Search - Steven Pasquale :: Steven Pasquale: Somethin' Like Love

What a pleasant surprise................

Jeff B | 05/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I saw the listing for this CD, all I knew of Steven Pasquale was that he was on one of my favorite shows, 'Rescue Me'. He does a really good job playing Sean (who, let's face it, is a 75-watt bulb in a 100-watt world!). But I did some googling, and found out he's been a musical theatre actor/singer for quite a while, and has been in many broadway shows. I also found out that it was produced by John Pizzarelli (who is one of my favorite singers), so I knew this had to be good. And once I heard some samples, I had to order it. And I was very pleased with the CD. Steven has a very good voice, not just technically and vocally, but he sings the WORDS, not just the notes. He actually puts nuance in the songs, not just singing them from rote. Plus, the arrangements are really good. A lot of times, CD's by theatre singers are nice, but not very memorable. THIS one is one you'll want to hear multiple times. Plus there are several songs on hear that I've not heard before. I hope this is just the first in more releases. If you love standard repetoire, and a really good voice, give this one a try!"

Music by Which to Cuddle

Roger Lakins | North Bergen, New Jersey | 06/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steven Pasquale has made a big impression on Broadway audiences for the past several years. His work has been both musical and straight drama, and he's very good. Many across the country know him much better as the beguiling, but rather slow, Sean Garrity on the TV hit Rescue Me. For those who only know him from that venue, this disc should be a revelation. You will see the tender, intelligent and insightful side of this gifted young man.



On this, his first solo album, Pasquale has decided to deliver an unabashedly romantic program, and this he does with great good taste and class.



I am a good deal older than Pasquale, and looking over the play list I was thinking, "These are the songs my parents loved way back when!" He breathes new life into them all. I was especially moved by "Summertime," and "My Funny Valentine," but hands down - he gives the best rendition I've ever heard of "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep."



His jacket notes pay a loving tribute to his wife Laura Benanti and their little daughter. Steven makes it clear from his notes that this project has come at a time in his life when things are more than pretty good, and the program is in places a very personal expression of his gratitude for his family.



Steven Pasquale has delivered the goods on a super collection of love songs giving them a sensitive, natural, super mellow and subtle performance. His voice is rich but light and never forced. If you have a half decent sound system, you will feel as though you are in an intimate blues and jazz club in the late evening. The arrangements of his program sound fresh and are brought to life by a really together group of accomplices including Larry Fuller and Tony Monte on piano, Martin Pizzarelli on bass, Tony Tedesco on drums, Marcus Parsley playing an elegant muted trumpet and John Pizzarelli on guitar. The sound has wonderful cohesion of interpretation and expression and the technical side of the resording is top notch.



This is the kind of album to share with someone very special, when the kids are either away or asleep, and you have a fine bottle of wine and candle light. Like nights in Venice, it is pleasurable to anyone --- but mind-blowing for lovers.

"

Favorites for people of a certain age..............

Happy's Mom | Tennessee | 07/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I heard this artist on a PBS presentation of CHESS and was interested in hearing more of his music. Of course Amazon had just what I was looking for. He has been appearing with Michael Fienstien at his club. Oh to be in New York. The album has a lot of oldies but goodies, very pleasant listening."