Personnel:
Anita Donndorff (vcl), Sergio Wagner (tp), Juan Canosa (tb), Guido Baucia (ts), Ramiro Penovi, Peter Bernstein (g), Dante Picca (p), Paul Sikivie (b, arr), Felipe Arce (b), Eloy Michelini (d), Carolina Cohen (perc), Sol Liebeskind (vcl)
Reference: FSNT-707
Bar code: 8427328437073
Official release date: June 6th, 2025
Argentinian-born and New York-based vocalist Anita Donndorff presents a richly layered album that bridges jazz tradition with Latin American influence. With a background in classical and contemporary music, Donndorff developed her voice in Buenos Aires' music scene before relocating to New York, where she has continued to evolve as a compelling presence in both lounge and jazz club settings.
Recorded in two phases, across two countries, core tracking took place in 2022 at Estudios ION in Buenos Aires with arrangements by bassist Paul Sikivie, known for his work with Cécile McLorin Salvant and Aaron Diehl. The ensemble includes Dante Picca (piano), Eloy Michelini (drums), Sergio Wagner (trumpet), Guido Baucia (tenor sax), Juan Canosa (trombone), Ramiro Penovi (guitar), Carolina Cohen (congas), and Felipe Arce on “The Great City.” Vocalist Sol Liebeskind is featured on “Thirsty Soul.”
In 2024, Donndorff completed the album with final vocal sessions in Buenos Aires and two intimate duets—“Charade” and “Ana Luiza”—with legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein, recorded in New York at Flux Studios.
Thirsty Soul marks the culmination of Donndorff's early career—a portrait of an artist fluent in multiple traditions, drawing from jazz, bolero, tango, and swing to shape a distinctive and modern sound. With lush arrangements and a dynamic ensemble, she offers a vivid and emotional entry into a voice poised to define the next chapter of contemporary vocal jazz.
—Matt Merewitz
