Jenna Esposito - the 2008 and 2009 MAC (Manhattan Association of Clubs) Award Nominee for "Best Female Vocalist" - will bring poodle skirts and puppy love back into fashion with her second CD "To Connie, Love Jenna - Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis," the world's first-ever tribute CD to one of the most beloved and best-selling female vocalists of the 20th Century. The disc will be available at iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com.
Recorded live in concert in New York City at the Metropolitan Room, this personal homage features exciting new versions of Connie's legendary hits like "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick On Your Collar" and "Where The Boys Are," but also lesser-known songs like "My First Real Love" - inspired by her hidden romance with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin - the rousing rockers "Are You Satisfied?" and "Send For My Baby"; and the beautiful ballad "Roundabout." Jenna's versions of these rarely heard numbers are the only ones available in digital format or domestically on CD. She also included several selections ("Al Di La," "Tango Della Gelosia") from Connie's landmark Italian albums.
Upon hearing the CD, Connie herself said "You'll never know how delighted I was to hear your CD in which you paid tribute to me. You sounded great on all the songs, especially on obscure ones like ‘Jealous of You.' I see a bright future for you and wish you tons of success!"
The CD - recorded by J.P. Perreaux and co-produced by Fortune Esposito and Jenna Esposito - features Fortune Esposito on guitar; David Crone on piano; Michael Blanco on bass; Brian DeWitt on drums; Brian Broelmann on saxophone, flute, mandolin and ukulele; as well as Kelly Esposito-Broelmann and Rob Langeder on backing vocals. The concert was directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction and period vocal arrangements by Fortune Esposito.
Jenna created the show after significant research into Connie's life and career. "I entered this project a fan of Connie Francis the singer," Jenna says, "but I've emerged a fan of Connie Francis, the person. No matter what hard knocks life has thrown her way, she's always come back not just swinging, but singing. I hope that, through this tribute, I've managed to communicate the passion, as well as the joy that she has always brought to her music."
Jenna will play the Metropolitan room on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 PM. The show is a CD release show and that everyone in attendance will receive a free CD. Starting on January 10, the concert will be performed on the second Sunday of every month. There is a $20 cover and a two-drink minimum. Call (212) 206-0440 or visit www.metropolitanroom.com for reservations.
Jenna Esposito made her New York nightclub debut in August 2004 and has since performed shows at the Metropolitan Room, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, The Duplex and Danny's Skylight Room. According to TalkinBroadway.com, "she's got the gift - heat, heart and a touch of heaven." Her shows A Hint of Rosemary: The Songs of Rosemary Clooney, SMOOCH! and I Hate Men: Songs for the Scorned have all received critical acclaim, and her annual "All-Star Birthday Bash" is a fun-filled evening during which she has shared the stage with a number of New York's finest performers. In January 2007, I Hate Men was named one of the "12 Best Cabaret Shows" of 2006 by John Hoglund of TheaterScene.net. Jenna also writes a weekly column for the theater and arts website www.BroadwayWorld.com and hosts Metrojam, the Metropolitan Room's room popular open mic night on the first Friday of every month.
13 Men...and Me!, Jenna's debut CD, showcases her silky, wide-ranging voice and stylistic versatility with well-loved standards such as "Just In Time" and "Down With Love," pop hits including "One Less Bell To Answer" and "Since I Fell For You," as well as contemporary jazz/pop songs. The album also features the debut of a brand new jazz/swing number, "Remembering September In July."
