Lorena Fontana - A Vision - Making of
Behind the scenes in LA for the recording of *A Vision*
This video is the official behind-the-scenes documentary filmed in Los Angeles during the recording sessions of A Vision, an original jazz album by Italian vocalist, educator, and composer Lorena Fontana. I had the opportunity to fully edit and assemble the video, and the result reflects the intimate, professional, and collaborative atmosphere that only top-tier musicians in LA can create.
The Project
Recorded at the renowned studio of Dennis Moody, the production captures the magic of live jazz performance while blending modern vocal arrangements with traditional acoustic instrumentation.
In summer 2013, I curated the post-production and video editing for the behind-the-scenes footage, offering a window into the real-time interplay of some of LA’s finest jazz artists.
The Musicians
| Musician | Instrument | Bio |
|---|---|---|
| Lorena Fontana | Vocals | Italian jazz singer, arranger, and vocal coach known for blending jazz improvisation with classical and contemporary forms. She has collaborated with artists across Europe and the US. |
| Ralph S. Humphrey | Drums | A legendary LA-based session drummer, Ralph played with Frank Zappa, Don Ellis, and dozens of major jazz, rock, and fusion acts. He has also taught at LA Music Academy and Musicians Institute. |
| Mitchel Forman | Piano | A virtuosic jazz and fusion pianist who worked with John McLaughlin, Wayne Shorter, and his own projects like Metro. Known for his lyrical style and complex harmonic sense. |
| Edwin Livingston | Double Bass | A first-call bassist in the LA jazz scene, Edwin has performed with the likes of Ellis Marsalis, Natalie Cole, and Justo Almario. He is known for both straight-ahead jazz and contemporary grooves. |
| Michael Rosen | Saxophone | An American-born saxophonist who spent decades in Italy. A Berklee alum and former faculty member at Conservatorio G. Frescobaldi, he’s played with Kenny Wheeler, Enrico Pieranunzi, and more. |
About the Music
The album A Vision blends original compositions and arrangements tailored to Lorena’s wide vocal range and expressive power. The recording sessions captured in this video showcase deep musical sensitivity and mutual respect between musicians, highlighting spontaneous creativity and emotional connection through sound.
The repertoire includes ballads, jazz standards, and original compositions marked by contemporary harmony and dynamic vocal phrasing.
Studio: Recorded in Los Angeles, Dennis Moody Studios
Format: High-resolution multitrack live studio sessions
Mood: Reflective, refined, and intimate
Behind the Scenes Atmosphere
The session was more than a professional job — it was a true artistic exchange. From subtle cues and shared eye contact to improvised ideas unfolding into complete takes, the process documented in this video exemplifies jazz at its finest: a conversation between souls.
