NEW REVIEW:
JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE
By: BOB GISH
ARTIST: EILEEN BERTSCH
PRODUCER: DAN JACOBS
RECORD COMPANY: METRO RECORDS, INC., 2005
Eileen Bertsch's vocals are featured in the most pleasing and accommodating context. From the first track, appropriately suggesting a sanguine future - and features - to come, you know guitarist Randy Dorman is only the first soloist to establish the enhancing setting and mood for lyrics.
Dorman's responsive playing is typical of the other top-drawer musicians heard on this CD. Dan Jacobs' trumpet comes to the fore on “Under My Skin” with opportune obbligato by Dorman and an arrangement, true to course, which presents sax, trombone, percussion and piano in fine proportion.
Bertsch's equally fine lyricism on “Unforgettable” benefits beautifully from David Angell and John Catchings' strings, and most especially from the sophisticated sax solo of Denis Solee. “It's Wonderful” is a fully orchestrated arrangement, complemented by a rubato introduction that sets up a slow tension for the upbeat, swinging, main melody and verse. The big band sound never overwhelm Bertsch, who always retains an easy, cabaret style in her vocals.
Dorman enters again on “People” to accompany Bertsch in another intimate duet, soon enhanced by soft string orchestrations allowing the lyrics to soar. Jacobs angelic sounding trumpet augments the gregarious, loving message of the lyrics, brought to a dramatic crescendo by thundering drums.
The lyrics of “Some People's Lives stand solidly in the forefront of the orchestration, allowing Bertsch's voice to shine. “Desperado,” as sung here, needn't be compared to either the Eagles' or Linda Ronstadt's versions, although Dorman's guitar does give it a kind of suave Western feel behind Bertsch's bravado.
Much the same goes for 'My Funny Valentine,” which seems ideally suited for Bertsch's voice, setting it apart from the countless interpretations of the nevertheless somehow abstruse lyric. Jacobs' muted trumpet and the prominence of glissando bass lines add just the right feel to Bertsch's contrasting high-pitched protestations.
By the time one experiences “Summertime” or “Over the Rainbow” one knows when listening to the funky-friendly “You've Got a Friend” why this CD is called Eileen. She's a friend - and so are the musicians with her. - Bob Gish
NEW REVIEW:
"Eileen is fully engulfed in singing. It is her life, her dreams and her passion. Listening to her, you'll feel this and understand where she's coming from. Her passion is focused on fourteen songs here, arrangements that fall into her sweet spot. The "Boys" who accompany her are Dan Jacobs (t), Randy Dorman (g), Jonathan Jacobs (d), Chuck Jacobs (b), are all seasoned veterans and up to the task. Take a listen and feel her vibe!"
D. Oscar Groomes
O's Place Jazz Newsletter
OsPlaceJazz.com
REVIEW FROM ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM by Jim Santella
CD: "Eileen"
ARTIST: Eileen Bertsch
LABEL: Metro Records, Inc.
"the music gets its due through her honest portrayal of each thrilling role"
With her program of popular songs and show tunes, Eileen Bertsch brings back memories. They're the songs that we've come to know and to love. Her strong voice, backed by a studio orchestra and strings, forces itself through with a powerful will.
As if acting on stage during a musical drama, the singer projects deliberately, while interpreting each selection full steam ahead. On "Over the Rainbow" she belts its soaring melody out powerfully. No one in the theater would miss such a display. Strings and piano melt in behind her vibrant delivery, which stands out for its push. As the key changes, her emotion pushes even harder, giving her interpretation an eruptive quality.
Much of the program works in a similar manner, giving the singer free rein to climb every mountain and move higher and higher. Delicate moments through pieces such as "Aspettami" and "My Funny Valentine" are balanced by her powerfully passionate delivery.
The high point of the album comes with Carole King's "You've Got a Friend," which receives a funk arrangement, ushering in horns, guitar, keyboards, bass, and percussion. Here, Bertsch lets her hair down and comes alive, as she's joined by a male vocalist on this thrilling arrangement. Trumpets soar, organ grinds out a soulful refrain, the rhythm section hammers out a strong foundation, and both vocalists turn up the heat. They're on fire.
Throughout the album, the music gets its due through her honest portrayal of each thrilling role. The session contains stellar ensemble and solo work from Bertsch's accompanists. Outstanding contributions from saxophonist Denis Solee, guitarist Randy Dorman, and trumpeter Dan Jacobs make a distinctive impression. The singer is fortunate to have such good musical company by her side. - by Jim Santella for allaboutjazz.com
RADIO HOST FEEDBACK:
She has the right to get and keep my attention. I read her bio and background with so many Broadway musicals and diverse people. Her treatment of the great tunes on this CD certainly fits my radio show and my tastes. I'm familiar with the Jacobs Brothers and Dan Jacobs has written some magnificent charts on this album. Eileen puts a lot of new life to the standards. I don't recall ever hearing the verse to "My Funny Valentine." This will be the first thing I play on my show and certainly will stay in my bag for a long time!
- Jerry Atkins, Jazz Music Director, KTXK, 91.5FM
RADIO HOST FEEDBACK:
It's fabulous!! She can deliver a song like it should be ...with feeling!!! She has a great way with a song and her interpretation of these standards is right on the money. Trumpeter also Dan Jacobs is always the best . . . #1 in my book! I am adding it on our radio show for play in Michigan. Keep up the good work!
