Monday, March 19th, 2012 11:24 AM
NEW REVIEWS for
EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE
Joe Ross/Blogcritics.org
From Baltimore to Los Angeles, as an actor or singer, Susan Krebs - the self-professed "jazz gardener" - likes to dig, cultivate, grow, and flourish. Krebs' music wraps itself around the listener like a big hug. How can one not enjoy the whole grain, organic pleasure of jazz classics about spring, love, flowers, and stars? These are eight tunes that clearly provide considerable meaning, direction, and personal reflection for Krebs. They're the kind of songs that allow for plaintive, soothing contemplation. Whether a Cole Porter classic ("What Is This Thing Called Love?") or Billy Strayhorn tune ("A Flower is a Lovesome Thing"), the songs don't rush things. The creative, four-to-six minute arrangements allow for warm, expressive conversations between the vocalist and instrumentalists.
Krebs' earthy vocal presence is surrounded by the intimacy of her longtime collaborators, Rich Eames (piano) and Jerry Kalaf (drums). Together, they co-produced this project like their last - the enthusiastically received Jazz Aviary (2007). Ryan McGillicuddy (bass) and Chuck Manning (saxophones) round out the quintet for this current project. The closing feel-good single, "Are Ya Havin' Any Fun?" also taps Scott Breadman (percussion), Steve Huffsteter (trumpet), and Riner Scivally (guitar) for a carefully cultivated full combo sound.
In her interpretive cover of Bernard Ighner's "Everything Must Change" (featuring Chuck Manning's fine sax work), Krebs proclaims in song: "Rain comes from the clouds/Sun lights up the sky/And music...Sweet music/Oh music makes me cry." Thus, Krebs displays her love of good songs, as well as the emotional and symbiotic relationship that she intimately has with them. Throughout the entire set she exudes confidence, delivering the musical goods in a sturdy, self-assured, affable manner. She's a sincere singer whose ballads and sense of swing remind me of Shirley Horn. At the same time, think Sheila Jordan for the witty interpretation that Krebs and company provide in the joyously refreshing closing number.
EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE
Joe Ross/Blogcritics.org
From Baltimore to Los Angeles, as an actor or singer, Susan Krebs - the self-professed "jazz gardener" - likes to dig, cultivate, grow, and flourish. Krebs' music wraps itself around the listener like a big hug. How can one not enjoy the whole grain, organic pleasure of jazz classics about spring, love, flowers, and stars? These are eight tunes that clearly provide considerable meaning, direction, and personal reflection for Krebs. They're the kind of songs that allow for plaintive, soothing contemplation. Whether a Cole Porter classic ("What Is This Thing Called Love?") or Billy Strayhorn tune ("A Flower is a Lovesome Thing"), the songs don't rush things. The creative, four-to-six minute arrangements allow for warm, expressive conversations between the vocalist and instrumentalists.
Krebs' earthy vocal presence is surrounded by the intimacy of her longtime collaborators, Rich Eames (piano) and Jerry Kalaf (drums). Together, they co-produced this project like their last - the enthusiastically received Jazz Aviary (2007). Ryan McGillicuddy (bass) and Chuck Manning (saxophones) round out the quintet for this current project. The closing feel-good single, "Are Ya Havin' Any Fun?" also taps Scott Breadman (percussion), Steve Huffsteter (trumpet), and Riner Scivally (guitar) for a carefully cultivated full combo sound.
In her interpretive cover of Bernard Ighner's "Everything Must Change" (featuring Chuck Manning's fine sax work), Krebs proclaims in song: "Rain comes from the clouds/Sun lights up the sky/And music...Sweet music/Oh music makes me cry." Thus, Krebs displays her love of good songs, as well as the emotional and symbiotic relationship that she intimately has with them. Throughout the entire set she exudes confidence, delivering the musical goods in a sturdy, self-assured, affable manner. She's a sincere singer whose ballads and sense of swing remind me of Shirley Horn. At the same time, think Sheila Jordan for the witty interpretation that Krebs and company provide in the joyously refreshing closing number.
