Donatelli grew up in a musical family, studying classical piano. She began playing piano at the age of three and won numerous awards in the National Federation of Music Club's yearly piano competitions. Fortunately, her love of jazz and passion for singing survived her 15 years of classical piano training.
Setting her musical goals aside for marriage and family, Donatelli began singing again after relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. In 1992, a friend took her to a jazz jam and convinced her to sit in with Russell Malone. Shortly thereafter, she began working the local clubs.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Donatelli continues to win audiences, performing at some of the city's leading jazz venues and jazz festivals throughout the country. She has performed with a long list of jazz luminaries including Freddy Cole, Bill Cunliffe, Christian Jacob, Geoffrey Keezer, Roy McCurdy, Joe LaBarbera, Pete Christlieb, Dave Carpenter, and Chuck Berghofer.
In 2005, Donatelli recorded her debut CD entitled In the Company of Friends, produced and arranged by pianist Tom Garvin. The CD received critical acclaim - winning a 2005 Blue Chip Jazz CD Award - and is currently enjoying a successful re-release in Japan on the SSJ label as of August 2008.
Donatelli's latest recording, What Lies Within, was released in August 2008 on the Savant Records label. It was produced and arranged by pianist, composer/arranger, Geoffrey Keezer. Donatelli is joined by internationally acclaimed musicians including Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Hamilton Price, Peter Sprague, Bob Sheppard, Alex Acuna, Carl Saunders, and Giovanna Clayton. What Lies Within has created a stir not just in the microcosm of female vocalists but in the macrocosm of jazz in toto.
Tom Scott writes, "Denise Donatelli possesses that rare combination - sensuous tone, impeccable pitch and great jazz sensibility. She is truly an awesome jazz vocalist!" Don Heckman of The Los Angeles Times writes, "She produced a classic example of communicative jazz ballad singing ... she is a singer jazz musicians love to love."
Official website: http://www.denisedonatelli.com/
Denise Donatelli on MySpace: www.myspace.com/denisedonatelli
On Green Dolphin Street
Denise Donatelli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
Romance was the theme
And we were the players
I never think of this without a sigh
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
On Green Dolphin Street
The song "On Green Dolphin Street" by Denise Donatelli takes listeners on a nostalgic journey of a past love affair that left an indelible mark on the singer. The song opens with the singer reminiscing fondly yet ruefully about a romance that started with a kiss but ended in goodbye. The singer remembers the love that blossomed between the two, how they were once avid players in the game of romance, and how the memories still linger in her heart.
The second part of the song focuses on the setting of the romance, which was on Green Dolphin Street, and how it provided a perfect backdrop for the lovers' unforgettable moments. Throughout the song, the singer expresses a deep yearning for the past, wishing to relive the love that was, and lamenting the loss of the love that could have been. The song's slow and gentle melody, combined with the soothing sound of the piano, evokes an aura of nostalgia and melancholy.
Overall, "On Green Dolphin Street" is a beautiful song that captures the bittersweet feelings of a past love affair. It's a poignant reminder that the pain of heartbreak may fade with time, but the memories of love and loss often live on forever.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
Although it feels like a distant dream, I am aware that it truly occurred.
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
The encounter consisted of a man and a woman who shared an intimate moment before they parted ways.
Romance was the theme
The primary focus of this experience was the romantic relationship between the two individuals.
And we were the players
Both individuals were active participants in the affair.
I never think of this without a sigh
Whenever I reflect on this memory, it brings about a deep feeling of longing or regret.
Lover, one lovely day
On a beautiful day, my lover and I had a special encounter.
Love came, planning to stay
Our love arrived with a desire to persist.
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
This event took place on a street called Green Dolphin which provided the environment for our romantic encounter.
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
The location left a profound impact that would be remembered for many nights to come.
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
Despite time passing and the two individuals going their separate ways, the memories of their time together still reside in their hearts.
When I recall the love I found on
Whenever I reflect on the love I found during our time together on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
I feel such a strong connection to that memory that I would be moved to express my love for it by kissing the ground of Green Dolphin Street.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Tratore, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BRONISLAW KAPER, NED WASHINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind