To buy this album (October 17)
Musicians:
- I Get a Kick Out of You
Solos:
Josie Falbo: Scat Solo
Steve Duncan: Trombone Solo
John Wojciechowski: Tenor Sax Solo
Scott Burns: Tenor Sax Solo
+ guests
- Autumn Nocturne
Solos:
Chris Sargent: Piano Solo
Musicians:
Chris Sargent: Piano
Lawrence Kohut: Bass
Bob Rummage: Drums
Jim Gailloreto: Flutes and Clarine
+ guests
- Flor de Lis
Solos:
Fareed Haque: Guitar
Jim Gailloreto: Soprano Sax
Musicians:
Marshall Vente: Piano
Scott Mason: Electric Bass
Bob Rummage: Drums
Fareed Haque: Guitar
Kirk Garrison: Trumpet 1
Carey Deadman: Trumpet 2
Andy Baker: Trombone
Jim Gailloreto: Soprano and Alto Sax
Steve Eisen: Tenor Sax
Linda Van Dyke: Baritone Sax
Geraldo de Olivera: Percussion
Luiz Ewerling: Percussion
+ guests
- Love Dance
Solos:
Jeremy Kahn: Piano Solo
Musicians:
Jeremy Kahn: Piano
Lawrence Kohut: Electric Bass
Tom Hipskind: Drums
Kraig McCreary: Guitar
Paul Mutzabaugh: Guitar
Rich Trelease: Percussion
+ guests
- I Just Found Out About Love
Solos:
Jim Gailloreto: Alto sax
Musicians:
Jeremy Kahn: Piano
Lawrence Kohut: Bass
Bob Rummage: Drums
Carey Deadman: Trumpet 1
Marty Tilton: Trumpet 2
Dan Johnson: Trombone
Jim Gailloreto: Alto Sax
Jim Massoth: Tenor Sax
Linda Van Dyke: Baritone Sax
- Yellow Days
Solos:
Jeremy Kahn: Piano Solo
Musicians:
Jeremy Kahn: Piano
Lawrence Kohut: Bass
Bob Rummage: Drums
Rich Trelease: Additional Drums
F Horns:
Sharon Jones (Principal)
Mary Jo Neher
Phil Stanley
Matthew Oliphant
John Blane: Tuba
Carey Deadman: Trumpet 1
Marty Tilton: Trumpet 2
Dan Johnson: Trombone
Jim Gailloreto: Alto Sax
Jim Massoth: Tenor Sax
- Brigas Nunca Mais
Solos:
Fareed Haque: Guitar
Steve Eisen: Flute
Musicians:
Marshall Vente: Piano
Scott Mason: Electric Bass
Bob Rummage: Drums
Fareed Haque: Guitar
Kirk Garrison: Trumpet 1 & Flugelhorn
Carey Deadman: Trumpet 2 & Flugelhorn
Andy Baker: Trombone
Jim Gailloreto: Alto Sax & Flute
Steve Eisen: Tenor Sax & Flute
Linda Van Dyke: Bass Clarinet & Bari Sax
Geraldo de Olivera: Percussion
Luiz Ewerling: Percussion
8. Social Call
Solos:
Josie Falbo: Vocal Solo
Geoff Bradfield: Tenor Sax Solo
Steve Million: Piano Solo
Musicians:
Steve Million: Piano
Eric Hochberg: Bass
Bob Rummage: Drums
Geoff Bradfield: Tenor Sax
PRODUCED BY Carey Deadman
ENGINEERED BY Jim Massoth
ARRANGED AND ORCHESTRATED BY Carey Deadman, EXCEPT TRACKS 3, 7 & 10 ARRANGED AND CONDUCTED BY Marshall Vente, AND TRACK 2 ARRANGED BY Carey Deadman AND Chris Sargent, AND ORCHESTRATED BY Carey Deadman ASSISTANT
ENGINEER: Bryan Clavey
MIXED BY Jim Massoth AND Carey Deadman FOR Squint & Hobble Productions
MASTERED BY Brad Blackwood/euphonicmasters.com