Denise Mangiardi, Naked Truth (Crow Hill Publishing)

Denise Mangiardi is a name folks haven’t heard around these parts for some time. However, during the vocalist/composer/pianist’s off-and-on five-year tenure in New Orleans, she was very much a part of the jazz scene. Her influential associates through that period—pianist/co-producer Michael Pellera, bassist Bill Huntington and drummer Johnny Vidacovich—form the core rhythm section on a disc recorded in 2001 at the city’s Word of Mouth Studio. Crescent City pianist Peter Martin also steps in for “Never Let Me Go,” the only selection not penned by Mangiardi with non-local, tenorist Jerry Bergonzi playing a major role throughout the album. As a leader, Mangiardi, who presently lives in Paris, is at once a poetess and songstress. Her wispy voice tells of life and love with a certain innocence. As a composer, she creates a certain aura that acts as the stories’ backdrops. Intricately constructed, they are improvised upon and adorned by her highly skilled and sensitive ensemble. While a softly rounded atmosphere most often prevails, the title track boasts moxie with its more demanding rhythm and free-style saxophone work as the sparse lyrics open up the tune. There’s a popish edge to Mangiardi’s voice on “Friendly Persuasion,” which also offers room for wailing. Mangiardi is a stylist, an artist who cultivates mood by employing unusual strokes. On occasion, however, she dips her brush in too similar hues. The resulting sameness can’t always be overcome despite the depth of the assembled talent.

Denise Mangiardi celebrates the release of Naked Truth at Snug Harbor on December 13. Joining her will be pianist Michael Pellera, bassist Bill Huntington, drummer Johnny Vidacovich and saxophonist Tim Green.