EP Review
Straight No Chaser Magazine - UK (Autumn 2005)
by Dom “Speedy” Servini

This mini-LP serves as a perfect introduction to the raw talent of Canadian soul/jazz vocalist Dessy Di Lauro. ‘A Study of a Woman’s Soul’ harks back to the early works of Alison Crokett and India Arie. No bad thing! The part Brazilian, Italian, Cuban vocalist’s subconscious exposure to these corners of the planet is much in evidence, especially in the Latin-tinged ‘When You Need Me’; and the gospel background of her youth also comes into play on the uplifting ‘Shout Out’. Having worked anyone from Kid Koala to Steve Skinner, Dessy seems to have finally found the outlet for her voice with keyboard wiz Ric’key Pageot. The latter provides magical Fender Rhodes and backing vocals on most tracks and produced the whole LP too! So it’s only fitting that the final cut on the album, ‘City High’, should be a low-fi keyboard workout, which allows Ric’key to show off his skills. A tricky LP to get a hold of at the moment, but expect this pair to be rising to the top real soon.

Ottawa Xpress - Symbiosis of the Soul by Matthew Harrison
August 18th, 2005

"I've got the brains, you've got the brawn, let's make lots of money" -Pet Shop Boys

Dessy Di Lauro and partner Ric'key Pageot use the same musical formula: each has something to bring to their music that the other needs, and it's likely that without it, neither artist would be where they are now.

That is, they wouldn't be an acclaimed duo making a distinctive mark on the Montreal music scene, and in the greater world of soul.

An experienced soul singer, Di Lauro can't read music. But Pageot, with his extensive musical training, says it's easy, almost natural, to take what she sings to him and create around it.

"Music doesn't start out on paper, it starts with melodies and chords ... it's in the air, so to me it doesn't make any difference whether she can read music or not," he told me in a recent interview with the two of them.

And they may not be making lots of money (yet) but their unusual collaboration has already produced some beautiful music, like on the duo's 2004 debut EP, A Study of a Woman's Soul. It's such a lush and diverse five-track disc that a lot of listeners complain it ends too quickly.

"At the time we were doing the (Montreal) Jazz Festival (2004) and wanted to get something out there so people would have a taste," Di Lauro said.

Without a lot of time to record, the pair chose five songs for the EP that had received the best reaction and which were a testament to the pair's diverse ethnic roots-she's Brazilian-Italo-Cuban, he's Haitian-and their ability to push beyond the limits of the new soul, something Pageot says lacks diversity.

Which is why the pair's taste will result in a "riskier," Latin-influenced, full-length album due sometime in 2006, Di Lauro said. Until then, check out their smooth, soulful sound live at Mercury Lounge, Friday August 19 at 8 p.m., $12.

Echoes Magazine - U.K.(April 2005)
"Soul Sides: In Search of the Real Shit" by Chris Well

Looking for a new name to get excited about? Try Montreal-born Brazilian-Italo-Cuban singer/songwriter Dessy Di Lauro, who has a six-track CD-EP available at www.crazygluemusic.com. Her interesting heritage shines through both the rhythms and arrangements, putting Dessy over on soul's jazzier side - just where I like it. Some very lively grooves here, especially the opening cut, Shout Out, but after repeated in-car plays, the mesmeric, mid-speed ballad My Inspiration has grown into a real personal favourite. Wish it were longer. A lot longer.

EP Review by Chris Rizik
www.soultracks.com (Detroit, Michigan) May, 2005

A welcome introduction to the new talented team of Di Lauro and Pageot, A Study of a Woman's Soul is a real treat. The compositions are strong, and Pageot and the band provide a restrained but very effective backing behind Di Lauro's strong voice, which is sometimes jazzy and sometimes almost classical in its tone. The first single, "When You Need Me," is a great slice of midtempo Brazilian jazz with nice guitar work by Paolo Ramos. Perhaps even better is the second half of the disc, which has an intimate nightclub kind of feel on the fine ballads "My Inspiration" and "Dear Mama," before finishing with the Pageot instrumental, "City High."
About the only bad thing I can say about A Study is that, as an EP, it simply ends too quickly. But Di Lauro and Pageot clearly make a great first impression on this intelligent, appealing disc and make me look forward to Di Lauro's full CD, scheduled for 2006. Highly recommended.

