Sophie Milman Take Love Easy Rarity
It's just a darn shame so many budget-conscious Hollywood movies save a few bucks by using snippets of a classic rock oldie instead of actually using vocalists to sing theme songs. If they did, the cool groove of Sophie Milman's vocals would be the perfect accompaniment for a montage of lovers walking in the rain, looking soulfully in each other's eyes over a table in a restaurant and 'long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days.' A vocalist in the tradition of and, Milman has one of those voices that has both range and power, but she knows how to caress a lyric and tap into the emotional depths of the song.
Like many artists who can make singing the telephone book sound good, Milman is dependent upon both good material and complimentary production to get the most bang for the buck. She's blessed with both on Take Love Easy.An example can be found in 'Be Cool' as Milman creamy voice purrs and gently strokes fellow Canadian import 's lyrics. Songs written and/or performed by, and all come in for the Sophie Milman Treatment which means she croons, the band cooks, and the listener reaps the benefits.Simon's light-hearted, but sardonic '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' was practically made for a jazzy interpretation that doesn't take itself too seriously, but it's Springsteen's 'I'm On Fire' and Bonnie Raitt's hit, 'I Can't Make You Love Me,' that benefit most from Milman's take. They become soulful serenades as Steven MacKinnon's impeccable production exacts the best out of Milman's capabilities.Milman also knows her way around expected songwriters such as ('Take Love Easy'), ('Love For Sale' and 'I Concentrate On You'), and ('Triste') are among the old standards that are lovingly rendered on Take Love Easy.If Milman strutted around in her underwear and sang sugary pop music she'd be a superstar (though she'd probably have to change her name for being too ethnic). She won't have to do any of those things to get recognition if her designated audience supports Take Love Easy as enthusiastically as the fans of Britney, Fergie, or other one-name pop tarts. ELIGIBLE WINNERS: 5 DAYS REMAINING: 22World music pioneer Adam Rudolph and his groundbreaking Go: Organic Orchestra join forces with Brooklyn Raga Massive to create the monumental new album, Ragmala – A Garland of Ragas (Meta Records). Ragmala bridges generations, cultures and traditions in a deep-rooted, forward-looking sound born of 21st-century innovation and hybrid voices.
Epic in scale and ambition, the project features 40 world-class musicians including Gnawa master musician Hassan Hakmoun, legendary drummer/percussionist Hamid Drake, forward-thinking cornetist Graham Haynes, and tradition-blurring flutist.
Sophie Milman Images
Some critics might dismiss as simply another pretty female singer, yet with her third CD, she continues to show an adventurous spirit, tackling standards and obscurities while also forging ahead into pop. Retaining many of the musicians from her previous release, the upbeat alto offers a hip take of 's long overlooked 'Take Love Easy,' exuding sex appeal and backed by guitarist, bassist, and percussionist (who also arranged it), with a brief solo added on soprano sax by PJ Perry. Pianist contributed the breezy bop vehicle 'That Is Love,' which showcases in her best light. She soars in the brisk treatment of the old chestnut 'Day In, Day Out,' starting in a samba setting and switching to bop, featuring alto saxophonist.
Her ventures into pop remain a mixed bag. 'I Can't Make You Love Me' has been recorded often, just not in a jazz setting. Is boosted by 's chart, which adds several horns in the background, so it ends up deeper, even if there is little risk-taking by the singer. Can't help but be influenced a bit by as she interprets the folksinger's 'Be Cool,' though she remains remarkably subtle in her approach. Less successful are her renditions of 's 'I'm on Fire' and 's 'Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover,' both of which are hampered by their bland melodies and forgettable lyrics.
But with this generally strong release, remains one of the most promising jazz singers of her generation.