(May 11, 2021) You know Dessy Di Lauro’s sound when you hear it. She is one of music’s most distinctive artists who, in her duo Parlor Social (with partner Ric’key Pageot), has found new ways to fuse sounds as varied as ragtime, swing and hip-hop infused R&B into a unique musical style. Perhaps not since Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band have the swinging Hepcat musical arrangements and swagger made famous by the great Cab Calloway been so consistently a part of the contemporary musical conversation. Di Lauro brought that throwback style into the musical conversation, but as you will soon learn, it would be a mistake to confine her to the jumpin’ jive box.
On the upcoming “Wonderland” (due on May 14), DiLauro teams with UB40 vocalist Matt Hoy, singing a reggae duet that takes the pair into UB40’s musical neck of the woods. What we learn is that Di Lauro is a musical citizen of the world. She easily migrates into the music of the Caribbean. Besides that, Hoy and Di Lauro simply sound great together. His silky tenor connects with Di Lauro rangy and sultry voice. We have the premiere of this song today, and it’s a gem. Check out “Wonderland’ here.
By Howard Dukes
SoulTracks Premiere
Matt Hoy feat. Dessy Di Lauro – “Wonderland”
