It’s My Turn to Color Now

Coming to performing later in life, Chicago-based vocalist/songwriter Roberta Brenza makes the most of this debut recording experience as she enlists a brilliant team of playmates - producer & drummer Matt Wilson, pianist Dawn Clement, bassist Cameron Brown, saxophonist Stacy Dillard, along with special guest, legendary vocalist Sheila Jordan. Together they sculpt an intriguing set of thoughtfully arranged songs such as "Watch What Happens" & "Bye, Bye Blackbird," jazz standards like "Take Five" & Don Cherry's "Art Deco," along with two revealing Brenza originals. Having lived in both French and Italian-speaking cultures, she also offers fresh takes on “Les Feuilles Mortes/Autumn Leaves” and “Estate.” Channeling the long developing feelings of music she was first exposed to as a child listening to her father's collection, Brenza presents as a full-formed package, revealing new insights from the lyrics as she paints from a vibrant musical palette. 

1. It’s My Turn to Color Now   4:33    

2. Song for My Father   4:53   

3. They Had to Part   4:53  

4. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head   3:52  

5. Bebop Lives (Boplicity)    6:18

6. Art Deco    4:23

7. Take Five    3:53

8. Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)   5:31 

9. Watch What Happens   3:04  

10. Summer   1:13

11. Estate   2:20 

12. Bye Bye Blackbird   3:40    

13. Ballad of the Paper Moon / It’s Only a Paper Moon   5:35

Roberta Brenza vocals
Stacy Dillard tenor & soprano saxophone
Dawn Clement piano, fender rhodes
Cameron Brown bass
Matthew Wilson drums
Sheila Jordan vocals (5,6)

Produced by Matthew Wilson
Recorded, mixed & mastered by
Mike Marciano of Systems Two
Recorded at Samurai Hotel Studios,
New York, NY, on June 17-19, 2019
Liner notes by John Ephland
Cover oil pastel drawing by Roberta Brenza
Recording studio photos by Simon Yu
Photos of Roberta by MaryLynn Gillaspie
Cover design & layout by John Bishop