- Jim Stone, Host - Big Band Swing - WLNZ, 89.7 FM
REVIEW FROM TALKIN' BROADWAY by Rob Lester
CD: "Eileen"
ARTIST: Eileen Bertsch
LABEL: Metro Records, Inc.
It's always great to discover a new singer. Well, at least new to me. Apparently, Eileen Bertsch has been around for quite a few years, making some recordings and doing theater around the country. (more at her website at eyesongmusic.com) The acting experience shows in her phrasing and ability to really get inside a song and tell a story. She has a strong, rich voice which she uses to wrap around a song and, in the embrace, she pulls in her audience. She can wail, she can croon, she can belt, but best of all, maybe, she can act a song. Her interpretations are thoughtful and intelligent, mostly songs of contentment with love.
More good news: she uses real live instruments! I especially like the trumpet work from Dan Jacobs, who is also the producer. There's classy work from all 14 - count 'em, 14! - listed musicians. Different instruments featured on various tracks lend variety to this well-done album.
The arrangements were fashioned by five different band members, with pianist Edgar Struble doing half of the fourteen charts. I especially admire the cello on "My Funny Valentine" (John Catchings).
A litmus test for me is how much I enjoy a new recording of a "mega standard" I've heard dozens of versions of over the years. Eileen passes with flying colors.
Even "Over The Rainbow" and "My Funny Valentine" sound fresh - and they're all on my Top Twenty list of songs I still love but have heard so many singers do that maybe enough is enough.
Well, hooray and hallelujah! She sings these (and many others) with great affection and even a sense of discovery that communicates, not taking them for granted as well-worn warhorses. This CD is well worth a listen.
- Rob Lester, Talkin' Broadway Reviewer
FAN FEEDBACK:
Wow! Great recording!
I loved your performances on the "Eileen" CD. The production qualtiy is wonderful and the band is great! You have to come to perform here Eleni. I am sure that the audiences will love you.
Petros Aragiannis
Hermoupolis-Syros, GREECE
REVIEW FROM NEW JAZZ HORIZONS e-magazine
CD: "Eileen"
ARTIST: Eileen Bertsch
LABEL: Metro Records, Inc.
Every once in a great while, you're lucky enough to be in the presence of greatness. On these rare occasions, you can totally relax and be certain that the artist is going to take you on a pleasant musical journey and bring you back, refreshed and happy you made the trip! On these occasions, you know you're in the hands of a master. This album by Eileen is one of these rare performances.
She is nothing less than a world-class singer and entertainer. On this recording, she is supported by an excellent band of "A-List" horn players and string players with a seasoned rhythm section, produced by Dan Jacobs for Metro Records, Inc. All the soloists - Denis Solee, sax and flute, Randy Dorman, guitar and Dan Jacobs on trumpet - are supremely satisfying to listen to and right in the pocket for this album; the rhythm section is amazing and the horn section is ferocious!
With songs like "Unforgettable, Over The Rainbow, Desperado, People, You've Got A Friend, In This Life" and much more (14 songs on the album), there is something for everyone to enjoy. Also, the live strings and horn section add just the bit of depth needed to support Eileen's vocal style.
She can apparently sing anything she wants to and I'm happy she chose this material from the American songbook. She has excellent range, dynamics, and control and most importantly, she seems to never sing a lyric that she doesn't believe in. Every word she sings comes right off the CD and into your heart!
Overall, the level of musicianship is only outdone by the quality of the message Eileen delivers through her singing! This is one album I can't stop listening to. You will not be disappointed!"
- B. Wilson, journalist/reviewer, New Jazz Horizons Magazine
FAN FEEDBACK:
I got the CD, "Eileen" and sat down to listen to a couple songs. I ended up listening to the whole album . . . twice! I couldn't stop. Eileen's voice seems to come right out of the speaker and grab your soul and make you sit up and listen. Who is this girl? Where did she come from? This is the most amazing album I've listened to in years. The producer, Dan Jacobs, has a winner on his hands with this one! Very Highly Recommended . . . GET IT NOW! (You won't be sorry).
- Dave Warne, percussionist/leader Sun Radius Orchestra.
ARTIST INFO:
Eileen has paid her dues on the equity circuit, singing in New York, Chicago, Kansas City and all over the U.S. with road shows like Hello Dolly, The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie, The Fantastiks and many more.
This is her third album and presents her at her best, with top-notch musicians and excellent arrangements that provide the springboard for her to soar!
From the heart-felt, "On A Clear Day," and the beautifully controlled, emotion filled, "Funny Valentine," which ranges from a seductive whisper to a soaring, spine-tingling vocal rendition that is in a class of it's own, to her version of "In This Life" which will leave you breathless and demanding more . . . this album has "STAR QUALITY" written all over it! It is one CD you won't be disappointed in.
Track Listing: On a Clear Day; I've Got You Under My Skin; Unforgettable; 'S Wonderful; People; Some People's Lives; Desperado; My Funny Valentine; Aspettami; Summertime; I Got Rhythm; Over the Rainbow; You've Got a Friend; In This Life.
Personnel: Eileen Bertsch: vocals; Dan Jacobs: trumpet; Denis Solee: tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute; Roy Agee: trombone; Randy Dorman: guitar; Warren Hartman, Edgar Struble, Ron Oates: piano; Chuck Jacobs, Dave Pomeroy: bass; Jonathan Jacobs, Bob Mater: drums; Tom Roady: percussion; John Catchings: cello; David Angell: violin.
Produced by Dan Jacobs for Metro Records, Inc.
Worldwide promotion and distribution by Metro Records, Inc.
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