By Husniyah Ford –

NJCU’s Chair of the Vocal Jazz Department, Roseanna Vitro, struck a major chord with her nomination during the 54th Grammy Awards. Her project “The Music of Randy Newman” was nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album.

Along with touring the world with her band mates and headlining at The Blue Note and Lincoln Center to name a few, Vitro has worked with NJCU since 1998.

Vitro joined the Motéma Music label in 2011 and her first project was soon to be released. Taken back by the work of Randy Newman, Vitro was eager to embark on this album. Randy Newman is an American, singer, songwriter and composer noted for his satirical film scores and pop songs. Vitro was quite surprised that no other Jazz artist had taken on a Newman project to this effect.

“What I love about Randy Newman is his ability to tell a story, and the fact that his music is Southern-flavored with a real taste of New Orleans,” said Vitro.

Soulful and spontaneous, Vitro did not limit herself with this album. She dug deep into Newman’s catalog and had a finished product with a total 10 songs including, “Mama Told Me Not To Come,” “Sail Away,” and “Every Time It Rains.”

Vitro’s vocals are clean and rich, and that storyteller in her is evident in every note.

“I’m from the South, and whether I’m singing swing, Ray Charles, or Bill Evans, I have an undercurrent of blues, country, and gospel that informs whatever I’m doing,” explained Vitro.

Though Vitro did not receive that Grammy Award, she is still a reflection of an esteemed performer. If music is likened to the voice of the spirit, then Vitro is sure to teach us a thing or two.