DEBORAH SHULMAN REVIEWS



   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEBORAH SHULMAN
    


   For booking info:

    Len Triola
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 To purchase Deborah Shulman's CD
"2 for the Road",

  visit: Deborah Shulman at CD Baby



 

 

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Photos: Mary Ann Halpin

 

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

 

 

Our musical book is open to the "S" page this week for a songwriter named Scott (Alan), a show about a shrink called Sessions, and then recording sessions with two singers. Mr. Simeone and Miss Shulman are vocalists with very different kinds of albums, and little in common besides eclectic song choices. But let's start with a whole group of Broadway and Off-Broadway singers.

 

UNDER THE RADAR

I'm so glad the next item was picked up by a label after earlier very limited self-distribution. Recorded in 2004, it's the debut of a classy vocalist I would not want to have missed.

 

DEBORAH SHULMAN
TWO FOR THE ROAD

Rhombus Records

Silky, subtle, sophisticated and shimmering, Deborah Shulman is pure pleasure to hear if you love a love song sung with an adult been-there, done-that sensibility. She can explore a sad lyric without overdoing the sorrow or skimping on the pure musicality. Two for the Road is a thoroughly classy affair with mostly downbeat material that focuses on self-analysis and self-awareness rather than self-pity. With several optimistic numbers, too, it's all well sung with elegance and a depth of feeling. The liner notes are as unguarded and unpretentious as the singing: she states that the arc of the repertoire chosen reflects her reactions to a difficult divorce and her recovery, followed by a new love.

Some theatre and jazz fans will recognize the pianist/ arranger: Terry Trotter who made a series of albums that are instrumental jazz versions of Sondheim scores and one of The Fantasticks, among others. He's joined by Tom Warrington on bass, Joe La Barbara on drums and guitarist Larry Koonse, who does some especially evocative playing. Terry Trotter's work here is key to the album's success: a sensitive accompanist and arranger, he and Deborah work together magnificently to tell the stories of the songs, often coming off as little character studies. They find surprising fragility and depth in what might be tossed off as just a bit of easy fun in "I Like You, You're Nice," (Blossom Dearie/ Linda Alpert). As a singer, Deborah is very much an actress who makes the most of the words but is sure-footed musically and has a basic prettiness to her tone that she rarely sacrifices for the sake of dramatic impact. The songs are strung out at length, never rushed, but the underlying melodic line and story are never lost in the leisure. They don't feel long, even the six-minute "Where Do You Start" as the Johnny Mandel melody is treated with respect while the Marilyn and Alan Bergman lyric is sung haltingly, as if she is discovering the thoughts as they tumble out in painful step-by-step realization. It becomes a three-act play.

The less interesting and successful tracks are a kind of easygoing take on Rodgers and Hart's "I Wish I Were in Love Again" absent of its built-in cute sarcasm, and a kind of lightly swinging "The Boy Next Door" with an odd arrangement that only gets to its wistful heart at the end. And only "The Meaning of the Blues" seems mired in glumville (OK, I know it's the blues, but it just isn't as intriguing as the others that seem to have more going on) and it has some less satisfying low notes. But beginning with the album's rich romantic embrace of its Mancini/Mercer title song to its closer, "Some Other Time" from On the Town, this is an album with so many impressive, detailed moments.

Deborah has an interesting background: she teaches voice, has performed in musical theatre (like Cats in California), has performed with groups, a duo (with Ann Jillian), and solo, produces shows and has written libretti for four children's operas. And she's just finished a second album that should be on its way soon: I can't wait. She's a gem. After Two for the Road, it'll be great to have one more for the road.

And now it's time for me to hit the road.


-
Rob Lester

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/sound/oct1807.html

 

“Shulman continues to melt listeners’ hearts on her latest release. With a carefully crafted yet delicate delivery, Shulman extracts every ounce out of a melody. Her accompaniment on this session is first rate. Her selection of songs is impeccable, and well suited to her style of singing.


Frank Loesser’s timeless classic, “Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year” is performed with passion and sensitivity. Pay close attention to Shulman’s phrasing and you will notice that she is working inside the melody, enjoying every moment along the way. Another note of interest is her ability to control the lyric without overextending. Trotter’s piano is a joy to the ear and the soul. He follows Shulman’s voice like a gentle breeze on a sunny day.


