Kay Kostopoulos: All This Is Possible

BLACK OLIVE JAZZ (RELEASED JUNE26, 2026)

Being a belly dancer requires a certain skill set — agility, musicality and stage presence. So, it’s no surprise that vocalist Kay Kostopoulus exhibits all those traits on All This Is Possible. Kostopoulos toured as a belly dancer for 18 years! Her serpentine soprano voice undulates with grace, ease and precision on a set of eight familiar tunes ranging from an upbeat take on Rodgers & Hart’s “Lover,” which she juxtaposes with Dizzy Gillespie’s “Diggin’ for Diz” to the heartfelt lyrics of Evans & Livingston’s “Never Let Me Go.” Her deep understanding of rhythms, phrasing and accents speaks to her sense of musicality. Consider her original lyrics for Charlie Parker’s “Segment,” lyrics that match perfectly with the intricate nature of the tune. Reciting the opening lines of Noel Coward’s “Mad About That Boy” captures the poetic nature of the lyrics and tune. One can easily imagine Kostopoulus’ ability to enthrall an audience with her personal approach to Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “I Enjoy Being a Girl,” complete with finger cymbals and an ethereal vocalese coda. Her intimate rendition of Vincent Youman’s “More Than You Know” is made even more intimate with a sublime piano vocal introduction and interlude. Pianist John DiMartino, saxophonists Noel Jewkes and Peter Brainin, bassist Sean Conly and drummer Vince Cherico are the perfect dance partners for All This Is Possible. The two saxophonists swirl around Kostopoulos on “Lover” and “I Like Being a Girl”. Brainin embraces her on “Never Let Me Go” while Jewkes’
obligatos on “Prayer for Peace” are step-in-step with Kostopoulos’ lyrics and lyricism. John DiMartino’s’ sensitive and creative playing throughout the session is what makes him a highly sought after accompanist for vocalists. Conly’s solo is the highlight on “Prayer for Peace” and Cherico’s rhythms glide, drive and guide the tasty arrangements by DiMartino, Jewkes and Kostopoulos. Belly dance has a magical way of drawing people in with its mix of grace, confidence and fun, and that’s exactly what you will experience on a CD featuring a wonderful singer who used to be a professional belly dancer.

BOTTOM LINE: You can hear vocalist Kay Kostopoluos’ theatrical background in the way she brings the lyrics to life on All This Is Possible. You can hear her experience as a belly dancer in the way her serpentine soprano voice undulates with grace, ease and precision. Best of all, you can hear Kostopoulos in the company of musicians who really make All This Is Possible possible!