Search - Sophie Milman :: Sophie Milman [IMPORT DIGIPAK]

The Differences Between Sophie and Diana

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 07/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When this c.d. hit American release, it came with a lot of hype. "The Next Diana Krall" was the proclamation. Perhaps because of the hype, this is one of the top jazz c.d.'s on I-Tunes, and has been so for awhile.



It didn't take me long to get past the hype. Sophie Milman, like Diana Krall, is an attractive blonde singer who sings standards in a jazzy style. And like Ms. Krall, she calls Canada home (although Ms. Milman was born in the U.S.S.R., and emigrated to Canada by way of Israel as a teenager).



There the similarities end. Actually, Ms. Milman has a rounder, fuller singing voice than Ms. Krall, although Sophie does have a tendency to scoop and croon a lot. But she also has a tight, tremelo vibrato which comes out when she's singing a loud note in her chest voice, and I like it.



But here's the thing: when Mme. Krall hit the scene 10 years ago, there weren't that many attractive standard-singing young jazz chanteusses. She came along at the right time. Now, the scene is saturated with them.



And as a result, if that's how you're making your mark, you have to do something to distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack. For example, you could mix some killer songs of your own with the standards. (e.g., Rene Marie, Jackie Allen or Erin Bode) Or, you could mix a fair number of well-done European art songs with the standards. (e.g., Ilona Knopfler, Jackie Ryan or fellow countryman, Madeleine Peyroux). Or, you could mix in some nods to more current fare, so as to gain the interest of baby-boomers and gen-x'ers. (e.g., Karrin Allyson, Lizz Wright, Janis Siegel or Lea DeLaria). Or, you could become proficient on an instrument in addition to voice (e.g., Ms. Krall, Dena DeRose, Patricia Barber, or Luciana Souza).



Or, you could do the standards in truly unique ways never attempted before. (e.g., Tierney Sutton, Cheryl Bentyne or Cassandra Wilson--back when Ms. Wilson did standards, that is.) These standards are pretty standard. In fact, outside of the jazzy read of "I Feel Pretty" and the "Goldfingerish" variations on "My Heart Belongs to Daddy," there's nothing here that especially piques my interest.



It seems that most jazz singers start with an album of standards. The really talented ones figure out where to grow from there. All of the above-mentioned singers have grown since their beginnings. Hopefully, that will be true of Sophie Milman as well. RC"

Great debut

Tom DeZego | Richmond, VA | 03/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Heard this CD online and immediately ran out to get it. Sophie Milman has a sophistication and depth to her voice that belies her age. While she evokes the spirit of the great jazz singers of the '40s and '50s, she has a fresh approach to the old songs and a contemporary sound for the more modern cuts. Her voice has a rich, satisfying quality that will only get better with age. She has done her homework on the great smoky-jazz singers of the '50s, capturing the quality of those singers while bringing her own style to her singing.



She even makes the three least interesting songs--"I Feel Pretty," "Ochi Cherney," and "This Time of the Year"--listenable with her easy-swinging style. The band is great and provides smooth accompaniment.



I look forward to her future releases."

Wonderful New Talent

Eric Maginnis | Mississauga, Ontario Canada | 12/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had the pleasure of going to the CD release party for Sophie's debut CD. This young woman has everything needed to become a star - looks, personality, and lots of talent. This is a great CD, incorporating jazz, cabaret, and good old-fashioned torch songs. As well, she has the backing of some of the best jazz musicians in Canada. The more I hear it, the better it sounds."