Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio
It’s Time
(Bliss Fly)

We get treated to some cool jazz stylings on the Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio’s new album, It’s Time.

With a slightly offbeat snare snap from Massimo Buonanno and Rose Ann’s electric piano and vocals up front, the dozen tunes here start with the jumpy, “Forever Day by Day.” Even more grooving, and snare-rim-shuffling is the sexy and spikey “10 Miles to Empty.” And we are into the first of the ballads here with a swirly piano sound and Rose Ann pleading for a sweet, soft, and seemingly well-needed “Dinner For One.”

As It’s Time opens up its pedals we hear loud and clear how expressive this trio can manage a melody and beat, and how emotional Rose Ann’s vocals can get the listener.

“Happily’s Never After” sets up a sly great funk with bassist Raymond McKinley manning some solid popping. The cool synth sounds plopping through add another layer. “Measure of a Man” is a string-led ballad, again showing off both Rose Ann’s piano playing and more great vocals. She gets nice and low here with her voice and it is very effective.

Things slip forward slowly on “Miles,” (I just love Buonanno’s brush work) but then we are lifted into pop territory on the funk blurping beat of an almost Prince-like “No Goodbyein’.”

A big piano ballad of “That’s All” ends It’s Time as once again we wonder about Rose Ann Dimalanta’s loves, lost, had or needed.

It’s Time is a very solid jazz vocal recording.