Before Love Has Gone [CD]

Stevie Holland | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 24, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: CD
• Label: 150 Music
• ASIN: B0016KZTEU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,681 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stevie Holland Continues Her Seminal Jazz Role, October 6, 2008

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Before Love Has Gone (Audio CD)

In this, her fifth CD of exceptional vocal performances, Stevie Holland again proves she is not a passing fancy. If anything her involvement in her lyrics soars even higher with this recital BEFORE LOVE HAS GONE: her exquisite vocal production is solid as usual, yet with each new release she seems more at home in the recording studio. She exudes confidence, charm, and identifies with the changing moods of this very well chosen selection of songs - a pro in the truest sense of the 'title'.

Holland opens her set with the clicky Latin rhythms of 'Carioca', fully immersed in the rhythms as established by her excellent ensemble - Martin Bejerano at piano, Edward Perez, bass, Willie Jones III, drums, Olie Mathieson, saxophone, and Paul Bollenback, guitar. Of particular note on this recording is the title song for the album - 'Before Love Has Gone', a work composed by Holland and her loyal and superlative arranger Gary William Friedman and one that promises to become a jazz standard! Holland croons a sleepy 'Lazy Afternoon' and 'Where or When', gives an entirely new sound to Leonard Bernstein's 'Make our Garden Grow' from 'Candide', a piano duet with 'How Deep is the Ocean' - reflective and wistful, makes Carly Simon's 'Riverboat Gambler' her own with her amazing range of vocalism always touched by surprises of vocal productions, and appropriately bids farewell to the listener with 'Here's to your Illusion' - a nearly forgotten Fain/Harburg jewel.

This is a set of definitely soft and seductive vocal jazz, once again proving that Stevie Holland is one of our reigning jazz divas and Gary William Friedman a gifted arranger. Highly recommended for her collectors - and for everyone who longs for the finest in singing of songs we love. Grady Harp, October 08

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SmoothJazz Review, June 29, 2008

By 

Sandy Shore (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Before Love Has Gone (Audio CD)

Oh, how I love this music! It just doesn't get any better than this. Stevie Holland's BEFORE LOVE HAS GONE is The Great American Songbook... enhanced. Enhanced by the extraordinary voice and stylings of my new favorite chanteuse. Enhanced by the inclusion of some intriguing rarities such as the Richard Wilbur/Leonard Bernstein gem "Make Our Garden Grow" from the mid-century musical "Candide" and "Daybreak," the Harold Adamson/Ferde Grofe composition from the 1942 flick "Thousands Cheer." Enhanced by the inclusion of two entrancing originals, "The Music In Me That Plays" and the title track, from the pens of Stevie and her producer/arranger/husband Gary William Friedman. Enhanced by the ever appropriate, never overpowering jazz quintet of piano, bass, drums, guitar, and saxophone that accompanies her stunning interpretations and allows her amazing voice to shine through. To say I'm impressed with this album would be a gross understatement. This is a superb collection of songs, lovingly selected and written, adroitly interpreted with ultimate class and intuition. In her words, "Memories flow through each of these songs of love, up to and including the new ones Gary and I write together..." This native New Yorker has outdone herself on her 5th solo release. Truly a breathtaking listening experience. I hear Stevie Holland and I get goose bumps. Need I say more? ~SCOTT O'BRIEN

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning voice that soothes the soul, September 14, 2008

By 

Guy Reader (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Before Love Has Gone (Audio CD)

Stevie Holland has a remarkable voice which possesses both warmth and clarity. Her phrasing is uniquely personal and is infused with intelligence, love and a sharply observant quality. Her musicality is unquestionable and every note is delicious to the ear. This recording feels both timeless and contemporary.