Sophie Milman’s sophomore release “Make Someone Happy” is a delicious surprise. Her smooth alto- voicing is an instrument within itself, full of deep, rich and delightful tones. She tackles the standards like the title cut, with the resonance of a mature and seasoned jazz chanteuse. (Sophie had done very few professional gigs before being offered a record deal) She takes on Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love” with confidence and delivers it convincingly.
“Reste [Stay]”, is laced with a cool Brazilian slant, flawlessly sung in French by the Russian born and now Canadian citizen, Ms. Milman. The Zombies’ (60’s British Invasion group) tune “Undun” is fun, updated and timely. “Eli Eli (A Walk to Caesarea)”, another stand out for me, is a demonstration of Sophie’s full-bodied core vocal strength. The cello, piano, and voicing in this very short tune is brilliant and soothing. One of the most familiar standards on this CD “Fever” did not strike any major feelings with me, but those fans new to jazz will enjoy the familiarity.
There is an array of supporting talent on this CD, including Steven MacKinnon’s genius as a producer; and it appears as though the arrangements chose Sophie rather than the obvious; each piece warmly wrapping around her.
I initially (and admittedly) made a mal-assumption about Ms. Milman’s CD as “probably another one of those over-hyped, contrived wanna-be Diana Krall sound a-like- jazz- singer- CD’s” that I often receive, but I was wrong. She is gifted and this offering is pleasurable.
Respectfully submitted by
Ginger DeeTo hear a sample of Sophie Milman’s music, visit www.myspace.com/sophiemilman