Customer Reviews

Almost Like Being In Love

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Encountering artists of the quality of Stevie Holland is a rarity. Although she has a successful history of being a musical comedy stage presence, she seems to have found her inimitable niche in the role of a cabaraet singer. Stevie Holland seems to have it all: she is beautiful to the eyes, she is a very intelligent musician who is in complete control of a voice that is lush and mellow as a mezzo-soprano and at the same time can belt out torch songs with utter abandon, just the way they must be sung in order to deliver the heart and message of this music. She is a stylist, owning her songs with the same kind of passion that recalls Edith Piaf, Mabel Mercer, Etta James, Nina Simone, and yes...Streisand and Garland. Stevie Holland cares deeply for the lyrics of these songs - paying as much attention to the rarely heard verses of well known standards as to the popular chorus portion. There is one other singer who pays as much attention to these details - Michael Feinstein. An odd comparison? Listen for yourself. The musical arrangements by husband Gary William Friedman work on every track and the sound engineering is immediate and warm. Being passionately committed to classical music and to the songs of the masters as sung by such giants as Fleming, Popp, Graham, Te Kanawa, Bonney, Ameling, etc I am not an easy critic for 'pop music', but Stevie Holland is an exceptional, gifted, comunicative singer - one who elevates standard popular to the level of art song. This is one magnificent album. Spread it around and join the line waiting for the next one!

Stevie Holland's vivacious voice is well suited to these romantic selections. Her smooth, sexy voice glides effortlessly over the jazzy accompaniment by pianist Jesse Green (son of jazz great Urbie Green).

Her voice has a delicate beauty that mingles with a sultry side filled with emotion. You believe she means every word because each inflection of her voice absolutely reflects the meanings.

Standards like "Autumn in New York" have never come across so beautifully and "Isn't It a Pity" has never sounded this sultry. The sheer urgency of passion in "Could It Be Magic" is sexy and yet contemplative.

"The dearest things I know are what you are
Some day my happy arms will hold you
and someday I'll know that moment...
All that I want in all of this world is you."
~All The Things You Are

All the songs on this CD were developed from Stevie's recent New York cabaret engagement at Danny's Skylight Room.

Stevie Holland has sold out shows at Westbank's Laurie Beechman Theatre and her previous recordings include "Do You Ever Dream?" and "This Is America."

There are two original love songs on this CD. "I Will Remember You" was written by Stevie and her husband, composer Gary William Friedman. "Errant Hero" is from DREAM MOUNTAIN, a musical.

Once you hear this CD, it will be impossible to get the memory of Stevie Holland's voice out of your heart. The only thing better than owning this CD would be seeing her sing in person.

"Almost Like Being in Love" presents mood music with meaningful lyrics to create a nostalgic environment for a dreamy evening.

A Promising Musical Kiss of Rare Beauty.

~The Rebecca Review

Stevie Holland has a wonderful voice...sometimes sultry, sometimes emotional, sometimes playful, always captivating. She can tackle standards like "Autumn In New York", "Almost Like Being In Love" and "The Trolly Song", making them truly her own. (It's not easy taking on a Judy Garland classic but Ms. Holland succeeds winningly.) The two songs written by Gary William Friedman ( "Errant Hero" and "I Will Remember You") are especially moving while Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic?" is much more effective than the over-produced original. Treat yourself. Get this CD, lower the lights, open the wine, sit back and enjoy!

Songtress Stevie Holland has great command of her voice and her sultry, elegance is complimented well by the orchestration of each piece.