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MP3 Sandy Foster - Caramelize
11 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, REGGAE: Mento
Details:
Sandy Foster - Jazz Vocalist/Songwriter
“Easy-going, seemingly effortless vocals…
If you’re a jazz aficionado, you’d be remiss to not check out Ms. Foster” TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
“array of intelligent well honed jazz originals.” EJAZZNEWS
“With a voice like warm caramel and a musical style that samples jazz, blues, Latin, ballad and swing, Sandy is definitely in a class of her own.” POST GAZETTE
“ earthy yet crystalline voice…finds profundities in common place events.” KELOWNA CAPITAL NEWS
”Prolific jazz singer-songwriter…able to communicate her emotional life so deeply through her music.” EDMONTON JOURNAL
BIOGRAPHY
Sandy Foster can be considered among the greats of modern Canadian jazz vocalists standing beside the likes of Holly Cole, Diana Krall and Molly Johnson (Full Spectrum Ottawa) Her easy-going, seemingly effortless vocals (Times & Transcript) have garnered her national airplay, rave reviews, nominations and awards. Sandy''s sultry, immediately captivating voice and alternatively thoughtful & wildly funny commentary shine in each performance. Foster''s five releases in five years (purplexed - 2003, orangify - 2004, marooned - 2005, spruce it up - 2006 and caramelize - 2007) feature well over 40 originals and offer smooth, sensitive vocals, unexpected arrangements, thought-provoking compositions, tasteful standards and heartfelt delivery.
DISCOGRAPHY
Caramelize (Mar 2007 #FGSOF07) The swirl of toffee seemed the closest parallel to life and relationships as expressed in this collection. Bronze, shiny, delicious and fragrant caramel lovingly created from timeless ingredients. Given the natures of the music, musicians, producer, and engineer, this title “confectiously” describes this box of assorted sweets.
Foster’s fifth release in as many calendar years is a sweet confection of seven originals, three standards (Bye Bye Blackbird, My Romance, That’s All) and an original arrangement of a folk classic (Who Knows Where the Time Goes). Produced by René Worst (Skywalk) and engineered by Tony Chamberlist, this collection features the instrumental talents of Kevin Andrews (flute/drums), Glenn Durksen (upright bass), Sandy Foster (keys), Andrew Glover (keys), Wes Yaciuk (guitar) and guest appearances by Miles Black (keys) and René Worst (upright bass). This album has not been digitally altered.
spruce it up (Nov 2006 #FGSOF06) My favorite tune on the record is “Snow Wonder I Love You,” penned by Foster, I rank this one right up there with the 1949 Academy Award winning song “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”….Grab an eggnog, cuddle up with your honey and relax to this wonderful CD. When you get to the last two tracks turn off all but the Christmas tree lights turn to your sweetheart and say, “I love you.” JOE MONTAGUE
Sparkly seasonal sounds scintillate as Foster delivers her fourth album for the fourth consecutive calendar year. Featuring nine songs, this project includes innovative arrangements of Frosty the Snowman, The First Noel, Joy to the World and I’ll Be Home for Christmas along with three sparkly originals. Designed to reflect the simplicity, symbolism, and spirit of Christmas, this album continues to offer swing, Latin, ballads and blues in the tasteful arrangements listeners have come to expect.
marooned (June 2005 #FGSOF05) Sandy Foster is a jazz singer/songwriter of great respect from Edmonton. … has a top notch singing voice and why she has had to release her music independently and not through a jazz label in Canada or elsewhere is a shame. Marooned, is comparable, both musically and vocally, to the best CDs by Diane Krall, Molly Johnson, or Holly Cole and it is about time she is recognized for it. Scott D. Brown
Metaphorical, momentous, and mesmerizing, recorded live in studio, this album has a romance perfect for both inspiration and relaxation. Marooned garnered a 2006 GMA Covenant Award, IOMA nominations, national airplay, inclusion in Top Ten Jazz charts, and rave reviews.
orangify (Aug 2004 #FGSOF50) Warm as sunshine; this energetic assortment of 14 originals and 1 standard cuts a wide swath of styles (swing to reggae to blues to ballad to Latin to pop) with consistently clear, smooth vocals, thought provoking lyrics and soul satisfying delivery. Nominated for Jazz/Blues Album of the Year (SHAI Awards 2005) and 2005 WCMA Outstanding Christian Record of the Year.
purplexed (Jan 2003 #FGSOF02) A collection of 10 originals and 2 standards ranging in style from swing to blues to ballad to Latin. Nominated for Jazz/Blues Album of the Year (VIBE Awards 2004).
