Mallory O'Donnell

“Joy is made up of deep, breezy moments that link torch songs and tragedies and pianos and flugel horns with subtle fingertips that go gliding across a jazzy fretboard of sound. Through it all is O’Donnell’s voice, delivering sassy soul music for the folkie heart and an appropriate soundtrack for alternately soaking up the daytime sunshine or walking a moonlight mile.”
Tom Dimopoulis
- The Saratogian, Saratoga Springs, NY

“Celebrating the release of her very impressive debut disc, Joy,
the 19 year old singer showcases a big talent that belies her young age.
The dozen soulful, sophisticated songs were penned by singer-songwriter Bob Warren, and O’Donnell dazzles on everything from the soulful When In Love, to the jazzy Everything About You, to the rockin’The Next Step Is Easy.
Greg Haymes - The Times Union, Albany, NY

Joy is a collection of brand-new retro-sounding soul songs that capture you as if they were the soundtrack of the best part of your life. Vocalist Mallory O'Donnell is a born singer with a beautiful smile who brings out all the sultriness, the bliss, and the groove in the lyrics. This is a winning combination that sold out three shows in one weekend at Caffe Lena and has created an unprecedented buzz throughout the area."
Sarah Craig
- Caffe’ Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY

Hers is a mature and variable voice that ranges from bluesy jazz, a la “Girl from Ipanema.” To a trippy Grace Slick like sound, from rhythm and blues like Toni Braxton to Bonnie Raitt’s knowing, harsh-edged belt. Ms O’Donnell has a natural and quite mature way around a lyric.
Cathy DeDe - The Chronicle, Glens Falls, NY

Heralded by many a reviewer as a “born singer”, O’Donnell possesses a clear, unwavering voice and a style that has been described as alternately breezy and sultry, a pleasing blend of upbeat folk rock, and smooth, mellow blues with a bite. - Metroland

“Joy by Mallory O’Donnell is a gorgeous CD.
Mallory’s voice is stunning!”
Donna Frank - WEQX, Manchester, VT

Local singer sounds bound for bigger things
By MIKE CURTIN
Special to The Post-Star
Published: Saturday, September 01, 2007

LAKE GEORGE For the final presentation of its Wednesday summer concert series. The Lake George Arts Project looked no further then 20 miles east, to the Washington County village of Greenwich, and its impressive young singer Mallory O’Donnell.

Showcasing material from her debut album "Joy," the 19-year-old vocalist demonstrated a depth and maturity well beyond her years during her two sets, backed by a crack ensemble that featured the album’s co-producer and principal songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for the evening, Bob Warren.

Although coming from a folk-oriented background, the combination of Warren’s music and O’Donnell’s talent resulted in an entertaining overview of pop styles from the last half-century. "Maybe" sported a Buddy Holly-like lilt. The ‘70s-ish funk-jazz of "Treat You Right" was straight from the Steely Dan-Doobie Brothers playbook, right down to a taut guitar solo from Warren that was heavily influenced by Larry Carlton.

O’Donnell excelled in old school torch singing on "Everything About You," bringing a sensual touch to Warren’s ballad. Even the more daunting timbres of "Underworld," reminiscent of the later works of Joni Mitchell, she navigated with ease and aplomb.
Of course, such shape-shifting was made easier by her remarkable sextet, which included siblings Monica Roach on cello and Michael Roach on piano, , and bassist-to-the stars Tony Markellis, late of Trey Anastasio’s band.

Their efforts allowed O’Donnell to indulge in long, langourous passages that demonstrated her beautiful control and phrasing, and more dynamic selections that challenged the full range of her voice.

She paid tribute to her hometown on the wistful "Little Village on the Battenkill," but I suspect her time in this area is limited — she’s destined for bigger things
- The Post Star