Another tune performed with grace and a candid delivery is “Something Cool.” Trotter continues to impress with his ever so gentle touch. Balance is the key to success here. Shulman and Trotter demonstrate how to achieve this without disturbing the natural ebb and flow.

One of the smoothest drummers in jazz is featured on “I Wish I Were In Love Again.” La Barbara’s brushwork is exquisite and timely. Shulman’s nicely rounded lyric and La Barbara’s response gel in a most satisfying manner. Koonse introduces a tender sounding guitar before the group swings for the rest of the piece.


After listening to Sinatra’s version for so many years, it was refreshing to hear a new take on a great tune. With a beautiful melody and a heart-on-your-sleeve lyric, Shulman delivers in spades. Some fine string work from Koonse.


There are so many enjoyable moments on this recording. For aspiring vocalists, “2 for the road” serves as a recording deserving repeated listening. Control, passion, fun and a desire to respect the melody and the lyric are just a few descriptive words describing this finely crafted outing.”

- Randy McElligott, eJazzNews

 

"This GEM of a musical project has to be in your jazz collection. The commanding voice of Deborah Shulman had me coming back to the CD for more great music. Check out 'You Don't Know What Love Is'. WOW! Thank you Deborah. My favorite track is 'The Meaning Of The Blues'.

Slow and Sultry is the game here, plus, romantic as the color red. Great work Deborah, great work!"

- Leon Reyes, KVMR Radio 89.5 FM, Sacramento

 


“I just reviewed your CD and it is a truly great listen. It will get a lot of air play on Jazz 88. You are SMOKING.”

- J. Otis Williams, KSDS Jazz 88.3 FM, San Diego

 

“Magnificent!”

- Tony Cabanellas, KDHX 88.1 FM, St. Louis, Missouri

 

“A pretty voice and excellent musicians with her. Miss Deborah Shulman sings in the tradition of the real jazz ladies and in her voice her personal touch. She chose a good selection of jazz standards. For me, “four stars” for this first jazz work.”

- Carlos Fernandez Pacin, Jazz Café FM, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

“This singer has a unique sound combined with emotional depth. I received positive listener response when I played tracks from this disc. Hope she continues to record.”

- Larry Corley, WQNA Radio

 

"How many times the word love occurs through the titles of this album. And how many different and rich sides of Deborah Shulman are represented on the photographs through the artwork of the CD. These are different aspects of the same soul: suspended on a repertoire so rich in vocal shadings, chances for Deborah's own instrument to show her own gift and capability. They are enough with some simple, wise touches of guitar and piano, a discreet support from bass and drums to pass from Bossa to Swing, from sun to moon. Up to the whole incredible power of musical art."

- Scazzola Giovanni Pietro, Radio Gold Popular Network, Italy

 

“I am very glad to have received your CD. This is a great album.”

- Erik Vande Voorde, Radio Beiaard, Belgium

 

"A well-done version of the title song, which I have always felt was underrated and under-recorded."

- Jeff Holtz, WIUM, Macomb, Illinois

 

“ ‘Sweet ‘n sensitive’ sums this one up – great for late-night listening curled up on the sofa, but great too in a show which goes out between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The quartet shines through, the voice is terrific – what more can you ask.”

- Tony Wickham, Radio Maldwyn, United Kingdom

 

“If ever there was a class act, Deborah is it. In our café society here in New Zealand, this music goes down a treat, and it’s on regular rotation here."

- Philip Crookes, Primetime Radio, New Zealand

 


“If you like warm, romantic jazz, if you’re a person who appreciates talent, taste and intelligence, then run, do not walk, to nab a copy of Deborah Shulman’s self-produced CD. Her voice is free yet disciplined, and her ability to get behind a lyric and wring out every ounce of truth can be heartbreaking. Almost like the cabaret artists of Manhattan glory days, Shulman has the innate talent to make the listener re-think a song, hear an old familiar song as if it were for the first time or, even better, hear a new song as if it was always a part of one’s life. The material traces the arc of pain and happiness (and everything that comes in between) in the race to and from love. Grab some wine, lower the lights and listen to great interpretations of great songs. How lucky we are – or have been – to know love . . . and how this special chanteuse helps us remember it all.”


