Customer Reviews

That's for Me

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first review I have ever submitted, so struck am I by the infectious and engaging style of this talented jazz vocalist from north of the border. With an outstanding acoustic guitar rhythm section, featuring Jordan Officer - one of the truly great contemporary guitarists - this is a disc that every small-jazz-combo lover should own. (I've already ordered copies for all of my jazz afficianados.)
Her other discs are also great but once you've listened to the first three cuts on "That's For Me", you'll be hooked for good and become an Arioli addict!

I must disagree with Mr. Badgley, who previously reviewed this CD. I have just recently discovered the music of Susie Arioli, and purchased all three CDs at about the same time. To my ear, she and her band have improved with each recording. "That's For Me" shows improved singing and arrangements, with more variety than the previous albums. And yes, the saxophone and violin heard on some songs add to the variety and interest. Listen to the audio samples and decide for yourself.

This CD is the best one I've purchased in the last few years. Susie's vocals are unparrelled for this material. Most of the songs were not familiar to me and I thought they might be original material but with the exception of the two guitar pieces, they are all written by well known composers. I have played this CD over and over and enjoy it more each time. The backing is superb too. Can't go wrong with this purchase.

This is my first Arioli purchase and I think it is an exceptional album. Arioli's singing is beautiful, Officer's guitar work is superb, and the addition of saxophone and violin on a few tracks only adds to the overall sound. The artists clearly love the material, and they present it in a fresh and exciting way. The recording, too, is exceptional: warm and vibrant. One of the standout tracks for me is "Mother Earth", an interesting rendition of an unusual tune. The use of the saxophone on the track adds a lot. I can't compare it to other Arioli releases, but this album was a great find for me. I recommend it highly.

So cool, so romantic, so terrific, Arioli sings like a dream and the guitarist
challenges Jango. We LOVE this CD!!!

This is The Susie Arioli Swing Bands' 3rd CD.
After listening a number of times to each cut I can say what we have here is a combination of poor song choice and lack lustre performances.Also for the first time saxes and violins have been added into the mix and I found this too intrusive and in this bands' case totally unnecessary.
The number "Hot Head" is a perfect example of a terrible mish mash of saxes,guitars,bass and violin,the most convoluted one I have ever heard in their repetoire.
Jordan Officers' splendid guitar work,which I would describe as a cross between Eddie lang and Django Reinhardt,turns in a lifeless performance with "Victor Stomp".
"Tess'Torch Song" is a song totally not suited in style or substance for a singer like Susie,she is totally out of her league here and hopefully will shy away from such attempts in the future.
"Mother Earth"is an old Memphis Slim original that Susie and company just seem to bog themselves down in.Its'pace and the intrusive sax accompaniment just push this tune into the"swamp of no return".And thankfully so.
There are a few bright moments on this CD such as "The Way you look Tonight".A Fred Astaire standard that even though doesn't come near the perfection Astaire acheived back in /36,they still manage to put their own original and unique stamp on with this up tempo version that really flies, backed well by Jordan.
"It's all your Fault" and "It's a Good day" are nice little numbers and Jordans'guitar,on the latter, manages to take what would normally be the orchestras' background riffs and propels the tune along just right.
The rest of the numbers in this set are quite mediocre.
In conclusion,this CD is a BIG disappointment to this reviewer,quite a come down.I wasn't expecting the number of clunkers I heard on just one CD.
The Susie Arioli Band is BETTER than this material shows and I would recommed their first two CDS to anyone wondering whether to test the waters or not.
And I would recommmend to Susie and Jordan....ya listening guys?
DROP the saxes and fiddles!! They are most unwelcome and you do NOT need them. I have seen more talented people "lose their way" because of so called "good advice" from friends,producers and the like.Stay true to your roots guys and you can't go wrong.
Better luck next time....I'll be listening.

I love the thoughtful arrangements and minimal production of the standards contained in this album. I was lucky enough to stumble upon Susie and her super talented hubby a few years back. I just wish I could get my hands on some charts from Jordan Officer, but all of my searches so far have been in vain. Every song in this collection is soothing and thick with Susie's sumptuous voice. They are truly a fantastic duet.

"That's for Me" is a must for lovers of the American songbook. Susie Arioli's style is exactly what you wish you'd hear in a jazz club or caberet atmostphere. It's sweet, intimate, musically excellent without a trace of pretense. These people take the music seriously without becoming full of themselves. I get the feeling that they really appreciate their listeners, as opposed to so many musicians who perform as if they're doing us a favor. They are technically excellent, and socially fun.