Friday Night Special

Janis Siegel

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: April 22, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00008RV1P
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #87,022 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Janis Siegel is a member of the vocal group the Manhattan Transfer. This 10-song set is aptly-titled, as her singing is accompanied by a quartet anchored by a Hammond organ (played by Joey DeFrancesco) with material that glides easily between jazz and sophisticated pop. The songs draw from a couple generations of writers, from Rodgers & Hart, Cy Coleman and Harold Arlen, to Bill Withers. Siegel's mellifluous voice is nicely matched with the counterpoint solos of tenor saxophonist Houston Person, making for a classic combo-and-vocalist album that breathes with the very real interplay of all involved. Producer Joel Dorn created a believable sonic setting that is at once warm and unobtrusive, capturing the intimacy of a live setting with the clarity of a studio. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Always a fan, June 22, 2003

By	W. Becker (Upper Sandusky, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been a fan of the Transfer and in particular Janis' work for 15 years, from Experiment in White to her lastest release Friday Night Special. This album is superb as all the others have been. Her pure, sincere voice brings home all these songs, but my favorites on this album include "My, How the Time Goes By", "My Love Is/My Babe", "You Don't Know Me", and "Misty." Having listed my favorites, let me say there is no bad, or even mediocre cut on the album, the ones I listed are just the best of the best. I was so fortunate to see her perform solo in Michigan last Friday, and the performance was nothing short of outstanding. She is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile and talented vocalists I have ever heard. If you are a new Janis fan, get At Home (currently out of print), The Tender Trap, and Friday Night Special. You won't be disappointed.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In A Word, "WOW"!, May 16, 2003

By	James M. Loveday "Mike Loveday" (Bastrop, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This might actually be the best solo outing for Janis. I've loved every release she's had and there have been "high spots" on each of them. This one is one outstanding performance after another. Surrounding herself with a four piece band and the "Siegelettes" this is a great recording. Right now, I'm leaning towards her cover of "Let It Be Me" as my favorite and "You Don't Know Me" coming in pretty close. There isn't a bad song on the entire effort. If all you know of Janis is her blend with the Manhattan Transfer, do yourself a favor and get this CD. You won't regret it!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vocal powerhouse explores "organ pop", October 5, 2004

By	Bruce Hodges (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In her notes to this recording, Janis Siegel comments on "organ pop" and how it has special meaning for her. So if that particular instrument isn't your thing, you might want to think twice about this one. Otherwise, the selections here are very well-chosen, and all incorporate a Hammond organ as part of the instrumental mix. For those willing to venture into Siegel's nostalgia-tinged project here, the result is sultry and very listenable.

Highlights for me are "My, How the Time Goes By," "Let it Be Me," and "You Don't Know Me," all of which glide by taking full advantage of Siegel's lustrous voice and the sharp musicians backing her. The superb organist is Joey de Francesco, whose mellifluous chords give this recording its special color and flavor. Telarc's sound is clear while maintaining the intimacy of a small club.

Wonderfully atmospheric music, done by one of the great jazz singers of our day, that will transport you to a smoky, Jack Daniels-filled lounge in another place and time.