Sandy Dennison: Press

An accomplished and very pleasant album of Sandy's interpretations of jazz standards and her favorites. Excellent production with her jazz quintet, especially Vincent Frates on piano standing out. One of those albums that is right when the mood fits, an easy relaxing non-controvercial set which has its place in any collection.

Sandy Dennison explores jazz and pop standards from the Great American Songbook on Jazzed! There are many CDs like this lately, but this one is a fine effort. Dennison does not try to do anything new. In fact, her press release calls her "sound uniquely centered in the tradition of vocalists such as Chris Connor and Helen Merrill of the 1950s era."

This CD sounds like a release of a 1950s singer updated with modern production values and a high degree of jazz sensibility. Unlike recordings from an earlier era, Andre St. James's upright bass can be easily heard, adding to the rhythm. The production by Vincent Frates, who also plays piano on the CD, brings out Dennison's clear-as-a-bell voice.

The songs are delivered in traditional style, but many are approached with a different tempo or feel. "A Wonderful Day Like Today" has fast, breezy solos by Derek Sims on muted trumpet. Frates uses three note patterns to anchor the rhythm for "Primrose Color Blue" and "On The Street Where You Live." David Evans's sax turns "Lonely Hours" into a film noir type of song. "They Say It's Wonderful" and "A Sunday Kind of Love" become plaintive ballads.

It is a subjective judgment that depends on the listener, but it seems to me that Dennison has more of a feel for these songs than nearly all the singers who are turning to standards to revive their careers, and her interpretive skills are far superior. In other words, this CD is the real thing.

Portlanders will know Dennison’s straight ahead delivery and her bright vibrato. It’s obvious she is a respected artist. Darrell Grant produced her first solo disc, and this one features a nice assortment of talent, including saxophonist David Evans, trumpeter Derek Sims, bassist Andre St. James, drummer Mark DeFlorio, and Emmy-winning composer/pianist Vincent Frates on piano. The disc showcases Dennison’s ability to convey her lyrics clearly and honestly. Her cover of Cleo Laine’s bluesy “Primrose Color Blue,” is fun and slick, while her loping version of “On the Street Where You Live,” is downright pretty in its light swing and her phrasing is flawless.

Sandy Dennison, here backed by a quintet, has the good jazz acumen to select some great tunes, on this her second album.

"A Sunday Kind Of Love" is a special song with hard hitting lyrics and Sandy Dennison sings the bottom out of every note. Singing in tune is a blessing to hear and Dennison sure does that in no uncertain terms.

Sandy Dennison pays homage to the composers of this fine tune in fine fashion. David Evans' sultry sax solo is a nice touch. I congratulate whomever selected this number. It shows hip jazz sense.

A tight swinging ensemble plus Dennison's fine vocals make this a solid jazz album, worthy of the discerning ear. 5 Stars

Jazz vocalist Sandy Dennison presents her second CD interpreting thirteen standards freshly “jazzed” up and packaged in a very special album simply titled Jazzed! Possessing unique vocals with a tender almost raspy quality to her sound, Dennison’s softer phrasings serve to separate her from the pack in creating an identity all her own. She employs this authentic sound in providing a new approach to the great selection of standards, some of which do not get the attention they deserve.

The lady provides sweet renditions of two less recorded, yet wonderful tunes that she seems to bring to life in new fashion. One of these is the romantic bossa-nova shaded "Moonlight,” and the other is the up-tempo “On The Street Where You Live,” where the lady leads a bouncy tune accompanied by a fine solo from pianist and arranger, Vincent Frates.

Dennison sings a beautiful love ballad with “A Sunday Kind Of Love,” lending a soft texture to the music with her unique vocals and giving way to a cushy sax solo by David Evans. For this listener, the best song here is the fine rendition of Pablo Ruiz’s classic standard “Sway,” complete with terrific solos from the pianist and sax man as the singer voices a smooth version of the song.

Jazzed! is a session of light relaxing jazzy love songs performed by a classy lady with jazzy vocals. Sandy Dennison puts together an album that conveys a certain swing and swagger with every song.

There's a certain...confidence, I think, in having gray hair. I think I qualify to say that. Likewise, there's a certain confidence in the work of Ms. Dennison and her pals on this disc. It's in everything from Ms. Dennison's phrasing, to the solos each of the fine musicians in her combo perform.

These ain't kids, folks. And all of that is to say that the meaning that gets imparted by Ms. Dennison's interpretation of the lyrics comes from experience. My favorites include "A Wonderful Day Like Today," the brightly optimistic "On The Street Where You Live," and the ballad, "Lonely Hours," which features a heart-breaking saxophone solo by David Evans.

The publicity handout compares her work to Helen Merrill or Chris Conner from the 50s. Maybe. But Ms. Dennison doesn't really need to be compared to anyone.

One of the joys of doing this is coming across great regional vocalists who deserve much larger attention. Ms. Dennison is one of these singers. Kudos too - to Vincent Frates, an Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated composer and pianist.

This disc transcends most of the stuff that finds its way into the girlsingers.org mailbox. Go listen - it's iTunable. Tell me what you think.

