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04/05/07 |
             
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EARLY REVIEWS FOR JANICE FRIEDMAN’S “SWINGIN’ FOR THE RIDE” “…Jazz pianist-jazz vocalist Janice Friedman will give you everything including joy, jazz, animation, & her take on what strong jazz vocalese & solid improvisational jazz piano are all about!! Friedman stands out strongly both as a jazz pianist & singer, but I must include a reference to the interpretive quality she brings to whatever she sings- a forte for her indeed! Her sense of pianistic rhythmic brinkmanship & the mellow content of her voice is manifest in her performance. Stimulating & emotionally inspirational are words that come to mind in my attempt to dissect her wonderful talent(s).” EJazznews.com, 3/2007 “What a surprise! Her alto voice has more body than Julie London's, but she has the same effortless approach to the songs that London had…. But, for the biggest surprise of all, her compositions are worthy of becoming standards. If this were released by a major label with proper promotion, it would sell plenty. This is the best new album I've heard in months.” Russel Moon, Organissimo Jazz Chat Room, 3/2007 “…Long story short, why do we like her? ….Friedman isn’t derivative, isn’t imitative, she just has the Allison vibe down in a sincere way and plays it from the heart without sounding the slightest bit like a joker. On top of that, she does it without being too hip for the room. A really cool set by a piano ace that goes the extra mile without breaking a sweat.” Chris Spector, Midwest Record.com, 2/7/2007 “Widely recognized for her excellent jazz piano mastery, she has added vocalizing to her performing talents, the fine results of which are evident on "Swingin’ for the Ride" (Janika Musik – J82105). This is definitely a swingin’ ride from Friedman and her crew, one that grows more savory with each return visit. Joe Lang, reviewer for The Jersey Jazz Society, coming in May, 2007 “Long time pianist, songwriter and arranger adds lyricist to her résumé as the Janice Friedman Trio gives listeners Swingin’ for the Ride. Friedman parlays vocalist and keyboardist to her arsenal as she gives us jazzy beats that are both cool and sultry and speedy and danceable.….Depending on your mood, you can pick (a tune) which fits your current musical disposition.” Sari N. Kent, The Celebrity Café.com, 3/12/2007 “Usually known strictly for her piano chops, Ms. Friedman has thrown her hat into the vocalist ring and has put out a surprisingly successful disc. With her voice akin to a female Mose Allison, Friedman saunters through a streetwise title song and snappy "You 'n' Me." Her takes on standards like "Summertime" and "Meditation" are quite clever and iconoclastic. Her own originals show depth and perception. "The 'I Do' Song" is as clever as anything Dave Frishberg could have composed. As usual, Friedman's piano work features clarity and alacrity…” George W. Harris, JazzWeekly.com, 3/12/2007 “Beautiful and excellent!! Very good singing, playing, nice arrangements and a great band. I love your music and honestly hope that you find international recognition. Best wishes and love from Frankfurt.” Robert Lochmann a.k.a. Jazzmadass, Radio X, Frankfurt, Germany, 3/12/2007 “What a stunning sound you have.” Michael Criddle, Triple H-FM, Australia, 3/13/2007 “Janice has a wonderful voice, rich and soft - a pleasure to listen to. But where this release really hits the spot is in the wonderful, swinging style of Janice's piano playing. The release is so very aptly named because all the tunes really do swing.” Mark Robinson, GeorgeFM, New Zealand, 3/11/2007 “I play her version of “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love” that was many times covered by well-known by Ella Fitzgerald…so you have to be good to sing this song and Janice Friedman is that good as well. Music to listen to often.” Jan Nederveen, Radio 794, Netherlands, 3/9/2007 “I love your piano playing and I love your singing.” David Nui, proprietor of Shanghai Jazz, NJ, March 2007 “Fantastic Album. Geat stuff for our Radio Station.” Alex Pijnen, BRTO Radio, Netherlands, 2/12/2007 “I love this album. I am featuring on my International Woman's Day Jazz programme. And it is so great that Janice has come out of hiding as far as vocals are concerned. It made my heart sing when she said that the words were always important to her when working on arrangements and interpretations. They are SONGS! The original compositions are wonderful as well…..A fantastic work.” Helen Jarroe, FM89.1, Cairns Queensland Australia, 3/1/2007 “Very refreshing vocal jazz, nice and cool original compositions (most of the album actually) together with a few standards bearing a personal touch, what more would you ask...well I should mention that Janice Friedman not only delivers an excellent vocal performance but she is also quite good at the piano.” Pascal Dorban 'Jazz.com' programme Radio ARA, Luxembourg, 2/19/2007 “Your timing like your music is impeccable. This CD will receive extremely good air-time due in fact to the wonderful quality, feel, musician ship and compositions.” Peter Merritt, PBSFM, Australia, 1/7/2007 “This is a great disc. The trio and the vocals are excellent.” David McCrory, 105.9 and 93.5, Australia, 2/18/2007 “Your voice is amazing. When can I hire you?” Judith Bride, music director at 88’s, NJ, March 2007 “Love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!” Sean Pelton, drummer for Saturday Night Live
“Janice Friedman is best known as a talented pianist who is kept busy in the New York area. Swingin’ For The Ride is a change of pace for she is also featured as a singer….Friedman, who clearly has no difficulty accompanying herself on piano, performs seven standards and five of her originals. Her renditions of such warhorses as “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Don’t Blame Me” and even “Summertime” are fresh while her own songs are thoughtful and contain insightful lyrics. Her voice is quite musical with catchy phrasing and subtle improvising. But taking honors is her piano playing, which displays her own personality within the modern mainstream of jazz. She does not sound like anyone else yet is quite accessible and melodic even at her most creative.” Scott Yanow, Los Angelos Jazz Scene, April 2007 “Friedman's voice can sound sultry or joyous, depending on a song's atmosphere and mood. (She) has created a highly listenable collection of original jazz tunes mixed with several classics. Friedman and her bandmates sound well-integrated; the interplay between the musicians reminds me, at times, of the Bill Evans Trio. Friedman delivers the goods, swinging on every tune in a tasteful, infectious style. Swingin' For The Ride is chock full of eloquently arranged tunes and tasteful piano solos. Friedman knows her way around her chosen instrument. I recommend this session for listeners who appreciate heartfelt, joyous jazz with meaningful lyrics.” http://www.cosmik.com/aa-april july07/reviews/review_janice_friedman_trio.html
“Janice Friedman, born in the Bronx, New York, has been listening to jazz since she was a wee lass. She's been playing since the age of 5. After college, she moved to Brooklyn and played gigs in clubs and bars, even toured with the Woody Herman Orchestra for 6 months. One can hear throughout the disk how the rhythm section is attuned to Friedman's every move. They never overplay, giving the pianist a sweet cushion to solo upon and she does with a bluesy elegance. Listen to how the piano and vocals are one on "Is You Is" and her sweet piano interjections on "I Can't Give You Anything But Love.” http://blogs.courant.com/richard_kamins/2007/04/ladies_aloud.html
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