| All rights reserved since 2009 Maria Jacobs.com Last update: 2013 |
| For Bookings Contact: iwarble@yahoo.com |
| Reviews by: Don Heckman, Pick of the Week Greg Tutweiler, Singer Magazine Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene Buzz Weekly Bobby Jackson, WCPN Liner Notes Robert Sutton, JazzCorner News Shelley M. Shockley, Jazz Flyte Mary Strassmeyer, Scene & Heard Grady Harp, AMAZON Brent Black, CiticalJazz |
| Jazz and Pop Singer - Songwriter - Recording Artist - Flutist - Performer |
Reviews
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| AMAZON by Grady Harp Published: February 17, 2013 ART OF THE DUO - Review Standing and singing bare: the test of a supreme jazz vocalist... That Maria Jacobs is a sensitive, gifted vocalist and stylist has been well established both in her recordings (this is her fourth solo album) and her performances. She simply is one of the more major singers of the day. The quality of her voices is absolutely first rate and the manner in which she approaches both the melody line and the lyrics of the songs she elects to interpret are uniquely her own. This particular recording is a real chance taker. Every song in this group she sings with the support of only one of her colleagues - thus the term The Art of the Duo. We're used to hearing vocalists with piano alone - either because they sit at the piano and sing to their own accompaniment or because they team with a pianist to keep it intimate. But here Maria Jacobs has teamed with four colleagues - Bob Fraser, guitar, Steve Cipriano, guitar, Tony Dumas, Bass, and Dan Maier, keyboard - and for each of these songs she partners with one - usually guitar - and the result is some of the most plaintive and soulful singing to come across in a long time. With Bob Fraser she sings `Alone Together', `Small Day Tomorrow', and `Too Close for Comfort'; with Steve Cipriano she performs `It Could Happen to You,' Gershwin's `Summertime', `The Nearness of You', and `Poetry Man'; with just bass player Tony Dumas she pegs John Lennon's and Paul McCartney's `I Will' right on the nose, and then for the finale - `Yeh Yeh' - she keys in with Dan Maier on keyboards' but also sings with her own coupled voice as a trick of engineering that works splendidly. Some songs are up, most are messages from the gentle but passionate heart, and few singers today would take the chance for the vocal exposure of pairing with simply one colleague in this way. Hence, the title of this album is very apropos - THE ART OF THE DUO. A big Brava! for the beautiful lady (and friends)! Grady Harp, Amazon CriticalJazz by Brent Black Published: February 12, 2013 ART OF THE DUO - CD Review Another female singer?... I have to admit in the past two years there are a couple of things that have become clear to this critic. Every attractive girl "thinks" they can sing but in reality they shouldn't go within twenty miles of the nearest studio to cut a record and judging a book by the cover is wrong on about a hundred different levels. Now I say this because I didn't initially dig the cover art combined with the over two hundred female singers that I have reviewed with only about two dozen qualifying as "memorable." Maria Jacobs goes in the more than memorable pile and the cover art actually pairs up with an eclectic song list nicely! So what makes Art of The Duo work? Jacobs deconstructs some amazing tunes by pairing up just the guitarist, pianist and stand up bass player to freshen up some classic songs that time and some other artists have not necessarily been kind to. "It Could Happen To You" is the iconic Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke number that also happens to be a personal favorite. Jacobs and guitarist Steve Cipriano have an amazing synergy on how to reharm a tune with a pop of vitality and allow Jacobs to own this version. Cipriano's playing fits hand in glove with the phrasing of Jacobs and the harmonic riff on this classic is sultry, warm, and one of the better versions you may run across. "Summertime" from George and Ira Gershwin is a jazz version of that sexy little black dress. Jacobs scat singing is the equivalent of textured spun gold throughout this textured melodic feast for the senses. Don't get me wrong, this is not simply a recording of standards which would be all to easy for Jacobs and friends to simply slay. Not having been a big Phoebe Snow fan, "Poetry Man" gave me some cause for some wasted concern. A beautiful reharm that respects the original and allows Jacobs that perfect opportunity to show how her skills translate effortlessly across genre and generation. This particular cover along with the Lennon and McCartney classic "I Will" are fresh, contemporary and effervescent in presentation, there are simply no bumps in the road here. For some singers and the "female jazz singer" club is a closely packed bunch where 75% would be advised to not consider anything past church choir, karaoke night or perhaps the occasional gig at the local Hilton, Maria Jacobs gives a vocal masterclass. A vocal artist and story teller that seems born to do exactly what she is doing. Tony Dumas is a first