Customer Reviews

Take Love Easy

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

 

 

I hunch that Sophie Milman's voice won't be to everyone's taste. For those (like myself) who do respond to her idiosyncratic--but very sensual-- way with a song, this collection is a definite knock-out. Combining selections from the traditional jazz songbook (her rendition of "I Concentrate on You" is perfection) with more adventurous choices from the pop-rock songbook (Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen are all represented here), this is a lovely piece of work featuring Milman's voice against the backdrop of impeccably arranged and wonderfully played accompaniments. Enjoy!

With this album Sophie Millman should be placed in the celebrated company of Diana Krall and Jane Monheit. Her phrasing and choice of material are right on the money.

I've been following the career of this extraordinary young talent for a few years, and even though she's only in her mid-20s she's wise beyond her age. I like the way she treats more contemporary tunes by Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen, with her rendition of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," coming off as extra-special. Don't miss out on Sophie.

"'Take Love Easy.' Easier said than done, especially when 'love' is really 'life.' Personally, I've never been great at taking anything easy, but I am absolutely eager to learn. While 'Make Someone Happy' was a reflection of where I came from, this album hints at where I intend to go, musically and personally. These songs showcase the complexity of love and the need to simply let go sometimes. That's definitely not easy, but as I'm discovering, it's absolutely crucial, both in art and in life." ~ Sophie Milman ~

Her self-titled debut album was striking. Her sophomore album was grand. Now her third and latest album is a charm. After the huge success of her first two recordings, Sophie Milman is back and this time she's offering her fans a varied and balanced material ranging from some standards from Great American Songbook, a Brazilian jazz staple, and a few contemporary songs from the pens of Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and one of her band members, arranger/pianist Paul Shrofel.

Her second offering, Make Someone Happy, reinforced Sophie Milman's credibility as a jazz singer. It is an award-winning-album. Like "Take Love Easy," it was consistently among the top five albums in jazz charts in U.S. and Canada upon its release. Also, it ultimately bagged the 2008 Juno Award for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year. Having performed at great jazz venues such as Hollywood Bowl, Blue Note and Kennedy Center, she has really evolved not only as a singer and recording artist, but also a total performer as evident by the following accolades afforded to her amazing vocal flair and artistry.

"The sky's the limit for this exceptional young talent." ~ Los Angeles Times ~

"She's not the next Ella or Sarah, but the first Sophie Milman. One of a kind." ~ Don Heckman ~

"She captivates." ~ Downbeat Magazine ~

"She swings confidently and casually, setting things at ease through her powerful delivery. She reaches down deep for the kind of feelings that provide a memorable experience." ~ Jim Santenella, All About Jazz ~

For an opener, she sings one of my favorite standards, "Beautiful Love," with confidence and ease. It's so rare that no one has had the force to record it except, as far as I can remember, Shirley Horn. Sophie Milman has definitely made a powerful statement with her heartfelt delivery of this gem of a song. She revives the spirit of the Forties with this song and also the rest of the charmingly rendered standards in the repertoire, "My One And Only Love, "I Concentrate On You" and "Day In, Day Out."

As the disc progresses, she explores the sounds of Brazilian jazz with her wonderfully-rendered Bossa Nova flavored "Triste." And wraps the presentation up with an achingly beautiful, deeply moving song from the pens of Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Johnny Mandel titled "Where Do You Start?"

In retrospect, Ella Fitzgerald recorded a remarkable album with Joe Pass in 1973 titled Take Love Easy. This album is not, in any way, an attempt by Sophie Milman's producer to capitalize on Ella's album of the same title. The only common denominator is the album's title, which was recorded beautifully by both jazz singers in their respective individual styles.

To reiterate what jazz critic Don Heckman said, "She's not the next Ella....but the first Sophie Milman." Yes, I completely concur with his assessment that she's the first Sophie Milman, one of a kind. Moreover, she's not just a singer, she's a jazz stylist with compelling and unmatched vocal artistry who can give more than justice to any song she renders.

This album is sheer perfection!

I have purchased this CD by Sophie Milman. I had never heard of her before, other than a partial scanned through radio interview with a local jazz Maven, who said Ms.Milman was worth giving a listen to.
She is smoky and audibly delicious; reminding me of times and sultry singer/sirens long past and making me wish I was 50 or so years younger so I could continue to listen as Sophie grows.
I loved the album's selections and the total presentation.
I await her performances in this area (South Florida) in order to absorb the live flavor of this blessed jazz child singer's work.
Purchase of every CD she makes is obviously on my schedule.
Are you sure there is no enhanced rating beyond 5 stars?

My favorite of her three albums so far. A solid 5 stars, the band plays in a nice cooking style and I love her song selection.

Sophie Milman is gifted with a beautiful voice and executes a perfect performance.
She loves to sing being free to chose the songs she truly loves; singing with true passion for the art and emotion for each selection. Milman is open minded not afraid to "get out-of-the-box" and this is immediately perceived in her performances.
The musicians are excellent with that "touch" or "attention to detail" impressing the sensitivity and emotional accents necessary to make each piece a pleasurable experience.
Music and arrangements are beautiful, creating the place and mood where Milman's voice unfolds a story only Sophie can bring to life.

This CD is incredible. Every cut is a keeper and she does it so effortlessly. Her phrasing, inflections and just downright sultry voice are truly amazing.

On a recent road trip I finally gave Sophie Milman the time she deserves. Nothing routine about her. Just an incredible jazz vocalist. Her rendition of "My One and Only Love" might now reside in my Top Ten numbers of all time. I am no musician - so I probably need help on this - what is the instrument that accompanies her on "My One and Only Love" - a recorder?? Whatever it may be, it turns the song in something unforgettable. If you love Diana Krall, Blossom Dearie, Astrud Gilberto, and female jazz singers of this type, by all means try Sophie Milman. You will not be disappointed.

Great CD from (to me) an unknown artist! Now I'm a huge fan! I received the CD with fast service in about a week as advertised! The whole deal was a plus!