HIGHLIGHTS
2007
Nominee Best Jazz/Blues Album of the Year – SHAI Awards
Release of Caramelize (sold out at 200 guests in Edmonton)
Toronto Debut of Caramelize
Vocalist at Christmas in November at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)
Over 5000 visits on myspace
Caramelize released in Japan by Vivid Sound
Over 23 performances (corporate & public)
2006
Release of Spruce It Up
Showcase @ Fairmont JPL(Jasper)
Release @ Evergreen Art Gallery
VIP Party @ Perugia Salonspa
Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser Concert (Dow Centre)
Voted Best Unknown Artist of 2006 by Full Spectrum Ottawa
Covenant Award for Jazz/Blues Song of the Year
Over 23 performances (corporate & public)
2005
Release of third album Marooned
Multiple Top 10 Jazz Nationally
Vancouver WCMA Showcase
Orangify Nominated for Jazz/Blues Album of the Year (SHAI Awards) and 2005 WCMA Outstanding Christian Record of the Year.
2004
Release of second album Orangify
ATAA Showcase
2003
Debut release of Purplexed
REVIEWS
Muse’s Muse Review of Caramelize July 16, 2007
Technical Grade: 10/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10/10
Song writing Skills: 10/10 Performance
Skill: 10/10
CD Review: Canadian Jazz perfectionist Sandy Foster has released her fifth album in five years!
I feel I should repeat this – five albums in five years. That’s one heck of an accomplishment that not many artists can boast of, in fact; it should be a world record. Somebody needs to call Guinness Book of World Records, this should be checked out.
Caramelize is the latest by Sandy Foster who has delighted jazz audiences with all her previous efforts: Purplexed – 2003, Orangify in 2004, Marooned – 2005 and Spruce it Up released late 2006. Caramelize is a mix of seven original compositions, three jazz standards (Bye, Bye Blackbird, My Romance, That’s All) and an original arrangement of a folk classic - (Who knows where the time goes).
‘Still’ starts off the album, with its mellow rhumba beat and Sandy singing the main melody line followed in close pursuit by flute. This is a great album opener. Definitely a dancing tune this one.
‘Let’s go for a walk’ is a soft semi-swing number, there’s a short piano solo in the bridge, where each note appeared to be carefully chosen. This, in addition to the ending piano line made the song priceless.
‘Blind Fish’ has this melodic and eloquent flute solo, followed by a silky bass solo. Sandy has this way of fitting the words right into the groove of the beat.
‘Stay awhile’ has this happy, familiar feeling to it, the arrangement of the chord progression and melody line after the verse lifts the song beyond the horizon. There’s a chirpy guitar solo, with such a warm tone, it did great justice to an already strong track.
‘To be two’ and ‘Where can you be’ are more somber, mellow piano focused numbers. They fit in amongst the happier songs and sort of add variance to what would otherwise be a very snappy, cheerful jazz album.
‘Who knows where the time goes’ is a lovely piano piece, I particularly liked how the chorus line was repeated, in a sort of syncopated fashion, the lines appeared to fit right on top of each other.
‘Bye, Bye Blackbird’ has such a snazzy guitar solo, followed by one grandeur, cascading piano solo. It was an excellent interpretation of this jazz favorite.
‘That’s All’ closes off the record, it is such a romantic song, and a fitting way to leave any listener – jazz critic or not; in a content state, and ready to play the album, all over again.
René Worst was in charge of mixing and producing the record, while Tony Chamberlist handled engineering, mixing and mastering duties. Music on the album was handled by Kevin Andrews on flute and drums, Glenn Durksen on upright bass, Sandy Foster on keys and vocals, Andrew Glover – keys, Wes Yaciuk on guitar with guest appearances by Miles Black on keys and René Worst on upright bass.
