An Impeccable Piano-Vocal Duo Album That Mesmerizes with Storytelling and Emotional Depth
For those who have had the pleasure of witnessing Olivia Chindamo’s performances in Buffalo, including the Cole Porter Valentines with Konrad Paszkudzki in February of 2024 and her standout appearance at the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston, NY in August of 2024, her latest album, Portraits & Propagations, is a welcome reminder of her brilliance as a jazz vocalist and storyteller. Paired with the extraordinary pianist Matthew Sheens, this album showcases impeccable synergy, capturing the essence of piano-vocal duos with precision, artistry, and heart.
The album gets off to a swinging start with “Things Are Swinging,” where Olivia’s superb vocal scatting talent shines through. However, after this opener, the album settles into gorgeous tempos throughout that mesmerize and draw the listener into a rich, immersive experience. Each tune unfolds with a graceful beauty, that lingers, long after it’s over. The album is truly rewarding when listened to in its entirety, allowing you to fully appreciate its delight in one sitting.
One of the standout tracks, The Late, Late Show, is a true gem that exemplifies Chindamo’s brilliance. Even at a slowed-down tempo, her scatting and vocalizing is nothing short of masterful. Sheens delivers an equally impressive performance, his piano mastery complementing Olivia’s voice in a way that elevates the track to one of the album’s most stunning moments. Together, they create a rich, textured experience that captivates with its subtlety and sophistication.
One of the album’s most stirring moments comes with the Rodgers and Hart classic, Where or When. As someone who has always cherished this song personally, hearing Olivia’s Broadway-like ability to sing the story so vividly, paired with Sheens’ stunningly beautiful accompaniment, evokes an emotional response that few renditions can achieve. The duo’s interpretation captures the timeless beauty of the melody while bringing a fresh, heartfelt depth to the lyrics.
The duo’s dynamic chemistry is also evident in their delightful take on Buffalo’s treasured Harold Arlen’s “If I Only Had a Brain,” from The Wizard of Oz, which Olivia infuses with charm and whimsy. Each gives a tender nod to their Australian roots with “Hopelessly Devoted to You” which showcases her versatility and emotional connection to each piece and Sheens’ artistry on the piano.
Portraits & Propagations is a carefully curated collection of forgotten Great American Songbook gems, masterfully reworked classics and original compositions. The connection between Chindamo and Sheens is palpable in every track, as the master jazz pianist Fred Hersch himself notes: “Precision and passion, humor and tenderness, and superb musicianship throughout.” Indeed, the duo’s deep listening and seamless interplay create a compelling narrative that flows through each song.
Their rendition of Billy Strayhorn’s “Daydream” stands out as another highlight, with Olivia’s delicate yet soulful phrasing perfectly complemented by Matthew’s sensitive piano touch. It’s the kind of performance that transports the listener, a hallmark of Chindamo’s ability to convey emotion with every note. Her dynamic control and nuanced delivery reveal her deep understanding of jazz history while embracing modern sensibilities.
Portraits & Propagations reinforces why Olivia Chindamo is now firmly rooted in New York City’s jazz landscape. With this album, she solidifies her reputation as a consummate storyteller, and the chemistry with Sheens makes it one of the most captivating piano-vocal duo recordings in recent memory.
For those who have followed Olivia’s journey, from her stunning performances in Buffalo to this current chapter, Portraits & Propagations is a testament to her evolving artistry, deserving of widespread recognition.
Visit Olivia Chindamo’s Linktree to stream the new album on Apple Music or Spotify or to order from Bandcamp. Click the link below.
Olivia Chindamo LinkTree to New Album Portaits and Propagations