Monday, March 19th, 2012 11:12 AM
Chris Spector/MidWest Record
Krebs has the latitude to make the music she wants to make and add her own special sauce as and when needed. Here we have an intimate, gutsy jazz vocal date where she isn’t afraid not to hold back an emotion. Making it seem like she’s doing what comes naturally, her latest is a side step away from her past outings and she once again shows that she can handle any facet of jazz singing.
Krebs has the latitude to make the music she wants to make and add her own special sauce as and when needed. Here we have an intimate, gutsy jazz vocal date where she isn’t afraid not to hold back an emotion. Making it seem like she’s doing what comes naturally, her latest is a side step away from her past outings and she once again shows that she can handle any facet of jazz singing.
Saturday, February 11th, 2012 3:30 PM
Brent Black/CriticalJazz.Com
Refreshing...A wonderfully eclectic release with an N.P.R vibe and a warm rich sound that works hand in glove with her vocals. A somewhat personal release which reflects upon some favorites of Krebs and the current social-political climate we live in today. Normally when an artist begins mixing social commentary with their music and especially jazz then my attention span and tolerance level are equivalent to the interest I have in an Obama press conference. The release works because it does not push a message but instead shines the spotlight on the music which Krebs delivers with a refreshing honesty and clearly shows her comfort zone as an artist.
Working with long time collaborators Rich Eames and Jerry Kalaf has a subtle chemistry that brings the music and vocals together in a nice working band setting. The joy of making music is nice. The joy of making good music is Susan Krebs. Everything Must Change opens with a spot on version of the Freddie/Hubbard/Abbey Lincoln tune "Up Jumped Spring." The Cole Porter classic "What Is This Thing Called Love" along with the Billy Strayhorn tune "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing" showcase Krebs unique ability to reinvent a timeless standard without disrespecting the original or herself and this is the true sign of an artist. An intimate all most live studio sound seems to permeate this recording giving new meaning to the often tired critical term "organic."
Having shifted a career away from stage, screen and television it would appear Krebs has made the correct career decision with pursuing singing as her vocation of choice. In her press release Krebs describes her musical odyssey as "the art of becoming" and given the 24/7 learning curve that is life she seems to be an artist blessed with a clear focus and understanding of how to best develop her talents. Krebs closes the release with her feel good single "Are Ya Havin' Any Fun?" which she describes as her feel good single for challenging times. As a jazz vocalist Susan Krebs offers a nice vacation from the trials and tribulation of everyday life and Everything Must Change is well worth the trip!
Refreshing...A wonderfully eclectic release with an N.P.R vibe and a warm rich sound that works hand in glove with her vocals. A somewhat personal release which reflects upon some favorites of Krebs and the current social-political climate we live in today. Normally when an artist begins mixing social commentary with their music and especially jazz then my attention span and tolerance level are equivalent to the interest I have in an Obama press conference. The release works because it does not push a message but instead shines the spotlight on the music which Krebs delivers with a refreshing honesty and clearly shows her comfort zone as an artist.
Working with long time collaborators Rich Eames and Jerry Kalaf has a subtle chemistry that brings the music and vocals together in a nice working band setting. The joy of making music is nice. The joy of making good music is Susan Krebs. Everything Must Change opens with a spot on version of the Freddie/Hubbard/Abbey Lincoln tune "Up Jumped Spring." The Cole Porter classic "What Is This Thing Called Love" along with the Billy Strayhorn tune "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing" showcase Krebs unique ability to reinvent a timeless standard without disrespecting the original or herself and this is the true sign of an artist. An intimate all most live studio sound seems to permeate this recording giving new meaning to the often tired critical term "organic."