On a side note, I recently had the honor of hearing Sandy perform live at her CD release party at Lula Lounge, June 4th, 2007. In one sentence – she is flawless! She made singing look so easy, as if she was having a conversation with melody and harmony as her two friends. The musicians who played with her were just absolutely amazing including Kevin Andrews on flute/drums (who was just so sleek with the groove and those brushes), Charlie Austin on piano (he made his piano work look like first nature, absolutely no stress, just focus and finesse), Wes Yaciuk on guitar (I particularly loved his finger work on many a solo that he took that nite, it seemed like a seamless flow of notes) and Toronto’s own Dave Young on upright bass (this guy has chops! amazing speed, that’s all I have to say).
I noticed throughout both sets that night, Sandy never stopped to take a drink of water in between songs, I later asked her about that. Her response was ‘when you sing for five hours at a time at some gigs, two-45 minute sets are fairly straightforward’. My next thought was – ‘Five Hours!’ This is not a jazz musician, this is a jazz perfectionist, she’s not in a class by herself, she’s creating her own class of music from scratch.
Like her previous two albums I’ve reviewed this is another fine accomplishment, fit to be right alongside all the great jazz classics of our time. I look forward to hearing Sandy’s sixth release in six years.
Full Spectrum Ottawa Votes Sandy Foster Best Unknown Artist of 2006
Sandy Foster is a jazz singer/songwriter of great respect from Edmonton. … has a top notch singing voice and why she has had to release her music independently and not through a jazz label in Canada or elsewhere is a shame. Marooned, is comparable, both musically and vocally, to the best CDs by Diane Krall, Molly Johnson, or Holly Cole and it is about time she is recognized for it. Scott D. Brown
Spruce It Up Review
Brett Holmes reviewed Sandy Foster’s Spruce It Up (Nov 2006) and had this to say:
Only 301 sleeps til Christmas!!! I know. I know. I know what you are saying. Christmas in. . .February? The theme of Christmas is a difficult one to master and convey as interesting when it comes to classic tunes we hear year in and year out. Yet obvious thought has gone into making this project special. As I heard the voice stylings of Sandy Foster, the combination of Jazz and Christmas made a wonderful combination, like hot apple cider and cinnamon sticks over the holidays….
Joe Montague Review of Caramelize
It is still amazing to me that more people outside of Alberta Canada do not know about the luxurious smooth vocals of jazz singer/composer Sandy Foster…The petite blonde singer proves once again that it is only a matter of time before the rest of North America is drinking in her music…Caramelize was recorded live at Mike’s Place in Edmonton and was not digitally altered. You can listen to the full 4:33 of the first track “Still” at Sandy Foster’s myspace site https://www.tradebit.com Visiting the site however should come with a warning to make sure you have your credit card handy because by the time you listen to this good Canadian jazz vocalist you will want to visit one of the on-line stores where her music can be purchased.
Edmonton Journal Review of Caramelize
Foster’s Jazz Confection (Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal, Friday March 23, 2007)
When it comes to summing up the process of her latest recording project, local singer Sandy Foster kept thinking about the process of making candy.
“The swirl of caramel seemed the closest parallel to life and relationships as expressed in this collection”, explains Foster in her liner note for the new independent release Caramelize (available via Indiepool). If you think that title suggests the tunes are sweet confections, you would be partially correct because, most of the tracks are love songs. This may be Foster’s most personal collection yet – she wrote or co-wrote 7 of 11 tracks – and it surveys a range of relationships from friendship lost and found to the singer’s relation to God.
Produced by René Worst, it features pianist Andrew Glover, guitarist Wes Yaciuk, and flautist Kevin Andrews among others with Foster taking over the keyboard for four tracks. While she’s not a vocalist to take many chances, she obviously enjoys shaping strong melodies and bringing real sincerity to the material. A spare take of Bye, Bye, Blackbird is one of the most challenging tunes on the album.
Someone is noticing. Caramelize is Foster’s fifth release in about four years (including a recent Christmas album). Her sound and savvy efforts at self-promotion have helped her win recognition internationally and here at home on radio stations like Magic 99.
