Friday Night Special

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Janis Siegel is a member of the vocal group the Manhattan Transfer. This 10-song set is aptly-titled, as her singing is accompanied by a quartet anchored by a Hammond organ (played by Joey DeFrancesco) with material that glides easily between jazz and sophisticated pop. The songs draw from a couple generations of writers, from Rodgers & Hart, Cy Coleman and Harold Arlen, to Bill Withers. Siegel's mellifluous voice is nicely matched with the counterpoint solos of tenor saxophonist Houston Person, making for a classic combo-and-vocalist album that breathes with the very real interplay of all involved. Producer Joel Dorn created a believable sonic setting that is at once warm and unobtrusive, capturing the intimacy of a live setting with the clarity of a studio. --David Greenberger

Friday Night Special, Music, Janis Siegel, Jazz, Jazz Music, Jazz Vocals, Pop, Standards, Vocal Jazz, Vocal Pop

Average customer rating:

Man, how I loved those old Hammond B-3 jazz days

Vocal powerhouse explores "organ pop"

Hated to give the "4" but....

So, Philly?

Always a fan

Friday Night Special
Janis Siegel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Release Date: 2003-04-22

The Same Love That Made Me Laugh, Made Me Cry
My, How The Time Goes By
I Just Dropped By To Say Hello
My Love Is/My Babe
Let It Be Me
Ill Wind
You Don't Know Me
There's A Small Hotel
Make Me A Present Of You
Misty

Amazon.com

Janis Siegel is a member of the vocal group the Manhattan Transfer. This 10-song set is aptly-titled, as her singing is accompanied by a quartet anchored by a Hammond organ (played by Joey DeFrancesco) with material that glides easily between jazz and sophisticated pop. The songs draw from a couple generations of writers, from Rodgers & Hart, Cy Coleman and Harold Arlen, to Bill Withers. Siegel's mellifluous voice is nicely matched with the counterpoint solos of tenor saxophonist Houston Person, making for a classic combo-and-vocalist album that breathes with the very real interplay of all involved. Producer Joel Dorn created a believable sonic setting that is at once warm and unobtrusive, capturing the intimacy of a live setting with the clarity of a studio. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Man, how I loved those old Hammond B-3 jazz days.......2004-12-03

This album is a superb coupling of the excellent vocal talents of Janis Siegel of Manhattan Transfer fame and the Philly organ jazz sound of Joey DeFrancesco, one of my favorite jazz/blues organists of recent times. To be quite honest, I have not listened to Manhattan Transfer nor had I ever heard of Ms. Siegel before purchasing this album. When I saw that Joey was backing her along with tenor saxman Houston Person, I thought, "This can't be all bad." And so I took a chance. Well, was I surprised!!! This gal is great, and for the life of me, I don't know why other jazz singers can't record with some great jazzers without all the over production efforts that studios like to layer on. Janis' voice is tailor -made for these tunes. Her rendition of the Everly Brothers' "Let it Be Me"is just soooooo nice, and Joey and his pards do not over-power her anywhere, but do provide some great solo moments. Check out Person's efforts throughout the album. I thought I was back in the smokey clubs of the 60's where I used to play with some good tenor players myself. Now DeFrancesco fans will not be disappointed either: He and Janis do an up-tempo take of "Misty" reminiscent of Groove Holmes that concludes the album but begs for more. Janis, you have new fan in me. Joey, thanks for the introduction. Any organ and vocal jazz afficiandos who don't hurry out and get this album should be ashamed--it's that good.

Vocal powerhouse explores "organ pop".......2004-10-06

In her notes to this recording, Janis Siegel comments on "organ pop" and how it has special meaning for her. So if that particular instrument isn't your thing, you might want to think twice about this one. Otherwise, the selections here are very well-chosen, and all incorporate a Hammond organ as part of the instrumental mix. For those willing to venture into Siegel's nostalgia-tinged project here, the result is sultry and very listenable.

Highlights for me are "My, How the Time Goes By," "Let it Be Me," and "You Don't Know Me," all of which glide by taking full advantage of Siegel's lustrous voice and the sharp musicians backing her. The superb organist is Joey de Francesco, whose mellifluous chords give this recording its special color and flavor. Telarc's sound is clear while maintaining the intimacy of a small club.

Wonderfully atmospheric music, done by one of the great jazz singers of our day, that will transport you to a smoky, Jack Daniels-filled lounge in another place and time.

Hated to give the "4" but...........2004-06-22

I have listened to every recording by Siegel and this is at the bottom as far as likability, sultriness, approach....all those things associated with her magnificent voice. Perhaps it was the organ thing or the mediocre selection - regardless, this is a CD that I will play but not adore.

So, Philly?.......2004-01-20

My only question is why hasn't she been to "Vincent's" in West Chester, PA? Only if she REALLY means it ... Janis??

She does a WONDERFUL job with this recording.

The tempo of "Let It Be Me" is worth it all.

Always a fan.......2003-06-23

I have been a fan of the Transfer and in particular Janis' work for 15 years, from Experiment in White to her lastest release Friday Night Special. This album is superb as all the others have been. Her pure, sincere voice brings home all these songs, but my favorites on this album include "My, How the Time Goes By", "My Love Is/My Babe", "You Don't Know Me", and "Misty." Having listed my favorites, let me say there is no bad, or even mediocre cut on the album, the ones I listed are just the best of the best. I was so fortunate to see her perform solo in Michigan last Friday, and the performance was nothing short of outstanding. She is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile and talented vocalists I have ever heard. If you are a new Janis fan, get At Home (currently out of print), The Tender Trap, and Friday Night Special. You won't be disappointed.

One Shabbat Morning

Average customer rating:

One Shabbat Morning
Craig Taubman
Manufacturer: Craig 'N Company
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Elohai
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Album Description

If FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE changed your experience of Shabbat evening worship, wait until you hear what ONE SHABBAT MORNING does for your Saturday morning worship! Once again creative and multi-talented Craig Taubman, has created a service that will invigorate your spirit and renew your faith in the beauty of Shabbat. A project of Adat Ari El in North Hollywood, CA, with guest vocalists Cantors Ira Bigeleisen, Patti Linsky, and Alberto Mizrahi, and liner notes by Rabbi Moshe Rothblum, this stunningly beautiful recording blends traditional, familiar liturgy and music with the newest expression of contemporary sound. The special magic of this experimental service, two years in the making, is captured for others to share in 13 original melodies.

Music: