GINA SAPUTO

DAYDREAM

GSJQ Productions

Gina Saputo, vocals; Matt Politano, piano; Lyman Medeiros, bass; Mark Ferber, drums; Joe Bagg, organ; Walter Smith III & Matt Otto, tenor saxophone; Ron Stout, trumpet.

Gina Saputo offers us a breathtaking exploration of jazz by refreshing some pop tunes with interesting and creative arrangements.  Ms. Saputo has a vocal prowess that can simultaneously swing and sell the song lyrics at the same time. These are essential elements when walking onto the crowded jazz songstress boulevard. I would say Gina Saputo stands out when I hear her sing “If I Knew Then.”  She proves she can swing with the best of them.

I enjoyed her arrangement of Billy Strayhorn’s “Daydream” composition, with drummer Mark Ferber using mallets to cushion his percussion and soften the soundscape. However, I don’t think Gina needed to keep the improv vocals on the top or on the end of the song. They don’t add anything to this arrangement. The sweet horn harmonies of Matt Otto and Ron Stout on trumpet add beauty to the production.  Speaking of arrangements, I love the transformation of the Pop tune “You’re No Good.”

Once again, Gina Saputo shows her ability to swing on “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me” and on the Thelonious Monk tune “Think of One,” where she explores her scat abilities. Again, Mark Felber is brightly featured on drums. Her jazz waltz presentation of “Falling in Love with Love” is lovely.

Although Saputo uses a slew of Los Angeles jazz cats, she currently resides in Portland, Oregon. She began performing at eight years old, singing with the Oregon Children’s Choir. By the time she became a teenager, she was performing in jazz clubs. During her time at the University of Southern California, Gina was mentored by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Terri Lynn Carrington. This album will be available to the public this April of 2025.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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