Is It Magic

Billed as jazz, but a definite mix of jazz and adult contemporary, Toni Jannotta's album, Is It Magic, is pleasant, but nothing revolutionary. Jannotta has a lovely and rich, deep voice, perfect for the jazz genre, but she doesn't really do anything particularly memorable or different from the run-of-the-mill, cookie cutter jazz stylings we have seen many times before from many different artists. It often feels like Jannotta is simply going through the motions, rather than challenge herself (and surely she would be able to rise to a challenge). The highlight of this pleasant and mellow album is "Ventura," an homage to the quiet but historically rich Southern California town by the sea. So much of the album simply sounds like Jannotta talking, with some singing thrown in. For lovers of anything jazz, this album will please. Otherwise, if you are looking for something new and memorable, look for a different jazz collection.