MAROONED REVIEWS
January 2006
Sandy Foster gets into a mellow, jazz inspired mood on her new third CD, Marooned. She has a sultry, sexy, seductive and immediately captivating voice, which would threaten to lull the listener right to sleep, if she didn''t keep picking up the tempo throughout. She knows how to hold a note and set a mood. Peppy piano riffs set the toes a tapping on tracks like (Do) I Worry About You. Vocally, Foster sounds a lot like Sade throughout. She sounds like she is having a lot of fun, even though in the liner notes, she explains this CD speaks of the consequences of people isolating themselves. Genre: lounge jazz (*** ½) Richard Amery, Daily Miner & News (Kenora, ON)
December 2005
One of the reasons I like a lot of classic Oscar Peterson albums is Ray Brown – the bass player. You can imagine his fingers plucking the bass, a well defined, but not gentle motion for a low, clean, springy sound. It’s a backwards way to begin a review – alluding to Glenn Durksen, the upright bassist on Sandy Foster’s latest album, marooned, in this way. However, his playing is one of the first things I noticed on this album – tight, consistent, springy.
She bills herself as smooth jazz – and that’s fairly accurate. Her songs don’t have the lounge feel of Tony Bennett, or the instrumentation, for that matter, and is more analog than, say, Chris Botti or David Benoit. I’m thinking she’s somewhere between Diana Krall and Holly Cole – fewer covers, more original tunes, spare arrangements. Such are labels – I could just as easily call this an example of cool jazz.
The two tunes she does cover on the album – T’Ain’t What You Do and Quiet Night of Quiet Stars, are representative of the curious mix of tunes that inhabit this album. She definitely tries for an Astrid Gilberto feel on Quiet Stars, straight down to the somber guitar strumming. What strikes me as odd is that what I consider the definitive version, on the 1964 Getz/Gilberto album, is subtly different, world-wise. Both Foster and Frank Sinatra choose not to mention the place ‘Corcovado’ in the song at all, singing,“the mountains and the sea,” instead. It’s a minor complaint, really, but I’m fussy; turns out I like the exception rather than the rule.
The lead track, Cranberry Jazz, is a sweet tune – Canadian jazz seems to have a real sense of whimsy. It’s a standard swing tune, with familiar patterns. Much of the album can be looked at that way – pleasant arrangements, but not straying too far from the traditional. While I’d like to see some of the reaching I’ve heard in some of the other albums that have crossed my way in the past few weeks, carefully sung, crafted jazz is still pleasurable. In some respects, I’d like her to stray from the formula a little; it’s a little too “adult contemporary” for my tastes. Nevertheless, it’s well done and folks looking for a solid Canadian artist to grace romantic dinners, this is a worthy candidate. Kiss my Jazz…Daniel Klein Story From Argus News - Lakehead University Student Newspaper
November, 2005 CD Review: Sandy Foster’s Marooned
Sandy Foster is a Canadian singer/songwriter, from Edmonton. She has a sound similar to Natalie Cole. Sandy Foster is amazing. She sings about everything from loneliness to happiness. Her jazz vocal skills will clearly make her a big star, as she knows how to hit the right notes. She shines on her original song “Cranberry Jazz”; all but three songs on the album were written by Sandy Foster herself. I strongly recommend this album for the jazz fanatic in your life.
Kim Morgan, The Mind’s Eye
October 29, 2005 CD REVIEW: Sandy Foster - Marooned
Marooned is Sandy Foster''s third studio album, released June 2005. The last three years has seen the dawn of this latest Edmonton Jazz crooner. Sandy debuted Purplexed, January 2003, which was nominated for Jazz/Blues album of the year (VIBE Awards 2004), her sophomore effort, Orangify was nominated for Jazz/Blues Album (SHAI Awards 2005). From the sound of things, Sandy''s music can never be marooned on anyone''s shelf for long, it might be a permanent fixture in your CD player though.
Soft, standard jazz formats are accompanied by piano, guitar, upright bass, flute, drums and soprano sax. There are a few slow-paced, contemplatative piano numbers, along with a couple of swing tunes, there''s also three mambo/latin-flavoured pieces. The album opener, ''T''aint what you do,'' written by Sly Oliver and James Young, just has that jiving, groovy, finger snapping, feet clicking kinda feeling. The title track that follows suit shuffles along in a mambo vein, Sandy does a great job of adding vocals ever so elegantly. ''Play a song for you, '' a beautiful prayer-like tune for all the children in this world, pauses now and then for Sandy to offer up her musical thoughts.
