Album Notes

"TENDER TRAP" Released 2005 on Original Music
VOCALS: Amanda Carr
GUITAR: John Wilkins
BASS: Bronek Suchanek
DRUMS: Kenny Hadley
GUEST ARTISTS: Dick Johnson/Clarinet and Alto Sax... Rick Hammett/Trumpet and Flugel horn...Jerry Vejmola/Tenor sax

REVIEWS:
BOSTON HERALD.COM “.....From the oversize gig to the warm confines of a jazz club, last evening I sat and watched Amanda Carr sing a mix of standards and lesser known tunes that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt the power of desire. Carr was a guest on my late 1990’s talk show on WRKO, where she showed incredible poise by singing with nothing but acoustic guitar accompaniment. Her voice is like a soft blanket that surrounds you and instantly provides a sense of comfort and contentment. Blessed with a wonderful range, you hear every word, and the lowest notes are the sweetest. Somewhere in the set at Scullers I recalled why my father said he loved Sarah Vaughan so much - it was that compelling low end that brought home the songs so effortlessly. Carr recorded an album in Italy, but we can claim her as Boston’s own. Don’t miss her when she brings her romantic style and smile to a stage near you. The pop culture landscape may be filled to the brim with fakers who can’t hold a note, but Amanda Carr is the real thing, and yes, I would pay to hear her sing the phone book.” --- Tai Irwin 11/06


FOUR STARS: All MUSIC GUIDE!!! “With so many female vocalists releasing new jazz CDs in a given year, it is extremely difficult to grab one's attention; Amanda Carr's CD, though released by a small label, has the ingredients necessary to do so......Amanda Carr deserves greater attention in the jazz world." -- Ken Dryden


RHAPSODY.com “Amanda is a very good jazz singer who displays Carmen McRae's control and Diana Krall's sporty good looks She is more daring than Krall.getting into Bop, but like McRae Carr keeps the experimentation focused on the song at hand. Carr has performed with James Moody and the ArtieShaw Big Band, but her own backing group is featured to good effect here. Along with standards, Carr has written a few tasty originals.” -- Nick Dedina


“...A voice that was meant to sing in this genre.... She’s fast emerging from a hidden jewel to a shining gem!” --- Ernie Santosuosso, Music Reviewer---The Boston Globe


JAZZREVIEW.com "Female jazz vocalists seem all the rage at the moment, yet despite this fact, few seem to gain much attention from the general public....Her warm alto voice coupled with her expressive phrasing make her a first-rate vocalist.....Carr’s fine delivery and easy swinging style elevates what could be standard jazz vocal album to an exceptional listening experience. This is one CD that I’m sure you’ll play over and over again." -- Lawrence Williams


ALL ABOUT JAZZ.com "More and more, jazz singers seem determined to present their versions of Abbey Lincoln's “Throw It Away,” and Carr doesn't disappoint with her take on the tune....I enjoyed Tender Trap and look forward to Amanda Carr's next venture." Michael P. Gladstone


JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE “...there is no question that ‘Tender Trap’ is a really fine album...a winner for those listeners who love standards, who appreciate honesty and unpretentiousness in a vocalist and who know what it takes to put together instrumentalists and vocalists in a way that works.”-- Bud Kopman

BOSTON MAGAZINE.com “Amanda Carr’s rich alto, expressive lyrics and intimate stage presence are marks of an exciting new jazz vocalist.”