Dessy Di Lauro EP Review by Scott C
The Montreal Mirror (Sept, 2nd to 8th, 2004 Vol. 20, No 11)

Believe it or not, Montreal's own Dessy Di Lauro is just getting started. Although she's been singing in and out of the city for years, this disc is the first official studio recording to spotlight her honey voice. Teaming her with the soulful ear of her keyboardist Ric'key Pageot, A Study of a Woman's Soul is a sign of things to come from this duo. My picks include the undeniable soul of "Where Is the Light," the heartfelt melancholy of "Dear Mama" and the blistering bonus track "City High," showcasing the talents of Ric'key and band Jazzma. 8/10

EP Review by Rick Wojcik
www.DustyGroove.com, Chicago,USA

Extremely nice work from soul singer Dessy Di Lauro -- a warm and wonderful 6 track ep that's overflowing with sweet jazzy influences! Dessy recorded the set with keyboardist Ric'key Pageot, who really brings a special sound to the record -- taking Dessy's already deeply soulful vocals, and inflecting them with a sound that's richer and fuller than the usual Neo Soul groove! The beats are definitely on the back burner for this one, and Ric'key's keyboards set the scene with a mellow stepping style that glides along gently -- while Dessy soars over the top, in a vocal range that's as strong and powerful as Carleen Anderson on her classic work! Titles include "Shout Out", "When You Need Me", "My Inspiration", "Where Is the Light", and "City High".

EP Review by T'cha Dunlevy
The Montreal Gazette June 2nd, 2005

Montreal songbird Dessy Di Lauro has got soul for days. She used to wow crowds with her old band Bullfrog (in which she would go toe to toe with DJ Kid Koala). She has sung with Dubmatique and did a stint with Cirque du Soleil in Florida. Last year she played the Montreal International Jazz Festival. This six-song EP finds her delivering her trademark cooled out, earthy R&B stylings, on the Jill Scott/Erykah Badu tip. It's really all about her dazzling voice, which is given room to work thanks to spacious arrangements and tasteful musicianship. The players (many of whom date back to those Bullfrog days) get a chance to vibe out on the last track, the instrumental jazz-funk groove City High. 3.5/ 5

The Incubator by Scott C
Vol 20/#33 (Feb.10th to 16th, 2005) www.montrealmirror.com

Got to give it up for the ladies, a wise man once said. Montreal superwoman (and my own personal "choice-voice") Dessy Di Lauro has a new weekly Thursday night at Utopia[n] Lounge (417 St-Pierre in Old Montreal), where, along with her band and Crazyglue-head Ric'key Pageot on the keys, we can count on a proper dose of the soul-music standard in this city every week. Seriously. Go to the Web site www.crazygluemusic.com, and if you know somebody who can hang with Dessy on the mic, let a brother know. Six dollars will get you in, and coming back for more, no doubt.

DESSY DI LAURO feat. RIC´KEY PAGEOT "A Study Of A Woman´s Soul”
(GGM) by Joerg Michael Schmitt http://soulsite.de/sonic/

Canada-Brasil-Cuba-Italy = you can call the influences that Dessy Di Lauro got through her international ancesters and the first musical expressions by Dessy di Lauro are just as universal. Under the musical direction of Ric´key Pageot, the songs of her debut-EP cover a wide range. A cool acid-jazz groove here "Shout out", the well used Stevie Wonder influence "When you need me", a little bit of Nu-Soul, blues and jazz and then everything brought together through freshness, inspriation and a big portion of talent. Dessy raises her voice very impressively and the production directed by Ric´key spreads joy and atmosphere of a live band who is really "in sync". We hope that Miss Di Lauro will soon expose also the hidden parts of her soul - anyway, the first chapter of "A Study Of A Woman´s Soul“ makes us want to hear more of Dessy.

Dessy Di Lauro Showcase Review at Le Petit Medley by Pepe
www.montrealmusicscene.com
May 14th, 2004

It was a stage full of familiar faces as Dessy Di Lauro led the band at the Petit Medley.

The key points for this performance was solid construction and versatility which helped set a variety of different moods throughout the night.

You had some funk, some soul and some Latin grooves painting the picture as Dessy delivered timeless music to the audience. We witnessed some great exchange of energies on this set as each member was called upon to take the spotlight and impress the crowd with their finest opinions on their own instruments. This produced some inspiring solos from all around the table.

One thing I love about catching such an act is that, though there's a steady feel to the show, these musicians can implement such a wide variety of styles to speak their minds that it instantly captivates the entire audience.

Considering this group hasn't been together for all that long, they don't have much work left to do in order for their performance to be at the top of their game. Once they have a few more gigs under their belt, they shouldn't have a hard time attracting more and more people to their shows and getting together a following in their home town.
Now if only this city would wake up and realize what kind of talent we truly possess.

Influence Magazine
(June/ July, 2004):
Dessy Di Lauro & Ric’key Pageot by Jacinthe Campagna  

Vous rappelez-vous de la magnifique voix féminine prêtée au groupe Dubmatique pour leur succès La force de comprendre en 1997? Cette voix était celle de Dessy Di Lauro, un nom à retenir pour tous ceux qui ont soif de talent et d'authenticité. Cette artiste jazz/soul aux origines multiples (italienne, cubaine, brésilienne!), née à Montréal, a cordialement accepté de rencontrer le magazine Influence afin de discuter de son premier album solo dont la sortie est prévue pour l'automne prochain.

