Music
Press
By Sarah French
Here is a partial list of items you may need before listening to 'A Little Bit of Sugar' from newcomer Angela Scappatura.
* Ice Cubes
* Fan
* Mop
This CD is hot. In fact, it is scorching.
Showcasing the outstanding vocal talents of Ms. Scappatura, the CD opens with a steamy, updated version of Nina Simone's "I want A little Sugar In My Bowl". Modernized by the electric guitar from Danny Weis, and killer piano chops from veteran keys man Michael Fonfara. It is a great choice for the opening track and it sets the mood for the rest of the CD. An up-tempo version of "Summertime" is also good indicator of the pure aural joy found in this disc. "Je Cherche Un Homme" is a sweet ditty, which is sung mostly en francais. An a cappella intro into the Bluesy "Feeling Good" is arresting, followed by the band with precision timing and mood. This track is certainly one of the highlights on 'A Little Bit of Sugar'. "Swing Baby" is an original from Ms. Scappatura; it is subtle, sexy, devilish and sweet rolled into one song. This is a really fun song that is lyrically and musically flawless. A fresh take on "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is another fine example of the wonderful vocal style of Angela Scappatura. It is a great track to close this CD with.
I highly doubt that Ms. Scappatura could have chosen better supporting musicians for the recording of this project. All throughout the CD is very prominent boogie piano from Michael Fonfara, which adds to authenticity and vivid modernism. Blistering guitar work is provided by Danny Weis, who adds a subtle rock element to the disc, and performs with impeccable cleanliness. Another vet, Garth Vogan, provides the killer bass lines and drums are courtesy of Mark Mariash.
Although there are many standards on Angela Scappatura's 'A Little Bit of Sugar', there is nothing standard about the disc. It has many surprising elements - it is Blues, Jazz and Rock n' Roll, with a touch of swing for good measure. Visit www.angelascappatura.com for more information on Angela, tour dates and, of course, to purchase this CD. - ejazznews.com
Many an artist has tried to wobble in the footsteps of Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, but few have succeeded -- usually because they try too hard to be like these two inimitable much-missed divas.
Young Toronto vocalist Angela Scappatura takes the smarter approach, putting a spin that's uniquely her own on such standards as "A little Bit of Sugar in My Bowl," "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got That Swing)," "God Bless the Child" and "Summertime."
There are also a couple of pleasant tracks penned by Scappatura herself.
This is a smooth, refreshing disc that bodes well for Scappatura's cool presence.
Great instrumental backup includes hot guitar work by Torontonian Danny Weis. - The Toronto Star
Discography
A Little Bit of Sugar (2005)
Photos
Bio
Angela Scappatura is a Canadian jazz and blues artist.
She has spent the past decade performing in venues across Canada.
Angela opened for Ronnie Hawkins at Toronto’s iconic Massey Hall, headlined for three months with her jazz trio in one of Hong Kong’s premier luxury hotels, performed at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Beaches Jazz Festival, the Canadian Walk of Fame Gala and won a Northern Ontario Music Award.
Other highlights include live appearances on radio and television programs including Canada AM, Telelatino, Fresh Air (CBC) and Jazz fm 91.1.
Angela moves beyond playing standards and infuses her performances with a mix of saucy original music — written by Angela herself — and popular tunes, reimagined.
Her debut album, “A Little Bit of Sugar” (2005) garnered rave reviews along with international coverage and radio play. Produced by Michael Fonfara (The Downchild Blues Band, Foreigner), the recording features a host of Canadian musical heavyweights including Mark Mariash (drums), Danny Weis (guitar) and Pat
Carey (sax).
In her other life, Angela is also a journalist, writer and photographer.
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