Corinne Mammana: “Yes, No, Next” (2020) CD Review

Times were dark and strange even before the current coronavirus outbreak, but now things have hit an entirely different level of awful, and people are feeling anxious, worried, and fearful, and with good reason. One thing we can turn to for comfort, for joy, for a sense of optimism throughout this crisis is music. Thankfully, there is plenty of great music being released during these twisted days. Jazz vocalist Corinne Mammana’s new album, Yes, No, Next, is one that should help us get through this. Even a cursory glance at the track list for the album will indicate this release is designed to reach out and raise people’s spirits. Songs like “Blue Skies,” “Put On A Happy Face” and “The Best Is Yet To Come” certainly share an optimistic view that people are eager to embrace. Though perhaps “In Need Of A Good Night’s Sleep” is the title most folks will be able to relate to. Yes, No, Next is Corinne Mammana’s first full-length disc, following her 2016 EP Under An August Moon. Joining the vocalist on this album are Sean Gough on piano and keyboard, Gene Perla (whom you likely know from his work with Elvin Jones) on bass, Ian Froman on drums, and Lorenzo Branca on flute and harmonica.

Corinne Mammana opens the album with a groovy rendition of Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies.” This track begins with drums, gaining in volume as if the music is approaching us, and then the rest of the band joins in. There is a genuine joy to Corinne’s vocal delivery, particularly on lines like “Never saw the sun shining so bright/Never saw things going so right.” Her voice seems capable of pushing away storm clouds and darkness. We need this right now. I also really love the drum work on this track, which keeps things moving and exciting. There is also a delightful lead section on piano. The track ends at it began, with drums, now fading out. Corinne follows that with “Painter Song,” a mellower, more thoughtful number written by Lee Alexander and J.C. Hopkins, and recorded by Norah Jones (by the way, J.C. Hopkins Biggish Band has an excellent new album coming out too). Corinne’s rendition has a gorgeous late-night vibe, her voice sounding sexy and sensuous. This track also features some nice work on harmonica. She moves from Norah Jones to The Cure, certainly not a common transition, giving us an interesting take on “Lovesong.” This song was included on The Cure’s Disintegration, as well as released as a single. Corinne’s version is quite a bit different from the original, with something of a Latin rhythm. There is something both seductive and vulnerable about her vocal approach, which is wonderful. This track also features an excellent instrumental section. I especially dig that bass, even before that nice lead section. “I will always love you/Whatever words I say/I will always love you.”

“Smile” is such a gorgeous song, originally featured in Charlie Chaplin’s film Modern Times, and Corinne delivers a moving rendition, her voice backed by just piano at the start. This is one of those songs that might move you to tears while also making you smile. I love music that is able to do that. And after singing “You’ll find that life is still worthwhile/If you just – ” she suddenly switches tone and style as she segues into “Put On A Happy Face” (yes, in the middle of the line). Now things are firmly in a more cheerful land, her vocals having a bright sound. She then just as suddenly goes back to “Smile,” beginning with the word “smile,” as if finishing the line from earlier. Yet we are back at the beginning: “Smile though your heart is aching/Smile even though it’s breaking.” This has such an interesting effect, taking us up, then bringing us back down to Earth, but all while maintaining a sense of hope. This ends up being one of my personal favorite tracks.

Corinne Mammana also gives us a cool rendition of Matt Bednarsky’s “In Need Of A Good Night’s Sleep,” a song a lot of us can probably relate to. I have to imagine I’m not the only one plagued by strange nightmares and restlessness these days. Her version has the appropriate late-night vibe, and the way she delivers that first line, you can hear a weariness in her voice. Then her voice rises in power as the song continues. This track features some good work on flute. That’s followed by “Music Of The Night.” I’m not a big fan of the musical Phantom Of The Opera, but I like Corinne’s recording of this song, her voice backed by some pretty work on piano. That’s followed by “This & That,” the album’s sole original number, written by Corinne Mammana. It is a sweet and bluesy tune, with great stuff on keys, featured prominently during the instrumental section. But it is her delicious vocal work that makes this song something special. “You are the song I hear/When I close my eyes.” And I love that she adds a nice long “oooh” in the song’s title line, after “Just remember this” and before “and that.” It is delightful, and helps make this track another of my favorites.

“Yes, No, Next,” the album’s title track, which was written by Ramsey McLean, has a more somber tone, at least at the start. It gets brighter as it goes. “I just want something simple/No, not nothing complex/Brother, I’m down to/Yes, no and next.” I love her delivery of “But I’m in the mood for easy, can’t you see,” which has a playful quality. The album then concludes with “The Best Is Yet To Come,” which opens with some cool work on bass. Corinne’s delivery is just perfect. “You came along and everything started to hum/Still it’s a real good bet the best is yet to come.” Stay positive, stay healthy, stay safe, everyone.

CD Track List

1. Blue Skies
2. Painter Song
3. Lovesong
4. Smile/Put On A Happy Face
5. In Need Of A Good Night’s Sleep
6. Music Of The Night
7. This & That
8. Yes, No, Next
9. The Best Is Yet To Come 

Yes, No, Next is scheduled to be released on April 17, 2020.