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Carla Marcotulli with Dick Halligan

How Can I Get to Mars?

ACT 9720-2

Sister of pianist Rita (who provides a couple of the songs on this album), singer Carla Marcotulli became something of a fixture on the Italian jazz scene after appearing, aged 19, on stage with Chet Baker at the Four Roses Jazz Festival and performing regularly at Rome's Music Inn jazz club.

She's also worked as an opera singer, and her classical training comes in very handy on some of ex-Blood, Sweat & Tears trombonist Dick Halligan's pin-sharp, elegant arrangements, especially those involving Quartetto Dorico.

Halligan also provides nine of the album's thirteen songs, and they're skilfully tailored to play to Marcotulli's strengths: a flexible, pure voice able to negotiate the tricksiest of tunes; clear diction that highlights both his quirky humour and tender sentiments; and a willingness to scat adventurously over accommodating chord sequences.

Featuring a sensitive but gutsy band including, at various points, drummer Peter Erskine, guitarist Sandro Gibellini and Halligan himself on piano, and intelligently interspersing Halligan's sparky originals with the odd standard ('I Get Along without You', a duo with guitarist Larry Koonse a particular highlight), this is an entertaining and accomplished album from a fine, versatile singer.