call bassist and as lyrically fluid as they come. Bob Fraser is another guitarist that is a perfect fit and keyboardist Dan Maier plays off Jacobs changing meter and dynamics on the fly for just another layer of texture. I have a bad habit of holding an Independent artist to a higher standard but as an Independent writer perhaps it is my way of giving what I get as well. Given the right people, the right label and proper direction my only question is when not if a major label might give her a shot. Tracks: Alone Together; Small Day Tomorrow; Too Close For Comfort; It Could Happen To You; Summertime; Nearness of You; Poetry Man; I Will; Yeh Yeh. Brent Black, CriticalJazz METROPOLITAN ROOM Don Heckman's New York "PICK OF THE WEEK" Feb 28 - Mar 4 Mar. 3. (Sat.) Maria Jacobs. A jazz-driven singer, Jacobs brings musicality, persuasive story-telling skills and a warm and supple voice to her intimate readings of the Great American Songbook. The Metropolitan Room, NY Don Heckman columnist: (iRoM) International Review of Music L.A. Jazz Scene by Scott Yanow CHASING DREAMS - Review Maria Jacobs has a powerful voice, is a subtle improviser and puts plenty of feeling into her singing. Born and raised in Cleveland, she had 15 years of classical flute study and also studied piano but her main musical goal was always to be a jazz singer. She won a music scholarship to Ohio State University, sang locally, and worked as a disc jockey and at WCPN as a research assistant. She lived and sang for 11 years in Los Angeles, appearing in local jazz clubs, and currently lives in the Midwest. Chasing Dreams is her strongest jazz recording to date. Ms. Jacobs is joined by several different rhythm sections including such notables as keyboardists Geoffrey Aymer and Richard Sherman, bassists Alphonso Johnson, Tony Dumas and Sherry Luchette, and drummers Ndugu Chancler and Ralph Penland, fine accompanists who also take occasional solos. The repertoire is wide-ranging. the singer's long tones on “At Last” are quite effective, she swings easily on “Lullaby Of Birdland,” makes “Where Are You” sound quite wistful, and scats up a storm on her own cooker “Chasing Dreams.” The other eight songs include a soulful “Yeh Yeh” (which features her overdubbed voices), a very haunting version of John Coltrane's “Equinox” (which has the singer's original words), an adventurous reshaping of “Just Squeeze Me” and a scat-filled medium-tempo “It Might As Well Be Spring.” Chasing Dreams is Maria Jacobs' strongest jazz recording to date and is easily recommended. She is a singer worth discovering. Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Records 1917-76 More about: Scott Yanow All About Jazz.com Published: September 09, 2011 CHASING DREAMS - Review Former radio DJ Maria Jacobs soars with mesmerizing vocals on new CD It's common to hear that many DJs actually are, deep down, frustrated musicians; it's a theory which has survived generations. Its origin is simple: A number of people feel that the fiery passion that DJs have for music could have only emanated from an unrequited desire to create it themselves. Whether or not jazz vocalist Maria Jacobs strengthens that stereotype will be a matter of perspective. Her career did begin in broadcasting, starting as a research assistant at WCPN 90.3 FM in Cleveland, Ohio before taking to the microphone herself. However, with her new album Chasing Dreams, Jacobs has now established herself as a top-drawer singer, one who is as talented and emotionally stirring as the artists whose records she used to spin over the airwaves. There's no doubt that Jacobs was born to be a vocalist. The radio jobs may have paid the bills, and the nighttime caress of her voice probably made her traffic reports irresistibly listenable, but her singing has the crystalline beauty and bluesy power of the old jazz greats. Jacobs' smoky delivery on “Yeh Yeh" is utterly hypnotic; even the gentle melodies of the piano seem to be smitten by the sultriness of her vocals. “Just Squeeze Me" reveals Jacobs' range, opting for a flirtatious, upbeat tone that is downright addictive. She saves the best for last with “Pour Me a Cup of Yesterday," in which her lovely croon makes this acoustic lullaby soar. The title of the album is certainly appropriate. Most DJs do not chase their dreams of becoming musicians—yes, the theory is indeed true—yet Jacobs did. And all of us are better for it. Full story and photos click: All About Jazz JazzCorner News Published: May 18, 2011 by Robert Sutton CHASING DREAMS - Review Former DJ Maria Jacobs releases new CD brimming with soulful depth Every DJ probably has a singer inside them, and most of the time those dreams remain unfulfilled. But for Maria Jacobs, Chasing Dreams is a lifelong goal that will always be pursued. Hers is a voice that is brimming with soulful depth and emotional power, once limited to introducing songs or announcing traffic on the radio. Now Jacobs finds herself on the other side of the booth; it is her record on the air, her lovely, velvety smooth vocals crooning over the airwaves. Chasing Dreams is a knockout punch of an album. The impressive range and heartfelt