She has added quite a few traditional instruments including organ, accordion, banjo and mandolin. The mandolin is especially prevalent on the first track ‘I Believe.’
The upbeat and catchy gospel tinged ‘Rest My Bones’ features violin.
Chiarelli shows how soulfully she can sing on the tender ballads ’Light the Fire’ and ‘If It Was Love.’
A complete counterpoint to those ballads is the sassy ‘French Kiss,’ a CD's highlight which is powered by piano and features a some coquettish French lyrics, plus a pretty sweet solo, one of several on the CD, performed by Papa John King.
‘Stone By Stone,’ is another uptempo, organ powered number which also has a bit of a gospel feel.“‘Going Down to New Orleans, is another catchy number powered by violin. An old country influence comes to the fore on “Cowboy’s Lullabye,’ with some sweet interplay between violin, piano and acoustic guitar. But for the most part, ‘Sweet Paradise,’ is a more sedate release from Chiarelli which has a variety of influences from jazz to country to ’60s pop (Especially on ‘Black to Blue.’ But surprisingly doesn’t have as much of Chiarelli’s firey guitar playing as I would have liked. However her vocal melodies are powerful and heart-wrenching.
Artist: Rita Chiarelli
Genre: blues
Record Label: Mad Iris Music
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