On their self-titled first album, the multitalented, multicultural New York-based trio known as Greta’s Bakery draw upon their diverse backgrounds and common creative chemistry to deliver a remarkably accomplished, consistently intoxicating debut.
The three young musician/songwriters who comprise Greta’s Bakery— vocalist Greta Panettieri, bassist/guitarist Mike LaValle ad keyboardist Andrea Sammartino, merge a wealth of influences and experiences into a vibrantly eclectic jazz/pop/funk mix that’s both sophisticated and effortlessly catchy, making Greta’s Bakery one of the freshest musical surprises in recent memory.
Those numbers showcase the band’s formidable songwriting abilities, wide-ranging instrumental talents and inventive arranging skills, as well as Greta’s charismatic vocals, which range from seamless jazz scatting to intimate introspection. In addition to the band’s own compositions, Greta’s Bakery features a smoothly soulful reworking of OutKast’s “Prototype,” along with distinctive readings of material by veteran hitmakers Diane Warren (“Useless”) and Jules Shear (“Satisfied,” “Everything”), plus the slyly funky “If This Ain’t Love” by Steve Christanthau and John Beck, best known for their work on Corinne Bailey Raye’s smash debut album, and “Se Telefonando,” a ’60s-vintage Italian gem song co-written by legendary soundtrack composer Ennio Morricone..