Her mid-range vocal style has a tone similar to that of Sade and Norah Jones; soothing, calming the listener (it certainly calmed me!) The duo ''Meet me there'' where she''s accompanied by vocalist/saxophonist Dave Babcock is laid-back and sultry. Dave''s deep croon allows Sandy''s voice to take on a different shape entirely, rather than crowding her out with his vocals and sax playing, the entire song has just enough breathing space to allow all three melody lines to exist interdependently.
In fact, no instrument overpowers each other, but rather works cohesively to produce this well crafted, subtle jazz piece of art. What is derived here, is the level of maturity each musician brings to the table. It is said that we are only as good as the people we associate ourselves with, in this case, Sandy has just the right talent behind her voice.
Each song has it''s own story, which Sandy briefly reveals in the liner notes of the CD jacket. She gives the listener a look into her world, both musically and lyrically.
She is a jazz singer/songwriter, telling tales of her life, her family, her loved ones, joys and sorrows. It is for that matter a rather personal, heartfelt album. It is an album about the very existence of our humanity. It is a positive record of hope.
Sandy draws listeners into her world, but yet tells it in such a way that anyone can relate to her songs. With three albums under her belt, and with critical recognition for her work to date, Sandy''s Marooned truly is a lovely, well written and produced standard jazz album.
Francesco Emmanuel , The Muse’s Muse
October 12, 2005 Sandy Foster - Marooned (2005)
Sandy Foster can be considered among the greats of modern Canadian jazz vocalists standing beside the likes of Holly Cole, Diane Krall and Molly Johnson even if her talents are just beginning to receive recognition. Not just a voice (and a gorgeous one at that), Sandy composes and writes all of her own music. Marooned contains 11 songs of which nine are originals and except for a collaborative effort on, "Meet Me Here" all were written and composed by Sandy herself.
This is Sandy''s third CD (following Purplexed (2003) and Orangify (2004)) and she seems to be on the cusp of star-recognition for her hard work. Highlights of the CD include a beautiful rendition of the Sly Oliver/James Young song, "T''Ain''t What You Do," a song about facing loss, "Thankful," and a foray into pop sensibilities with "Cranberry Jazz." The latter song begs the question of whether Sandy was listening to a Connie Kalder album at the time she was inspired to pen it to paper as the make-up of and the ending lyrical surprise has the humour of Kalder written all over it.
Sandy ends the CD with another striking cover. "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars," a song by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Gene Lees, is approached with smooth vocals and is a fitting outro to an album that begs for CD player time during those restful hours of quiet contemplation.
Scott D. Brown, https://www.tradebit.com
October 6, 2005 Marooned Review
Sandy Foster has remarked ''Life is too short to be marooned''. The fact that we can all be ostracized into oblivion and segregated from relationships by the busyness of our lives is part of the main thinking behind the title track but this is an album that is everything BUT marooned. It is the consequence of being gifted vocally, musically, and creatively and Sandy Foster IS remarkably and irretrievably gifted! I''d like you to relax for a https://www.tradebit.com take in what I am telling you... you are about to read a review of one of the most remarkable albums ever to have been born in Canada... reading takes patience... listening takes you on a heart and soul meandering journey... in the company of Sandy Foster!
T''aint what you do opens this remarkable album and the first thing that happens is a case of shock. That semi-acoustic guitar and finger glided piano compliments Sandy''s jazzy vocal to a tee and you''re wondering how it is that the girl isn''t a guest on just about everyone''s favourite jazz presentation around the world. Move over girls... Sandy''s on the airstrip about to take off on a much anticipated world tour!
When we get to the amazing songwriting epitaph that''s Marooned we are treated to a rather extraordinary writing talent that could never be pushed aside. The song opens with some lovely upright bass and Sandy''s vocals are complimented with an equally lovely flute that''s both skillfully conceived and skillfully played. What''s particularly striking about this song is the cleverness in the lyrical emphasis that Sandy delivers. You see, not many jazz singers can get away with this without being called ''great'' jazz singers... and Sandy is one of the ''greats''. As if this wasn''t enough of a testimony to Sandy Foster''s remarkable vocal, then Play a song for you will almost certainly do the trick! The delightfully candlelit opening mood is challenged by the vocal prowess that keeps you mesmerized.. what a girl! Insatiably appetizing piano and emotion driven vocals make this magnificent song shine and I would absolutely LOVE to see these guys live... come to think of it... they''re only a few hours away and so I''ll get that sorted for sure!
