Daphne Roubini and Black Gardenia: ‘Whisky Scented Kisses’

Vancouver-based vocalist Daphne Roubini and Black Gardenia are set to release ‘Whisky Scented Kisses’ on Cellar Live Records, with six original compositions and a selection of tunes that honour some of the great vocalists of the past.

Beginning with the sublime, melancholic Minor Mood, the album brings Roubini’s mellifluous vocals together with an impressive ensemble: Paul Pigat (guitar), Stephen Nikleva (guitar) Dave Say (sax), Brad Turner (trumpet and flugelhorn) and Jeremy Holmes (bass).

Composition credits go to Roubini, Piaget and Nikleva, who have succeeded in curating a delightful, jazz-infused album with laid-back tones.

The title track is a beautifully-arranged homage to the sensual reminders of romance and it sets the tone for the whole collection. All of the original tracks on Whisky Scented Kisses are perfectly crafted for the ensemble, whether performing together or on improvised solos.

The choice of tunes written by others is similarly careful, with gorgeous arrangements that bring new versions to life. A young Mimi Marlowe Jaffe composed There’s Always Tomorrow before it was rediscovered after her death at 91 and now performed by Roubini et al.

Taking You Leave Me Breathless, composed by Ralph Freed, Friedrich Hollaender and made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Roubini makes it a celebration of romance with her own witty rendition, lovely horn touches and a selection of improvisations. Similarly, Irving Berlin’s This Year’s Kisses pays delightful tribute to Billie Holiday.

All in all, Whisky Scented Kisses gives Roubini and Black Gardenia the impetus and material to bring life to this collection of originals and arrangements.

‘Whisky Scented Kisses’ is out on 3 April on Cellar Live Records