Comme plusieurs artistes, il y a longtemps que Dessy sait qu'elle veut vivre de sa musique, mais le chemin qu'elle a pris pour y arriver en est un ponctué de collaborations et de décisions réfléchies. En effet, après avoir chanté dans plusieurs chorales gospel professionnelles, elle se joint au groupe soul/R&B Co-Soul, se charge de l'ouverture du spectacle de Mary J. Blige à Montréal, fait également deux apparitions à la 18e édition du Festival international de Jazz de Montréal et travaille aussi avec plusieurs chanteurs de la scène québécoise tel Ginette Reno et Marie-Denise Pelletier, pour ne nommer que ceux-ci. À la fin de 1998, elle joint l'équipe du Cirque du Soleil à Orlando, en Floride, où elle prêtera sa voix à la production La Nouba, et ce, pour les trois années qui suivront. Cette expérience lui apprendra la discipline et lui laissera juste assez de temps pour travailler ses propres compositions. De retour à Montréal, elle se dit maintenant prête et assez forte pour se consacrer à sa carrière solo.

Elle travaille maintenant avec Ric'key Pageot, aussi reconnu sur la scène jazz montréalaise et détenteur d'un baccalauréat en performance jazz à l'Université McGill. Cette association lui apporte donc les outils académiques nécessaires à l'explosion de son talent. Ensemble, ils travaillent à l'élaboration d'un album avec lequel ils souhaitent s'attirer la reconnaissance et le respect autant des fans, que des gens de l'industrie. "Je veux que les gens se rattachent à mon album. La qualité de l'album est ce qui prime à mes yeux. Je vise la longévité et non le succès instantané."

Dessy et Ric'key sont actuellement au Le Petit Medley sur la rue St-Hubert et font, à raison d'une fois par mois, le spectacle An In-Depth Study Of A Woman's Soul. Avec Max Sansalone à la batterie, Johana Peters aux percussions, Peter Dowse à la basse et Eric Khayat au saxophone et à la guitare, Dessy et Ric'key vous invitent dans l'intimité de la chanteuse où monologues, comédies et chansons se succèdent. Bien que de nature timide, Dessy met son âme à nue sur la scène tout en gardant cette candeur qui la caractérise: "J'ai gagné beaucoup de confiance sur la scène, mais je n'ai pas perdu mon innocence. C'est ce qui me permet d'être équilibrée." La dernière représentation de ce spectacle est prévue pour le 11 juin. Ne ratez pas la chance d'entendre des compositions qui transpirent la pureté et le travail acharné de passionnés de la musique.

Dessy Di Lauro : LA VOIE DE L’AUTHENTICITÉ
by Lydie Yabéko www.mozaikmedia.com

Star Académie est devenue la solution facile pour les chanteuses candidates au vedettariat. L’émission s’est à peine terminée que déjà, des milliers de jeunes filles rêvent de faire partie de la prochaine cuvée. Dessy Di Lauro, elle, a pris un autre chemin. Elle préfère multiplier les expériences et croit au destin. Chanteuse de Soul - R’n’B dans la lignée d’Erika Badu et Alicia Keys, elle est un espoir montant de la scène musicale montréalaise... read the continuation of this article on www.mozaikmedia,com

Avril Magazine
DESTIN SOUL: Portrait de Dessy Di Lauro by Carla Beauvais (French)

La première fois que j’ai entendu Dessy Di Lauro chanter, c’était en janvier dernier au Petit Medley rue St-Hubert. La salle était bondée. Après avoir quelque peu fait patienter l’audience, elle faisait son entrée sur scène accompagnée de ses musiciens. Beauté splendide, l’allure fière et assurée, la chanteuse s’est installée au centre de la scène, calme et sereine. J’attendais impatiemment d’entendre cette voix que l’on m’avait si longtemps vantée. Aux premières notes, c’est l’éblouissement total : << I’m sorry dear mama can you please forgive me…>>> les paroles de la première chanson qu’elle nous offre ont un effet choc. Plusieurs spectateurs ont les larmes aux yeux, moi y compris. Nous sommes tous sous le charme, conquis et bouleverses par cette voix renversante. Cette sensibilité authentique, cette partie d’elle qu’elle nous livre avec tant de sincérité ne peut laisser de glace. Dear Mama, chanson écrite pour sa mère alors qu’elle était en Floride, a su me convaincre illico… read continuation of this article on Avril Magazine (August 2004 Vol1 No. 2)

Television Apperances:
• Amerimage-Spectra Production: One hour recorded live studio performance set for worldwide distribution for television. (July 2004)
• MusiquePlus: Interview on InfoPlus show (July 2004)
• CFCF Television: Performance on Canada AM with CoSoul (July 1998)
• TVA: Performance on Salut Bonjour with Dubmatique (February 1998)
• MuchMusic: Performance on French Kiss with Dubmatique (January 1998)
• MusiquePlus: Numerous performances with Dubmatique (1998)
• Television Quatre Saisons: Performance on the Telethon of Stars with Dubmatique (December 1997)
• Tele–Quebec: Performance on Beau et Chaud with Marie-Denise Pelletier (Summer, 1997)