Do I worry about you? With inspiration sprung forth on a plane trip... this song is an absolute classic of the highest magnitude ... beautiful vocals... astonishing bass playing and drum, guitar, and piano work that deserves an award for just being brilliantly executed.. it''s all here in abundance. Then there''s the song itself... I mean... wouldn''t you love to have been responsible for writing these lyrics??? Of course you would!
Thankful Well I''m thankful that I have the pleasure of writing this review and oh dear me what a pleasure this song is! I could swear there''s a hitherto unexplored part of our imagination that has wings and an undercarriage! This song took me flying all over the place and there wasn''t a hint of engines or fuel... it all happens on the beautiful vibrato and sustain that Sandy Foster has acquired, developed, and so obviously mastered! Keep your eye out for those lovely piano and bass inserts... a little jazz tapestry got wove in the composition here and it''s as colourful and as vibrant as any jazz tapestry you could ever hope to find!
This is the bit where the breeze of writer''s anxiety comes... you see, to get into writing a review ''properly'' you have to listen to the album about three times... you have to try very hard to engage the performer''s world and provide a bridge to the world of the intended audience. The thing is.. three times is NOT enough... it would not be just... it would not be fair! However, on first listening.. You speak surpasses everything you ever expected to be made possible in female vocalized jazz! On third play... you are skillfully observant and it''s great when you realize that your thoughts and perceptions were very much confirmed on first listening. You speak is a work of absolute class! Electrifyingly beautiful singing, and undeniably brilliant musicianship is what this track really is... it''s ok.. you go on now and play it however many times you like... and you will!
Cranberry jazz opens with a nice tight intro that leads into another of Sandy''s songs that makes me wish she lived next door... then I could say ''How the %^&* did you manage to sing like that?!!!". I haven''t tapped my toes this much in ages! Watchout for the superb guitar solo that makes you want to rush out and buy a dead expensive Gibson semi or whatever it is that can have you make numerous attempts at learning the delightful riffs. A superb song... very New York Jazz... very Sandy Foster!
Meet me here is perhaps one of the best things that happened to me this year after pressing the play button! The magic in Sandy Foster''s voice continues to enthrall and the lyrics are so well crafted and THEN Dave Babcock arrives and you almost want to dwindle into nothingness as his incredible vocal sends your sense up the wall, around the floor, and behind the radiators with sheer disbelief! The production must have been an absolute joy to work on and who knows what was going through the minds between the headphones during the mixdown!
It all falls on me has little touches of some of the greatest jazz singers in the world all in one mouth... I guess it really does all fall on Sandy Foster! Piano work on this track is magnificent... but then the band have coped with the enormity of their skills and tasks so well throughout this entire album that it leaves you in a state of complete and utter wonderment! What a band... what a track!
Subject to the whether is such a clever song with it''s metaphoricalisms. I have to say it again... wouldn''t you love to have been responsible for writing this song? AND wouldn''t you love to have a voice like that! Careful attention should be paid here to what happens between the vocal parts and the guitar and piano parts.. it''s almost like the instruments, including the vocal, were born on the same day, at the same time, to the same mother! Mention should also be made in referencing the bass and drums also.. you see any bass player will tell you that ''working out'' with a drummer requires an attention to detail that takes time to master. These guys have long since passed the point of no return and, like the guitar and piano -players, have truly mastered their craft to the ''nth degree!
Quiet nights of quiet stars . Now it gets a bit sad knowing that this is the last track on the album... when the joy has unfolded to where it''s at! It''s a very dreamy jazz song that''s performed and produced to the kind of standard you''d expect to line up for to witness at the Royal Albert Hall. Again, we have a completely professional package to unwrap when listening to this song and it''s all contained in the instruments and the voice that were naturally put together to astonish the ears and the heart!
All the great Canadian jazz players and singers in this genre should take note of what exactly has been accomplished here... pure unadulterated brilliance in performance, in composition, and in production. The rest of the world needs to simply applaud and give the girl a standing ovation for a job well done!
