May 1998

Joannie Pallatto/Marshall Vente
Two
Southport

By Sid Gribetz

This album includes the more pop oriented stylings of Pallatto and Vente in a voice-piano duo setting. Pallatto's voice is sweet and small, better suited to the love songs on the date while not reaching any swinging jazz aesthetics. The material includes Paul Simon, The Doors, Michael Franks and MASH, plus some old standards and jazz classics.

The piano is pleasant enough, but does nothing to light your fire. The album is a decent showcase of some young Chicago artists.