"Ms. Cooling is nothing if not magical on her newest release REVOLVING DOOR, her 6th album. Along with her writing partner, Jay Wagner, Joyce has created many radio hits, and this new effort will not disappoint in that regard. The first single, the buoyant "Mildred's Attraction," is already getting airplay coast to coast (currently on the Smoothjazz.com Top 50 Chart). Other songs of note: "Cool of the Night," which offers a chilled vibe to this recording (currently in power rotation on SmoothLounge.com), the sophisticated and melodic, "Come and Get It," and the important sentiment of "Little Sister," one of three vocals on REVOLVING DOOR. Reaching out to women to consider the social ramifications of not living a conscious life: "We buy with zeal, a promising potion, all to heal the downward motion, I want to know, sister, who are we trying to please?" The San Francisco musician has developed a unique style of guitar playing that has endeared her to radio and festival audiences alike. I think her authentic demeanor is at the core of her appeal, and comes through in her writing and performance as it does in conversation and her enthusiasm for life and music. REVOLVING DOOR is one of my favorite releases of 2006 and an exceptional listen from start to finish."
Cooling is cool!
T. Sable | Bay Point, CA USA | 11/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the first time I heard a Joyce Cooling album back in the mid to late 90's, I've been hooked. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I've been privileged to see her in concert many times, most recently in Sonoma County on October 1 with Bobby Caldwell. "Revolving Door" maintains the high quality of all her previous albums. I especially love to hear Joyce sing, and the songs "Little Sister" and "I'll Always Love You" are highlights for me on this album. But it all sounds great; an album to listen to over and over again, to put on the iPod, or on the stereo anytime. Her albums neither get tiring nor grow old with repeated listenings. Rather, they just sound better every time they're played!"
Revolving Door
Pamela Ketzel | San Francisco, CA United States | 09/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WOW!! Joyce Cooling expands, grows, and stimulates us to reach new heights through the song writing (with Jay Wagner) and beautiful orchestrations (also thanks to Jay) of guitar, keyboards, drums, bass, percussion, and horns. For me, there is nothing I've heard that surpasses "Cool of the Night", "Little Sister" (great lyrics on this one), and the title tune "Revolving Door" and I love all the other tunes as well. Nothing misses on this one. Ohh and thank you Joyce for your love song to me and all who are in your audience who truly listen and enjoy."
The Best!
James Wellen | Los Angeles, CA | 09/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The "expanse" on this album is both intriguing AND amazing. "Cool of the Night" is such a Smooth-Jazz hit -- as are the other first four tunes. But that one ("Cool of the Night") left me stunned at how "cool" it is. I could listen over and over. The "Ode to the Audience" ("I'll Always Love You", cut five) is a fantastic showcase of Joyce's straight-ahead Jazz roots, and so boldly produced (it's a solo!). Bravo!! It made me smile and remember what it's all about. Man! Can this girl play the chops. Plus, the vocal tunes are awesome, heartfelt, killer lyrically, and an impressive presentation by her. And the back-end of this album left me yearning for more. I was really, really moved. I get tired lately of the homogenized stuff I hear on Smooth Jazz radio these days. This CD brought me back. I bet this sells like hot cakes!"
2 Guitar John has a word for everyone
John Bowden | USA | 11/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently discovered Joyce Cooling. Yeah, I've been in the dark ages. She is one of the smoothest guitarists out there and she does not try to sound like everyone else. I especially appreciate her percussive use of intonations. She's got chops galore and is a beautiful woman to boot. You can hear it all in her music. Buy Revolving Door! You'll love it!"