Colin Lynch - October 06 2005 https://www.tradebit.com
August 12, 2005 MONCTON TIMES & TRANSCRIPT - Eric Lewis
Sandy Foster (Marooned) (ïïï 1/2)
Sandy Foster’s warm, inviting jazz makes for one of the coolest listens I’ve heard in a while. Her easy-going, seemingly effortless vocals are the real treat here, but it’s backed up by some awesome swing and jazz music on tracks like “T’Ain’t What You Do”, “Marooned”, “Cranberry Jazz” and “Subject To The Whether”. Her duet with Dave Babcock on “Meet Me Here” is one of the highlights on this disc, with both singers sounding smooth and confident singing to each other. She’s not doing much of anything out of the ordinary, but it’s gentle, warm and simply fun. I love the fact that Foster included liner notes with her thoughts on each song and what they mean to her. It really puts it in perspective for you. If you’re a jazz afficianado, you’d be remiss to not check out Ms. Foster.
Eric Lewis, Life & Times Reporter Times & Transcript, Moncton, N.B.
August 5, 2005 Kelowna Capital News - Bruce Mitchell
This is Canadian jazz singer and composer Sandy Foster’s third album. Her previous release featured several original songs as well as some well chosen covers that all helped her receive several VIBE and SHAI award nominations for Best Jazz/Blues Album of The Year.
Foster has an earthy yet crystalline voice and a superb backing combo that boasts three fine economical solists for piano, flute and guitar.
Foster usually has a deep spiritual content with her personal songs where she strives to keep this jazz-pop “transparent, authentic and warm”. She finds profundities in common place events such as on You speak, and the ballad Play a Song for You.
But like Foster, I too am a total sucker for Antonio Carlos Jobim and her restive take of Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars is worth the price of admission alone.
June 29, 2005 RAY’S REVIEWS Edmonton’s Sandy Foster delivers tonnes of jazzy soul
Edmonton’s own Sandy Foster is back with her third album, once again delivering tonnes of jazzy soul and warmth to her eager audience. The independently released Marooned is a wonderful medium for Foster to express her joie de vivre as well as her loneliness and sadness. What’s so great is that she reaches both ends of the emotional spectrum with as much ease and as much conviction. She’s got great control of her friendly, soul-filled voice, which she generally keeps pretty toned down and laid back. Her choice of music is fairly eclectic, ranging from classic standards to some mighty decent originals. But each number here works beautifully with her vocal range.
I tend to prefer her more up-tempo numbers – the boppy, little ditties that her fans enjoy so much. Topping my list is the snazzy T’Ain’t What You Do, a fun, swingy little swinging bopper with a heavy bass line, courtesy of Glenn Durksen. Cranberry Jazz, another fun toe-tapper, puts piano man Matt Day in the spotlight – which he grabs right onto during an excellent twinkly break. Next comes Do I Worry About You, which starts off as a slow, quiet piano piece but then jumps into a lively, kicking song accentuated by a smokin’ guitar solo by Wes Yaciuk. And of course, there’s the attitude-filled, finger-snapper It All Falls On You, again featuring some fine piano work.
You Speak also got my attention through its breezy, fun atmosphere, created in part by some exceptional flute work by drummer Kevin Andrews. That same joyful feel (complete with flute) is also found on the title track, Marooned. It also features a nice flamenco-styled flare.
Rounding out my favourites is Quiet Night on Quiet Stars, which is also fairly breezy and which also features some mighty fine key work. This time, though, Foster’s voice is quite plaintive. Also worthy of mention is Meet Me Here, performed as a duet with the incomparable, smooth-voiced jazz master Dave Babcock, who also throws in some nifty soprano sax.
Those who enjoy jazz vocal albums should not be disappointed by this nice little gem.
Jun 11, 2005 - 08:11 AM EJAZZ NEWS – George W. Carroll
Composer & jazz singer Sandy Foster asserts her CD project right away with her array of intelligent well honed jazz originals. Sandy exhibits the ability to thrust her music at us with melodic invention. Plus, her out & out sauce of technique is both rhythmic & vocally emotional. Her fastidious vocalise lies underneath a musical surface which covers a stirring involvement with both her craft & her music. Croon on girl! There''s no "Ill Wind" Here.
George W. Carroll/The Musicians'' Ombudsman EJAZZNEWS
People who are interested in Diana Krall Eva Cassidy Norah Jones should consider this download.
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