- Alan W. Petrucelli, The Entertainment Report

 


“Deborah interprets songs such as ‘All or Nothing at All,’ ‘Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year’ and ‘Route 66' and makes the words come alive. She draws you in with her heartfelt intensity and superb phrasing. Relating the songs to her life, dating again after a painful divorce, and finding love, she sings a Blossom Dearie song: ‘I Like You, You’re Nice.’ “

- Beth Temkin, Entertainment Today

 


“Accompanied by the hard-driving and energetic playing of drummer Ralph Humphrey, Larry Koonse on guitar, bass player Kenny Wild, and pianist/ music director and arranger Terry Trotter, Shulman consistently underplayed her material, emphasizing the tender and vulnerable aspects of the music. Shulman and her band possess excellent chemistry and timing together, further bringing the music alive. It’s obvious they all enjoy performing great music in an intimate setting.”

- Mary Mallory, The Tolucan Times

 


“Putting part of one’s life story into music and words does not always work. Rest assured, however, that Deborah has released an album full of emotion, strength and great music. Backed by a great quartet, this is an album for those who love sentimentality, jazz and great vocals.”

- Tony Bates, Victoria, Australia



“I was intrigued by the cover of the CD which is sometimes the first image of an artist before listening. The beginning song to the CD sets the perfect mood for the whole CD; it flows very gently into the next songs. A very crafted and experienced voice that is quite strong on the FM waves.”

- Paul Jove, La Paz, Bolivia

 


“Love it, play it all the time.”

- David McCrory, 2NVR, New South Wales, Australia

 


“This Deborah Shulman record '2 for the road' has been a pleasant surprise. The tracks that stand out for me are ‘You Don't Know What Love Is’ and also ‘The Meaning Of The Blues'."

- Eric Cohen, WAER, Syracuse



“Traditional jazzy sound, great voice, good choice of songs.”

- Harry Boerman, Radio Putten, Netherlands



“First album, but I hope not her last. Great. “

- Alex Pijnen, BRTO, Netherlands

 


“Good, smooth record.”

- Mark O’Neill, Koroit, Australia



“I have liked the CD very much. Shortly I will present it in my program. I have found it a very interesting CD and of much quality.”

- Josep Palmada, Red Hot Blues Radio, Vilafant, Spain

 


“What a great sound you have. Keep up the good work and please keep me up to date with your progress.”

- Michael Criddle, Horsham, Australia

 


“A beautifully produced and performed record. Great singing, great song selection, and a great band.”

- Tad Graham, Noosa Community Radio 101.3 FM, Australia

 


“Deborah Shulman did a terrific job on ‘2 for the road.’ Her sultry renditions of some old-time classics makes this CD a ‘must-have.’"

- Kathy Llamas, PhilRadio International, Longwood, Florida

 


“Great CD! Deborah has an awesome voice! . . . This CD makes me want to go have a nice romantic night in the club. Bravo! Likes the most: Two For The Road.”

- Jason (Xu) Marzetti, CJSR 88.5, Alberta, Canada

 


“Thank you so much for recording this album! I just love your beautiful voice, and the musicians on this album are stunning. You have your own fantastic style and it is very clear that you are truly following your bliss.”

- Helen Jarroe, Cairns FM 89.1, Queensland, Australia

 


“I really enjoyed this CD. I thought that the compositions, musicianship and production were of very high standard. I host jazz shows on two radio stations here in Auckland, New Zealand.”

- Mark Robinson, GeorgeFM

 


“This is a first-class recording of top quality especially as it is a debut venture. Ms. Shulman sings from the soul with feeling and warmth with superb backing and arranging adding to the overall quality.”

- John Reid, Keith Community Radio, Scotland

 


“When I heard the samples on the website, I wanted to hear the whole disc. I really enjoy the warm honey of Deborah’s voice, and I’m glad she shared her life journey with us on this disc.”

- Lynn Wells, 3BBR-FM, Drouin, Australia

 


“You can take pride in the fact that your music will hearten some souls in Belgium during a dreary autumn night.”

- Ilan Oz, Radio Judaica, Brussels

 


“Mrs. Shulman has put up a nice album where her very classic voice is helped by good musicians, notably the piano and guitar player. The standards have been carefully chosen so as to make the listener slowly but surely enter the world of the singer.”

- Pascal Dorban, Radio ARA, Luxembourg

 


“I really love this album . . ."

- Kjell Andreassen, RadioHostebro, Denmark




“A little gem.”

- Uwe Gotz, Deutschlandradio Kultur


"Music is well said to be the speech of angels."

- Thomas Carlyle
 

 

 

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