Customer Reviews

Keeping Cool

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this CD strictly because of the song Callie but the rest of the CD is outstanding. This artist exhibits a technical crispness in her guitar playing that is seldom heard in today's electronically enhanced music. I only regret that I didn't follow my first mind and hear her live at a recent concert here in Chicago. In addition to Callie, listeners should check out "China Basin" It's hot.

I am a fan of WJZF 104.1MHz, a jazz-only station in Atlanta, GA, although I do not live there. I was listening to the station while on business there, and the the cut "Callie" came on without any introduction. I was completely captivated. I stopped what I was doing to concentrate on it. After it was through, I realized I had to have the recording. This station, unlike a lot of others, tell what is played afterwards. When I got the CD, I was not disappointed. The rest of it is just as good as the first song on it. It is beautiful and I am looking forward to hearing all the rest of the music that this talented musician/singer has done. Hopefully I will get to hear her music live the next time I am in the Bay area. Anyone who loves smooth jazz needs to sample Joyce's music!

When I saw "Keeping It Cool", her first CD,on the shelf it blew me away. I used to follow Joyce when she was doing the clubs in San Francisco. Joyce and her partner Jay take you into another dimension, somewhere on a white sand beach in Rio with a pina colada and cool breeze. "Keeping Cool" is tasteful, cutting edge and wafts one through the grooves and moods. This is what smooth jazz is about. Joyce Cooling hasn't come a long way, she's been there. It's about time people took notice.

Great guitar work, good tunes, decent vocals. What's the downside? Too much reliance on the synthesized rhythm section and keyboards. When you've got a great sound (and Cooling does) why smother it with electronics? Hire a few more studio side men and open up the sound. Mind you, I'm a big fan of what electronic instruments can do for jazz, especially "smooth" jazz, but on this CD the MIDI bass lines and keyboard fills really distract from the main event.

The lady is BAD... She & Jay Wagner combine their respective talents in an awesome manner...easy to listen to, makes you want MORE & MORE...you can either listen hard to her or let her fill the background with an attention-getting, toe-tapping backdrop for whatever you're doing! Made me stop in the middle of an essay I was really into writing; cost me a few minutes, but upon resuming, really enjoyed listening to her without having to try..cranked out the paper in no time at all.( By the way, got A+) EITHER of her CD's are keepers..you can't go wrong!

I have to believe that 'Keeping Cool' will live on as one of the greatest Smooth Jazz works ever produced - "Before Dawn" is but one example of what makes this album brilliant.

It's a staple in any Smooth Jazz collection.

Absolutely delightful is an apt way to describe this cd. The sound is light, crisp and energizing without being overwhelming. A rare find, a new sound for the jazz community. Beautiful music, Joyce and her band are "Awesome".

Excellent. I am very pleased with this selection. Jazz at it's finest. This artist has talent that ranges off the chart!

I have most of Joyce Cooling's CD's And they are all pleasing to listen to. I do agree with many reviewer's that some of her CD's tracks could use abit more creativity,but by the same token other tracks on her CD's are outstanding. And this CD also fits into that catagory. If your a fan of hers, this is a good CD for your collection. Before Dawn & China Basin are my favorites with Callie pulling in at third.

I recently saw her perform at Sioux Falls, S.D. Jazz & Blues Festival! What a great show, her performance is full of energy and be prepared to be entertained. She is also most gracious with the audience and at the autograph table, shaking hands and talking with people. She gets 5***** for being a total professional & lady!!! Hope to see her in S.D. again!

I am a fan of WJZF 104.1MHz, a jazz-only station in Atlanta, GA, although I do not live there. I was listening to the station while on business there, and the the cut "Callie" came on without any introduction. I was completely captivated. I stopped what I was doing to concentrate on it. After it was through, I realized I had to have the recording. This station, unlike a lot of others, tell what is played afterwards. When I got the CD, I was not disappointed. The rest of it is just as good as the first song on it. It is beautiful and I am looking forward to hearing all the rest of the music that this talented musician/singer has done. Hopefully I will get to hear her music live the next time I am in the Bay area. Anyone who loves smooth jazz needs to sample Joyce's music!