Accolades

“This is a recording that invites you to dim the lights, settle into a comfortable chair and let the music wash over you…

George Gershwin’s ‘The Man I Love’ becomes ‘Mon Prince Charmant’, and Heather Soles shows off her range as she sings the lyrics en francais. She concludes’ I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But the Blues’ with a nice descending glissando.

‘Monica’s Vals’ is actually Bill Evans’ ‘Waltz for Debby’, which Soles sings in Swedish. The Monica of the title is Swedish singer Monica Zetterlund, who recorded this jazz waltz with Evans in 1964, singing it in her native tongue.

Strongest track is the Duke Ellington standard ‘I’m Just a Lucky So & So’, which opens with Soles singing with just bass accompaniment by Rene Worst for two verses, before piano and drums deepen the swing groove. Soles improvises on the melody line throughout the song. ”

“ Having known Heather Soles for a few years now, I’m delighted to be checking out her new album, Until I Met You. This is a wonderfully eclectic musical offering, deriving source material from some of the most important names in our idiom: Davis, Evans, Jobim, Gershwin, and Van Heusen, to name just a few! Heather is in fine voice, delivering these songs with enthusiasm and honesty, supported by an all-star lineup of West Coast musicians. Bravo!!  ”

“Heather Soles has stepped into the reality of what began as a dream long ago. Her life experience is reflected in the maturity of her voice and storytelling ability. Her sincerity pulls the listener in close, so get ready for participating in an intimate conversation!”

“From the very first notes you can tell that singing is pure bliss for Heather Soles. Her recently released CD “Until I Met You” is a happy offering and sounds like it was a joy to record.

Heather has put together a soulful collection of jazz standards, supported by a stellar group of musicians and recorded expertly by Bill Buckingham. Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst are two powerful performers and their work on this record is evidence of that. As was the work of Tom Keenlyside, Olaf de Shield, Buff Allen, Ray Ayotte, Chris Sigerson, Rick Kilburn, and Julian Smedley. Nice touch having a violin on this CD.

The title track is representative of the whole album – great vocals, nice arrangments and great mixes.

It was another nice touch to have not one, but two songs in French. That should get this disc some attention on CBC Radio-Canada. And another in Swedish, the timeless Bill Evan’s ‘Waltz for Debby’, which appears as Monica’s Vals.

All in all, a fine collection of tunes by Heather Soles, with a little help from her friends.”

“Heather’s love for great songs is obvious and she makes them her own with great lyric reading accompanied by superb musicians.”

“ A true jazz artist finds their way into a song utilizing life’s experience, thus reinvigorating well known material, while adding a unique branch to this ever evolving art form. Heather Soles and her accompanying musicians have all lived rich and varied lives, and one can hear the depth in this wonderful album. A gifted multi-linguist, Soles treats us to a few standards in French and Swedish. I am especially impressed with Ms Soles’ French lyrics for the Davis classic “All Blues” (“Tous Blues”). For a lady who is beginning her recording career later in life, I suspect we will all hear much more from Heather Soles. ”

“A beautiful album filled with meaningful songs and Heather’s soft sultry vocals are all we need, no gimmicks.

Just her sensitive heart and soothing sound. Her clever mix of song choices make this recording hit the sweet spot.

If this is her debut album, I’m looking forward to what she cooks up next.”

“Heather, I’ve had a wonderful morning listening to your album.  With both my feet firmly planted in the classical world, I suppose it’s no surprise that quite a few of these wonderful songs were new to me. Still, I found your dark, dusky — dare I say sexy? — voice admirably suited to them, and happily, the songs I know well—’Dindi’ and ‘Some Other Time’—were totally convincing. You particularly captured the bitter-sweetness of the Bernstein just as it has to be.  The standards arrangements were all excellent, the players very fine.

 Congratulations on a really fine album, and I wish you much success in “getting it out there.”

“I’ve listened several times to Until I Met You, and I want to say that the music making is first class by the band and guest players! All the musicians are empathetic, listen so well and without exception engage the listener whenever it’s time for the soloist to tell their story. It’s always nice to have a band well recorded and mixed. Until I Met You succeeds in this regard most admirably.Of course when it comes to a jazz vocal album, the singer is naturally the prime focus, and on this CD, the listener is able to experience the winning ways of Heather Soles’ wonderful voice. I am taken by Heather’s lovely tone, her timing and phrasing, and last but not least, her own unique soulful way of identifying with each song’s lyrics and most persuasive setting the mood on each track. What makes the album even more winning is that the range of songs — from the sad ‘I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues’ to the joyful whimsy of ‘Come Dance With Me’ — are able to ring true to the core feeling of the song’s melody and lyrics.

I don’t have a favourite song on ‘Until I Met You’. Rather, I find myself enjoying the mood that Heather creates with each and every song. This recording comes across as a complete winner for each song and the resultant CD in its entirety. Heather’s musicality and voice are a testimonial to someone who has lived fully and promises to express more beauty in song as she continues to grow, thereby treating music lovers to a uniquely rewarding listening experience.”

“Congrats!  It sounds great. I particularly enjoy your ability to make the words, meaning and emotion very clear. I really feel the lyrics. Good work!

 It’s a beautiful production, Bill did his usual magic, you must be very proud. The musicians all sound great with Tom Keenlyside stealing the show, for me.

 I wish you much success with this, I’m sure good things will accrue from it.  It’s a big labour of love, isn’t it?”