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11/29/09 |
             
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REVIEWS FOR JANICE FRIEDMAN’S “SWINGIN’ FOR THE RIDE” and others situations...... “Janice Friedman, the agile pianist who creatively mixes melody and rhythm into intriguing, beguiling performances has been playing piano since she was 4- and began rendering classic American standards not long after. Now she knows about 2,000 evergreens, and rolls them out whenever she can. Her zest comes out in her performances….” Zan Stewart, Star-Ledger, May 9, 2008 “This is a musician with chops to burn on two instruments—piano and voice, with a deep well of compositional as well as improvisational ideas, many muses but a very individual style. Just listen…..” Andrea Canter, Jazz Police and Jazz Ink, May 2007 “…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 “Janice Friedman has brought her solid style of piano playing to several albums….The opening tune, Friedman’s “Swingin' for the Ride,” is presented in an Oscar Brown Jr.-type musical environment with a tale that is both saucy and irresistible. As a vocalist, Friedman approaches a lyric with respect for the melody, which may earn her comparison to someone like Chet Baker. Friedman gives inspired readings…She even presents a stimulating and different version of the Gershwins' “Summertime,” the biggest surprise on the album….” Michael P. Gladstone, All About Jazz, 10/04/07 “First things first: Friedman is fluid modern jazz pianist of imagination and driving swing. She plays beautifully on ballads, up-tempo numbers, and bossas, easily digging the chords for improvised gold…. Modest singing in the hands of a terrific musician, which means that it is used with musical care and success. Friedman sings narrowly and directly…useing wit, rhythm, and personality to let the songs shine…letting the singing sit at the center of the disc without calling flashy attention to itself. The bonus of Swingin’ with the Ride is the body of original songs offered amidst the classics. The title track has a funky jazz groove that would not shame either Horace Silver or Eddie Harris. Will Laymen, Popmatters.com, 8/2007 New York pianist and singer Janice Friedman has a most agreeable, accessible style as a pianist and singer. That style -- which falls into the melodically-rich, rhythmically-flowing modern mainstream category -- is clearly on display on Friedman's 2006 CD, "Swingin' For the Ride" (Janika Musik). Zan Stewart, New Jersey Star Ledger, 9/2007 “…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 “Better known as a jazz pianist/ band leader, Janice Friedman has sung over the years, but Swingin' for the Ride is the first CD on which she sings on all tracks. As her own pianist, the album still very much keeps the spotlight on her excellent piano work and it's a real joy to hear. Mood-wise, the emphasis is solidly on happiness and the musicality is solid. Janice's piano playing, which gets ample time, is fleet and engaging. Her singing voice is in a natural, unfettered style. She approaches the lyric with a warm, direct way. Janice is unpretentious and refreshing. They swing indeed and this is a feel-good, happy ride….” Talkin’Broadway.com, 5/2007 “Pianist Janice Friedman's robustly swinging style, and her talents as a delightfully natural vocalist, are on display on her solid, enjoyable new CD. The title tune rocks à la Ramsey Lewis.” Jill McManus, Newark Star Ledger, May 2007 “Like other instrumentalists turned sometime vocalists Chet Baker, Oscar Peterson and Buddy Rich, Friedman’s innate musicality enables her to parlay a slightly coarse, suede-like sound into a style as appealing and intelligent as that of Baker or Annie Ross….” Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times, 8/2007 “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 “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
“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
Reviews from Judi Silvano's "Women's Work" CD “…The inclusion of Meredith D’Ambrosio’s “Why Do I Still Dream of You” allows Silvano to craft a gorgeous song of loss and hurt, which stands on its own melodic merits, a perception proven when Friedman takes over to solo with elegance...”Don Williamson, jazzreview.com “The skills of a rhythm section can out swing most on the current Jazz scene... The top end of the piano gets a lush workout from Friedman….Friedman is master of delicacy and understatement in her solo….”Andrea Cantor, Jazz Police.com, June 6, 2007“ "….dynamic soloing by Friedman on piano..."Suzanne Lorge, All About Jazz, 10/13/07 Silvano's WOMEN"S WORK QUARTET features the brilliant pianist JANICE FRIEDMAN who not only swings her butt off but she'll make you want to dance and tap your toes till the cows come home!!! haha.... She's also a great composer and teacher so check her out!!! My Space, Judi Silvano "The rhythm section is top-notch with pianist Janice Friedman (who contributed an "Easy To Love" unrelated to Cole Porter's song) taking many fine solos. Women's Work is a worthy project." Scott Yanow, All Music Guide Her close association with the brilliant pianist Janice Friedman led to an all-woman rhythm section that includes some of New York’s finest. Timesquare.com, 10/07 “…Janice Friedman’s gorgeously constructed piano solo is a thing of beauty…” Leslie Mitchell Clark, wholenote.com, 10/07/07 "The singer keeps excellent company. Pianist Janice Friedman is an inspiring partner, sympathetic to Silvano's interpretations and equally colorful. Down Beat, 2007 "Of the players, and they are all good, it's Friedman who provides the cement that really holds this group together with her solos, comping and altogether solid playing." All About Jazz, 2007
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