Search - Valerie Joyce :: New York Blue

Top Talent

Rockian | Australia | 08/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The trouble with jazz singing is that so many can't agree on what it is. Those who love the vocal gymnastics of some singers with their improvised 'scatter gun' approach dismiss with a sneer those whose emphasis is on the expressive beauty of a ballad. It's why Diana Krall's lovely string albums have been dismissed in some quarters and why Stacey Kent, one of the finest interpreters of the great standards, remains relatively unknown in Australia today- except for those who know. Yet on hearing Krall, Kent and Tierney Sutton for the first time, you soon realize they have something very special- a distinctive sound and presence. And so it is with Valerie Joyce, a new name to me, but a great talent. In an era when young twenty-something singers are being hailed as the next big thing or the new Norah Jones, it is refreshing to hear one who is not only a class act, but is headed for the top. Listening to the Japanese-American singer's subtly crafted ballad interpretations it is evident she has an affinity with the material. As she says, "I am inspired by the great classic songwriters....being able to record these songs with amazing musicians was a magical, unforgettable experience." With her distinctive, smoky vibrato she gently unfolds the lyrics of venerable gems from The Great American Songbook by Rogers and Hart (It Never Entered My Mind and It's Easy To Remember), Cole Porter (Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye), Alec Wilder (Moon And Sand), and Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke (Darn That Dream) as well as breathing new life into such pop fare as Jimmy Hendrix's Little Wing and John Lennon/Paul McCartney's Golden Slumber. And she is one of the few singers who can reprise Fever without me thinking of Peggy Lee. But if there is one song that is made for her whispered elegance, it's Sammy Cahn and Jule Stye's I Fall In Love Too Easily- for me the outstanding track. She is well served by her backing musicians especially saxophonist Lawrence Feldman who solos with consummate taste on both alto and tenor. Listening to her recalls memories of another era when songs were not only always melodic but well sung. A very special talent indeed! - Kevin Jones (Rockian Trading/ Australia/August 2006)"

Relaxing, low key jazz.

Music Lover | New York, NY | 08/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this rather relaxing, or at least low-key jazz release, Valerie Joyce's beautiful, smooth and often whispering voice is definitely highlighted. Though a thoroughly trained pianist in her own right, here she perhaps wisely, lets a very professional small group accompany her quite superbly, particularly Andy Ezrin on piano. He and Valerie pretty much share honors and the sidemen such as the acoustic bass players (on different tracks) are relatively subdued. Some exceptions, for too brief moments, are superbly recorded by Chesky revealing in intimate detail, the alto saxophone playing. Joyce's voice would seem to be well suited to jazz, the blues and pop. Here, it is easy to call the music easy listening jazz with ballads included. Typical excellent Chesky audio quality is featured. Their even better SACDs will be the only release form for most future releases.



Karl Lozier www.positive-feedback.com/Issue37/telarc.htm"

So few singers..........

Robert C. Hufford | Hopewell, VA USA | 12/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"....truly have their "own sound", but Valerie Joyce sure does. It can by awfully hard, even for experts, to tell singers apart [I remember a couple of episodes of the Texaco Opera Quiz...], but Miss Joyce seems to have a sound that is fairly close to unique. That, and her looks, gives her an instant advantage over some tough competition....



Right from the opening "It Never Entered My Mind", I thoroughly enjoyed this album of old standards, some more standard than others. "Everytime We Say Goodbye" was really special. Recording for Chesky is a two-edged sword...a singer gets the very finest instrumental back-up, and recording/production skill that is matched by only one company [Reference], and topped by none. However, Chesky Records are not widely distributed, and are tough to find, especially since the tragic demise of Tower.



Valerie Joyce is a pretty young girl with a fine voice, and great promise. Time alone will tell if she realizes the promise, or remains just another pretty girl. In the meantime, I heartily recommend this album."