Just a moment ago, the Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio dropped a new album, entitled It’s Time, it encompasses 12-tracks of heady funk, jazz, Latin, and soul-flavored music. Right now, the trio is on tour in Europe.
Formed in 2016, the Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio is made up of Rose Ann Dimalanta (keyboards, vocals), Raymond McKinley (bass), and Swiss born Massimo Buonanno (drums). Dimalanta, it should be noted, was in Prince’s band for his Musicology tour, while McKinley played with Patti Labelle, Sheila E., Tower of Power, George Duke, and Rachelle Ferrell.
“Forever Day By Day” opens the album, featuring a cool jazz melody with delicious keyboards and a throbbing bass line, ebbing with energy. Buonanno’s drumming is slick and crisp as Dimalanta’s sultry voice provides seductive creaminess.
The best tracks on the album include, “Ten Miles To Empty,” a slinky, funk-laced tune with buttery vocals and suave textures of coloration. The popping of the bass line, along with the tight and right flow of the drums imbues the song with compact momentum. “Happily’s Never After” starts out like a smooth jazz tune, then ramps up to a funky soul essence driving sensual vocal tones. The deep boom of the piano bridges into a sparkling solo backed by Buonanno’s stellar drumming.
“Truly Love Someone” oozes velvety jazz textures and beau coup sumptuous erotic hues. The song features the buttery vocals of Seven, whose voice complements Dimalanta’s perfectly, producing lush harmonies. “No Goodbyein’” opens with glittering psychedelic synths seguing into a Michael Jackson-like pop-rock tune with a funky groove.
“That’s All,” the last track on the LP, gives Dimalanta the opportunity to strut her gorgeous voice atop a coruscating piano. The creamy R&B melody radiates scrumptious textures, as well as evocative tenderness. This is a beautiful song.
The Rose Ann Dimalanta Trio delivers the musical goods on It’s Time. If you’re into cool jazz, soul, and tasty R&B, this album is for you.
