For more than 35 years, Josie Falbo has been one of Chicago’s most in-demand and instantly recognizable studio vocalists. With KICKIN’ IT — her latest and most eclectic project to date — Falbo steps confidently into the spotlight, showcasing her three-octave range, impeccable control, and deep fluency across jazz, pop, swing, and Brazilian styles.
Released October 17, 2025, KICKIN’ IT marks Falbo’s third full-length album as a leader, following Taylor Street (2010) and You Must Believe in Spring (2020), as well as her holiday EP A Jazzy Interlude with Josie Falbo (2021). Praised by Paris Move for her balance of technical mastery and emotional nuance, Falbo again demonstrates timeless artistry and versatility on this new release.
Falbo’s entrée into the Chicago jazz scene began with a chance sit-in with local legend Bobby Centano. Word spread quickly, and soon she was performing regularly around the city before forming her own band with Gary Loizzo — lead singer of the American Breed. Loizzo recognized her extraordinary vocal adaptability and encouraged her to pursue jingle work. A four-song demo opened the floodgates, launching a prolific commercial singing career. Her voice went on to represent major brands including McDonald’s, Oscar Mayer, Green Giant, Coca-Cola, United Airlines, Nationwide, and Budweiser, and she later sang backup for stars such as Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Mavis Staples, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, Della Reese, and Ben Vereen.
Despite decades of success, Falbo didn’t initially feel compelled to record as a solo artist. “I never really needed to be a big star,” she says. “I loved singing jingles. I didn’t have to travel, and I could be with my family.” But persistent encouragement from a producer eventually led to Taylor Street, which earned glowing praise for its technical brilliance and stylistic range. A decade later she returned with You Must Believe in Spring, collaborating with producer and arranger Carey Deadman, whose credits span Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Sting, and Seal.
Deadman returns for KICKIN’ IT, arranging eight of the album’s eleven tracks. The remaining three — all Brazilian selections — were arranged by MARSHALL VENTE, host of Jazz Tropicale on WDCB. The album features an all-star Chicago rhythm section with JEREMY KAHN (piano), FAREED HAQUE (guitar), LAWRENCE KOHUT (bass), and BOB RUMMAGE (drums), supported by lush horn and string ensembles. Yet it is Falbo’s radiant voice — expressive, nimble, and deeply musical — that shines at the center.
KICKIN’ IT moves fluidly through styles and moods:
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A big band blast of “I Get a Kick Out of You” opens the album with classic swing swagger.
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“Autumn Nocturne” reveals Falbo’s sensitivity and emotional depth.
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“Flor de Lis” features a glowing introduction by Haque and a graceful bilingual performance from Falbo.
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On “Love Dance,” she leans into sensuality, honoring the Ivan Lins classic with warm phrasing and lush tone.
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“I Just Found Out About Love” showcases her effortless swing, while “Yellow Days” becomes an intimate ballad, opening with a tender duet with Kahn.
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Vente’s arrangement of “Brigas Nunca Mais” concludes with Falbo’s playful, cuíca-inspired scat.
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“Social Call” pares down to quartet, highlighting Falbo’s self-penned vocalese.
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“Lazy Afternoon” glows with satiny languor, while “Estamos Oi” displays her scat and melodic invention — “gorgeous, lyrical new lines,” as Neil Tesser notes in the album’s liner notes.
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The record closes with a haunting interpretation of Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge,” demonstrating her remarkable command of tone and atmosphere.
A lifelong singer who began vocalizing in both Italian and English before the age of two, Josie Falbo earned early acclaim through scholarships, operatic performances, and work in both classical and pop idioms. One of the final artists signed to the storied Vee-Jay label, she went on to become a fixture in Chicago’s recording studios, concert halls, and commercial music world. Her voice has appeared in television ads, film restorations — including the reconstructed sequences of Orson Welles’ Othello — theme songs, and internationally heard performances with the Lakeside Singers.
KICKIN’ IT is now available on CD and all streaming platforms.
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