Customer Reviews

Before Love Has Gone

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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

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.

Stevie Holland's voice and delivery is sexy, sensitive and swinging at every turn. I love all of her albums, but Before Love Has Gone is my favorite listening experience so far! She weaves together such a variety of material with seamless fluidity and total integrity. I hear this CD and I want to dance, I want lie back on a summer lawn, and I want to fall in love all over again. Her original songs with Gary William Friedman are some of the best new songs I've heard in a long time, and the level of musicianship Stevie shares with all of the brilliant players is simply stunning, from start to finish. This album is a classic that should be in every jazz lover's, and all-over music lover's collection. I simply don't know who wouldn't enjoy this CD. Stevie deserves a galaxy of stars for this one!

Stevie Holland is a New York "musical actress" and jazz and cabaret singer. She has starred in several off-Broadway productions, frequently appears at various New York jazz clubs and has recorded half a dozen albums.

Ms Holland has a pretty, warm and mellow voice. Her delivery is verrrry smooooooth - she's always in tune, hits her high notes with ease and her low notes have a lovely, resonate quality - like I said, she has a pretty voice.

"Before Love Has Gone" is a set of mostly standards - songs like "Where or When," "Lazy Afternoon," and "How Deep is the Ocean." It also includes the most sentimental lyrics "Yip" Harbug ever wrote, "Here's to Your Illusions," and two songs composed by Gary William Friedman, Ms Holland's arranger and husband, with lyrics by Ms Holland.

Ms Holland's band is top notch: pianist Martin Bejerano, bassist Edward Perez, drummer Willie Jones III, saxman Ole Mathisen and guitarist Paul Bollenback. These guys are all real pros and nobody just mails it in.

For the most part, "Before Love Has Gone" is laid back Sunday afternoon jazz - the perfect soundtrack for a lazy summer day.

The sonics are excellent: there's plenty of instrumental separation and Ms Holland's voice is clear and clean.

Tasty arrangements and intimate vocals make this one for the repeat button on your CD player. And the title track is deliciously haunting, too.