feelings that her voice displays on Chasing Dreams is no amateur hour, no ego trip of a DJ simply wanting to be on stage with the stars. This lady can truly sing, plumb the deep recesses of the heart. Listen to her plaintive yearning on "Where Are You?" Jacobs evokes chills from the desperation in her vocal performance. Her singing, crestfallen and bursting with unrequited longing, captures the bittersweet aftertaste of broken romance. The title track, on the other hand, reveals her versatility. She is upbeat and playful here, quite the opposite of the song preceding it. The bouncy piano and crisp drumming of "Lullaby of Birdland" seemed to inspire Jacobs to new heights; her voice absolutely soars. Born in Cleveland, OH, Jacobs received her music education at Ohio State University. After college, Jacobs started working at regional radio stations. When she became a research assistant at WCPN 90.3 FM in Cleveland, Jacobs discovered that music would be her life, and she wanted to absorb all of it that she could. Those influences add eclectic flavors to the sound of Chasing Dreams as well as to Jacobs' multi-dimensional vocal style. Jacobs is still Chasing Dreams but the dynamite talent on display here guarantees that she will win this race. JazzCorner News L.A. Jazz Scene by Scott Yanow NO FRILLS - Review Jacobs is a fine singer with an appealing voice, a subtle style and the ability to swing. lt is always fun to discover new up-and-coming talents in the jazz world. On her debut recording "No Frills" she is joined by Mike Petrone or Robert "Skeets" Ross on piano, Martin Block or Jesse Dandy on bass, on four of the nine songs drummer Roy King and on three tunes the saxes of Gerald Linthicome. Among the highlights are a pair of vocal-piano duets; "Black Coffee" and "You Don't Know What Love Is". Based in Cleveland at the time of the recording (she has since relocated to L.A.), Maria Jacobs sings mostly melodic versions of standards (plus her own "No Frills"), stretching out a bit on "Corcovado," "In A Mellow Tone" and "You Don't Know What Love Is." This is an impressive start to what should be a productive career. More about: Scott Yanow Singer Magazine by Greg Tutweiler MARIA JACOBS LIVE - Review I heard Maria sing at the IAJE conference in Long Beach this past January. I was so impressed with her vocal talent I approached her afterward and asked if she ever thought of doing anything along the lines of Nora Jones. She promptly reached into her bag and handed me a CD, "Chasing Dreams," with a sheepish grin on her face, "I'm working on one right now." she said. "This is the demo." 'I'll take it,' I said happily. And of course I was not disappointed. Maria studied classical flute for fifteen years, but her days spent as a research assistant for a Cleveland jazz radio station DJ whet her desire to sing the smooth jazz she had been listening to. She found herself in LA in 1997 studying privately for three years with JVC recording artist Kevyn Lettau, and then on to the LA Music Academy. "Chasing Dreams" is not Maria's first CD, but quite possibly could be her best work to date. Her sultry voice, and eloquent lyrical content are captivating. Buzz Weekly NO FRILLS - Review Jacobs can be forgiven for her love of the Cleveland Indians and their offensive "smiling Indian" logo, thanks to her gorgeous, decidedly inoffensive vocals, which have graced commercials and the national anthem in major League ballparks across America, and which shine on her debut CD, "No Frills." WCPN, Cleveland, Ohio by Bobby Jackson, Music Director, Liner Notes NO FRILLS - Review From the shores of Lake Erie comes a vocalist, gifted with talent and signs of a future filled with great promise. Maria Jacobs is a native Clevelander who discovered her voice in jazz while attending Ohio State University in nearby Columbus. It's been a decade of traveling back and forth from Cleveland to Columbus and neighboring communities expanding her vocabulary and gigging with some of the hippest musicians in this Midwestern hub. Jacobs is determined, focused, and ready to live out this next chapter in her development as an artist. This CD you hold in your hands represents her first opportunity to share with a larger audience some of the experiences she has gleaned over the years, absorbing what she could from her environment both musically and personally. coating here, just favorite classic tunes she has rendered over the years. Rendered to the point where, in 1997, one could say she "owns" them. Accompanying this aspiring recording artist is Mike Petrone or Robert "Skeets" Ross on bass, Roy King on drums, a Gerald Linthicome on sax. These musicians share a common musical heritage - the "Cleveland" sound - and this bond comes out in the interaction among all the players on each tune. It is not overstated or understated. It is not pretentious. It is warm. It is real. Charlie Parker was quoted, "If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Jacobs has a story to tell out of her own life experience, through the vehicle of music. I have no doubt it will be the first of many. |
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