Having shifted a career away from stage, screen and television it would appear Krebs has made the correct career decision with pursuing singing as her vocation of choice. In her press release Krebs describes her musical odyssey as "the art of becoming" and given the 24/7 learning curve that is life she seems to be an artist blessed with a clear focus and understanding of how to best develop her talents. Krebs closes the release with her feel good single "Are Ya Havin' Any Fun?" which she describes as her feel good single for challenging times. As a jazz vocalist Susan Krebs offers a nice vacation from the trials and tribulation of everyday life and Everything Must Change is well worth the trip!
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 3:00 PM
JAZZ AVIARY Reviews
In JAZZ AVIARY, Krebs has created a rare and mesmerizing
creative experience." Don Heckman / INT’L REVIEW OF MUSIC
>> Read Review
creative experience." Don Heckman / INT’L REVIEW OF MUSIC
>> Read Review
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 2:19 PM
Bob Gish/Jazz Improv
"There's just love and joy and gratitude for the inspiration which motivated this full-throated song fest...Krebs' interpretive passion, intelligence, and love for the project can be heard throughout."
>> Read Review
>> Read Review
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 2:00 PM
Christopher Louden, Vox / JAZZ TIMES
Actor and Vocalist Susan Krebs decided a few years ago to devote herself fully to singing, and the jazz world is better for it... Krebs' voice is rich and pure with an enticingly dusky patina. Blessedly free of affectation, she rivals Karrin Allyson and Diane Krall in her ability to climb inside a lyric and make it seem she's lived there all her life... Krebs so skillfully invades the likes of "Baltimore Oriole", "Skylark", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square", Lennon and McCarney's "Blackbird" and Abbey Lincoln's "Bird Alone" that the result is like a series of delicate yet masterfully constructed origami creatures.
>> Read Review
>> Read Review
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 1:17 PM
Jonathan Widran / All Music Guide
"Susan Krebs has nothing but fondness for our feathered friends - and expresses her joyous affection magnificently throughout this fascinating concept project...irresistible offerings from a formidable jazz artist...A lot of great jazz interpreters gather great songs together, but few do it as well and convincingly as Krebs. This is a treat for lovers of birds, jazz and music that makes the heart soar like "A Gaggle of Geese".
>> Read Review
>> Read Review
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 12:21 PM
Don Heckman / LA Times
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 12:20 PM
LA JAZZ SCENE
"Vocalist Susan Krebs has conceived and performed a thoroughly unique show that is innovative, mind-stretching and simply beautiful!..."
This is an astounding production that must be experienced to be felt and understood. It is a multi-senses feast that you will long remember..."
"This was one of the most refreshing, interesting, stimulating shows I've ever attended. Krebs and her amazing musicians created something of singular beauty!"
>> Read Review
This is an astounding production that must be experienced to be felt and understood. It is a multi-senses feast that you will long remember..."
"This was one of the most refreshing, interesting, stimulating shows I've ever attended. Krebs and her amazing musicians created something of singular beauty!"
>> Read Review
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 12:19 PM
"Unique and wonderful!" — JazzReview.Com
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 12:15 PM
"Here's an alluring idea that succeeds in execution...A fresh idea, great theme, "Jazz Aviary" does not have a turkey in the lot." — All About Jazz
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 12:59 PM
Jay Collins / CADENCE
WHAT AM I HERE FOR? (2002)
"Krebs manages to add her own style, particularly encouraged by the collaborative nature of the entire project... these performances are meaningful."
>> Read Review
"Krebs manages to add her own style, particularly encouraged by the collaborative nature of the entire project... these performances are meaningful."
>> Read Review
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 12:58 PM
Dave Nathan / All Music Guide
Jazz Gardener (Sea Breeze Jazz 1999)
"Categorizing Krebs’ voice is not easy... it is filled with emotion ranging from a deep, throaty hue to a girlish, higher-pitched tone... After she delivers a song, Krebs leaves nothing on the table."
>> Read Review
"Categorizing Krebs’ voice is not easy... it is filled with emotion ranging from a deep, throaty hue to a girlish, higher-pitched tone... After she delivers a song, Krebs leaves nothing on the table."
>> Read Review
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