Some Kind of Wonderful - Ilona Knopfler, Ellison, John
It's the Time of the Season - Ilona Knopfler, Argent, Rod
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do - Ilona Knopfler, Greenfield, Howard
One - Ilona Knopfler, Nilsson, Harry
Something - Ilona Knopfler, Harrison, George [1
Moondance - Ilona Knopfler, Morrison, Van
Alfie - Ilona Knopfler, Bacharach, Burt
Unchain My Heart - Ilona Knopfler, Powell, Teddy
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood - Ilona Knopfler, Benjamin, Bennie
He's Not There - Ilona Knopfler, Argent, Rod
River Man - Ilona Knopfler, Drake, Nick
Never My Love - Ilona Knopfler, Addrisi, Dick
Can't You See - Ilona Knopfler, Caldwell, Toney Tom
On Some Kind of Wonderful, her Mack Avenue recording debut, Ilona Knopfler applies her distinctive vocal styling to season 13 classic hits of the 60s and 70s with a luscious jazz flavor. On songs such as "Breaking Up Is H... more »ard To Do," Van Morrison's "Moon Dance," The Zombies' "(S)he's Not There," and the Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See," Ilona's soft and sultry vocals are bolstered by a strong supporting cast of players, including such jazz stalwarts as Dave Carpenter, Pat Kelley, Lenny Castro, and label-mate Eugene Maslov, as well as by string arrangements by Grammy-award winning composer and arranger Jimmie Haskell. Some Kind of Wonderful is just that - a wonderful introduction to a daring new talent.« less
On Some Kind of Wonderful, her Mack Avenue recording debut, Ilona Knopfler applies her distinctive vocal styling to season 13 classic hits of the 60s and 70s with a luscious jazz flavor. On songs such as "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," Van Morrison's "Moon Dance," The Zombies' "(S)he's Not There," and the Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See," Ilona's soft and sultry vocals are bolstered by a strong supporting cast of players, including such jazz stalwarts as Dave Carpenter, Pat Kelley, Lenny Castro, and label-mate Eugene Maslov, as well as by string arrangements by Grammy-award winning composer and arranger Jimmie Haskell. Some Kind of Wonderful is just that - a wonderful introduction to a daring new talent.
Douglas Panero | White Plains, New York USA | 01/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you thought that a CD with tunes like Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Something, and Alfie is covered ground so to speak, think again. Ilona turns some of these unappealing oldies into sparkling, beautiful, beckoning works of art. If you need a comparison to nudge you to click the 'buy' button, how about a less flamboyant version of Jane Monheit on Breaking Up or Susan Tedeschi on Some Kind of Wonderful. She cherishes every note she sings, particularly at the end of a phrase where the last trace of her voice lands as gently as a mother laying a child to rest. With a jazz feel to the whole effort, this is very sweet stuff."
Wow- this is a voice you'll remember
Tommasina | 08/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am thrilled with Ilona Knopfler's Some Kind of Wonderful. You may be turned off by the fact that these songs are remakes but lay your skepticism aside and listen. I dare you to for I know you will soon forget any reservations you may have had to begin with and be charmed by this amazing talent. Ilona Knopfler manages to master what few artists can- she makes these remakes her own. She breathes new life into legendary songs. When Ilona sings them, they cease to be someone else's song and become her own. Many of these songs have always been favorites of mine but listening to Ilona Knopfler sing them made me discover them all over again. It is like having loved someone for years and then waking up one morning and realizing how truly wonderful he is all over again. Another reason, I think that makes Some Kind of Wonderful work is that Ilona has a gift of speaking with her singing voice. Many people have great voices and hit all the right notes but there is something missing. What they are missing is that you have to sing a song from your heart. Singing is like talking. You need the emotion behind it to get the point across. Ilona Knopfler is one of those blessed few that understand this and poors her soul into a song and makes whatever song she is singing her own. There is an honesty and sincerity to her voice and style that will work no matter what she sings. The jazz arrangements on this CD are genius. The average listener will appreciate this at face value but the serious jazz lover will truly find themselves impressed. Keep an ear out for this name! I think we'll be hearing a lot more from Ilona Knopfler in the future. I know I for one can't wait for her next CD!"
Very Cool
Stephen Barany | San Leandro, CA USA | 10/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A very cool, crisp performance. On the pop side of jazz but a little swinging too. Ilona addresses the songs with respect and just the right emotional touch not frills. She has her own voice and doesn't copy anyone else's style. I look forward to much more from her."
Smokin' good time
D- | Burbank, CA United States | 09/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is great for putting on and laying back with a friend and cool beverage on a hot steamy summer night. The 70's have been brought back to life in seductive and smooth way."
It's a Classic
David Hayward | Berlin, CT | 08/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In this day of "over the top" renditions of classic tunes (ala "American Idol"), Ilona's spare performances allow the music to evoke new emotions. "Breaking up is Hard to Do" absolutely bowls me over. I couldn't imagine this song as a jazz standard. I stand corrected."Some Kind of Wonderful" will take it's place in the Jazz Pantheon.I truly look forward to more work by this talented artist."