Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMusician fuses jazz, folk sounds to create unparreled style
By Jennifer Sricharoenchaikit
Posted: 3/27/06, 12:32 AM EST Section: Pulp
Contemporary folk may turn some instantaneously away, but Lisa Moscatiello's sultry voice and incredible range is refreshing amid our current and stale top pop hits.
Folk diva Moscatiello, accompanied by cellist Fred Lieder, performed Friday night at the May Memorial UU Society off East Genesee Street. The concert was sponsored by The Folkus Project, an organization that presents folk and acoustic music in Syracuse and Central New York.
The coffee house venue was appropriate for Mocatiello's acoustic performance and audience of no one younger than 40. However, an ideal venue would have been a Lillith Fair or Berkfest, where there is plenty of space for free-spirited dance.
While neo-folk doesn't have the same appeal and familiarity as the ever-popular hip-hop, dance, rock or indie genres these days, gen-Xers who appreciate Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel would most likely embrace Moscatiello's bewitching songs.
Influenced by folk, jazz, pop, R&B, rock and even techno, Moscatiello's spine-chilling voice is reminiscent of 1940s jazz goddess Sarah Vaughan, whom when asked was one of Moscatiello's favorite artists.
Moscatiello is very well known amongst contemporary folk circles, but it's a wonder she hasn't seen more commercial success. Without exaggeration, her voice is akin to iconic jazz divas like Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald and Vaughan.
Perhaps if she sang more jazz numbers she would have a larger following greater than that within folk circles. So why doesn't she?
"I just love folk music," Moscatiello said. "I grew up with folk music, my mom always listened to folk music. But I do try new things."
Moscatiello points out there are plenty of songs on her latest and past albums that are reminiscent of 1940s jazz. Additionally there are other samplings of Celtic, Italian, Scottish, Blues and traditional folk songs. Her latest fusion of techno turned acoustic is part of her self-titled genre "acid cabaret."
Folk diva Moscatiello, accompanied by cellist Fred Lieder, performed Friday night at the May Memorial UU Society off East Genesee Street. The concert was sponsored by The Folkus Project, an organization that presents folk and acoustic music in Syracuse and Central New York.
The coffee house venue was appropriate for Mocatiello's acoustic performance and audience of no one younger than 40. However, an ideal venue would have been a Lillith Fair or Berkfest, where there is plenty of space for free-spirited dance.
While neo-folk doesn't have the same appeal and familiarity as the ever-popular hip-hop, dance, rock or indie genres these days, gen-Xers who appreciate Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel would most likely embrace Moscatiello's bewitching songs.
Influenced by folk, jazz, pop, R&B, rock and even techno, Moscatiello's spine-chilling voice is reminiscent of 1940s jazz goddess Sarah Vaughan, whom when asked was one of Moscatiello's favorite artists.
Moscatiello is very well known amongst contemporary folk circles, but it's a wonder she hasn't seen more commercial success. Without exaggeration, her voice is akin to iconic jazz divas like Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald and Vaughan.
Perhaps if she sang more jazz numbers she would have a larger following greater than that within folk circles. So why doesn't she?
"I just love folk music," Moscatiello said. "I grew up with folk music, my mom always listened to folk music. But I do try new things."
Moscatiello points out there are plenty of songs on her latest and past albums that are reminiscent of 1940s jazz. Additionally there are other samplings of Celtic, Italian, Scottish, Blues and traditional folk songs. Her latest fusion of techno turned acoustic is part of her self-titled genre "acid cabaret."