Highly Recommended.Three microphones (out of four)

The past few years have seen increased vitality in the Portland area's jazz singing community. Besides well-established artists who have been appearing regularly, a group of talented and trained-up-and-coming vocalists now present traditional jazz repertoire in clubs, festivals and other local venues every week. There's good reason to count Sandy Dennison among them, as she demonstrates on her second CD, "Jazzed," a collection of American Songbook standards presented with solid intonation and good timing. Her relaxed swing feel, especially on ballads and bossa novas, gives the music buoyancy, a lyrical quality enhanced by excellent accompanists, including the smooth David Evans on tenor saxophone and upbeat drummer Mark DiFlorio. Dennison grew up on the East Coast, a promising singer who stepped away from her career to raise a family. Seven years ago, she re-emerged in Portland, singing jazz. But Dennison's appeal isn't based on nostalgia for tunes she listened to in her youth. The fresh sound she gives to chestnuts such as "Close Your Eyes," which she delivers slow and bluesy, and "They Say It's Wonderful' are due in part to interesting arrangements, some provided by Emmy-winning pianist Vincent Frates. And any song can sound new when the singer makes it her own. Dennison does that best and most expressively on ballads such as "Lonely Hours," where the tempo allows her to stretch a syllable and shade a meaning.

Dear Sandy, I heard a cut from the new CD on Art Abrams' radio show today. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my "review" (not that you asked!) is: "Simply superb." I hope you're happy and proud of the recording.

"Sandy's vocal magic; Superb voice quality, savvy phrasing and just enough vibrato, provide jazzy musical ear candy sweetened with her considerable verve and energy. This musical angel has just enough of the devil in her to make her song stylings fun and frolicy. She sings and she swings!!!

"Sandy Dennison swings!"

This is a very thoughtful review. Quite the gift! To read it, go to the website.

Sandy Dennison - her success train has arrived at the station! The evening of Saturday, 02.10.07 marked this writer's first musical rendezvous with local jazz chanteuse, Sandy Dennison. Wilf's Restaurant & Bar provided a warm, cozy backdrop for Sandy's stellar song stylings assisted by an able trio of jazz stalwarts. George Mitchell on piano, Ken Anoe on bass and Donny Osborne on drums provided an elegant musical backdrop for Sandy's vocal magic. Superb voice quality, savvy phrasing and just enough vibrato, provide some jazzy musical ear candy sweetened with her considerable verve and energy. This musical angel has just enough of the devil in her to make her song stylings fun & frolicy. She sings and she swings!!! Her play list included old standards such as "Since I Fell For You" and "Night & Day". Sandy Dennison creates an ambience of welcome and warmth which makes for easy listening during her musical outings which this writer will be eager to reprise regularly in the future. Her upbeat musical offerings are sure to be a tasty musical dish on the jazz festival smorgasbord.

"Sandy Dennison, with her Lena Horne quality, is dandy!"

"A Stellar Act! Dennison is warm, passionate and fun!"

"Sandy Dennison bursts with good cheer. Her enthusiasm is one of her best assets and her snappy delivery works well in any venue."

"Sandy held her audience with professional skill and changing tempos; the evening was sparked with lots of variety and a friendly rapport with the audience."

"You'd have to go to New York to get this kind of entertainment!"

"Sandy Dennison is wonderful and routinely delightful!"

"Sandy Dennison and her trio are awesome!!"

"Sandy Dennison does a great job of building a rapport with the audience and transitions the crowd from quiet musical interludes to an involved and lively musical performance."

"When I first heard Sandy sing and watched her enliven the audience with her sass and swing, all I could say was WOW! Hire her, you and your audience will be delighted."

"Sandy Dennison's warm, intimate vocals, does the Duke proud."

"Sandy Dennison and her trio added the elegance and class we were seeking for this special evening. Sandy's versatility and repertoire were ideal for allowing guests to either enjoy the music or dance the night away. Her energy and polish helped us create a truly unforgettable evening."

Sandy was the perfect choice! She kept the energy flowing, even when the crowd topped 300!

"Sandy is absolutely marvelous! Her voice is so clear and velvety smooth, her style so elegant! Her pianist and bass player are wonderful and their timing is impeccable. All around? Positively delightful!" Brenda Kell, Sherman Clay/Moe's Pianos

Sandy Dennison, jazz vocalist is smooth, elegant and savvy!

Jazzed! Sandy Dennison, vocals. Portland's own Sandy Dennison's new CD contains a nice balance of standards and a few well written tunes new to me. In the latter category, try Billy Strayhorn's intricate You're The One, a delicacy with Stray's stamp on it. Other delights include Close Your Eyes, They Say It's Wonderful, A Sunday Kind Of Love, and a piece you may not remember from the title, Sway. You'll know it when you hear it. Sandy's a fine singer who never forces a note, and the quintet accompanying her is well suited to the task at hand. Nice going, Sandy! ****

"Sandy Dennison and her trio are wonderful to work with. Her group added ambiance and flair to our VIP event. All of our guests were very entertained. If I ever have a need like this again, I would be thrilled to book them.

Hello Sandy,
You're version of "They Say It's Wonderful" is really fine. Your vibrato and phrasing are really subtle and beautiful. The slow tempo is nice, and commercially effective, as I understand things. Congratulations. George

"Sandy Dennison gave a stellar performance during our Stormy Weather Arts Festival in Cannon Beach. She performed twice and during each performance she was lively and energetic and kept the crowd very entertained."

"When you hear her, you will, without a doubt, understand why she is a jazz vocalist.'