Denise Mangiardi’s ‘On The Brink’: A Beautiful and Thoughtful Return to Music
After a five-year break, Denise Mangiardi is back with her new album On The Brink, and it’s absolutely worth the wait. If you loved her 2019 album Brown Book, then you’re in for a treat because this latest release is just as beautiful, if not more so. Mangiardi shows off her love for strings, vocals, and intricate arrangements, blending her own original songs with a couple of classic American standards.
What makes this album so special is that it was recorded in New Orleans, where Mangiardi lived for five years. She brought in some of the city’s finest musicians, many of whom are her close friends. The love they all share for New Orleans really shines through in the music, making it feel warm and connected.
The lineup is impressive, featuring talents like saxophonist Tony DaGradi, drummer Johnny Vidacovitch, and bassist Chris Severin. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra adds an extra layer of richness to the tracks, and guest artists like Cindy Scott (alto flute) and Emily Mikesell (flugelhorn) bring even more depth to the mix.
Mangiardi takes on Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and David Mann’s “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” are simply gorgeous. She wraps these classics in luxurious string arrangements that make them feel fresh and new. Michael Pellera’s swinging piano solo and DaGradi’s tender saxophone add just the right touch.
But the real gems are Mangiardi’s original compositions. The opening track, “The Walk,” inspired by her time on the Isle of Wight, is a gentle and reflective piece featuring Cindy Scott’s flute and Luca Boscagin’s guitar. It’s the perfect start to the album. The title track, “On The Brink,” is powerful and uplifting, with a message of resilience that feels especially relevant right now.
“Portrait of a Lady” stands out as a single, combining acoustic guitar, orchestral strings, and a unique electronic backdrop by Arthur Brouns. It’s a thoughtful piece that reflects on the loneliness and disillusionment of today’s world. And then there’s “Les Rues de Paris,” a sweet French ballad about love in Paris, with Mikesell’s flugelhorn adding just the right amount of romance.
One of the most touching tracks is “Celeste,” dedicated to Mangiardi’s sister who passed away ten years ago. DaGradi’s saxophone beautifully echoes the emotion of the song, making it a poignant and memorable moment on the album.
Overall, On The Brink is a stunning showcase of Mangiardi’s talents as a songwriter, pianist, vocalist, and arranger. The album feels both personal and expansive, full of heartfelt lyrics and creative musical choices. If you’re looking for something that’s both beautiful and thought-provoking, this album is definitely worth a listen. Denise Mangiardi has once again proven herself to be one of today’s most creative and captivating artists.
Listen here:
