Reviews for "Some Other Time"
The Scanner Newspaper
June 17, 1998
FIVE STARS (out of five)
By Dick Bogle
Portland’s jazz scene is very fortunate to be blessed with the presence of vocalist
Amandah Jantzen.
She is master of convincing the audience she is living each song as she sings
it. She is a natural with an easy approach to her songs.
Her treatment of the title tune "Some Other Time" is exhibit A. Jantzen’s respect
for her lyrics is evident on each cut.
She takes on Burton Lane & Alan Jay Lerner’s "Too Late Now" in a relaxed, unhurried
manner with an occasional breathy word or phrase. Jantzen realizes breathiness
is like a spice to be used only sparingly and thus exquisitely adds just a dash
now and then.
Her treatment of Buddy Johnson’s "Since I Fell For You" speaks eloquently to her
abilities. She is perfectly at ease with that vintage blues ballad first recorded
by Buddy’s sister Ella.
It proves Jantzen has no reason for reticence in singing soul ballads. Her wide
range allows its subtle use, therefore making each track vital and fresh.
Of course, it Jantzen had lesser musicians, her efforts would be diminished. Fortunately,
she chose well.
Pianist Chris Sigerson is a brilliant accompanist, as are guitarist Ron Thompson
and tenorist Al Wold. Bassist Ken Lister, who duets with Jantzen on the opening
of "The Song Is You," drummer Craig Scott, and trumpeter Derry Byrne all make
outstanding contributions.
The only question is: How long will we be able to keep her in Portland? She appears
every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Inn.
Jazzscene "Oregon’s Jazz Magazine"
August, 1998 issue
FOUR STARS (out of five)
By George Fendel
There’s a lot to like about this initial recording by Portland singer-pianist
Amandah Jantzen. A quick look at her choice of tunes suggests this is a very hip
lady. Consider such rare gems as Beautiful Love, Too Late Now, I Ain’t Got Nothin’
But The Blues and the tender title tune, Some Other Time. One also has to admire
her resistance to the decorative, look-what-I- -can-do excess of many singers.
Catch her at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Inn Thursdays through Saturdays. And
be sure to pick up a copy of her impressive "first time out" CD.
The Monterey County Post Newspaper
October 15, 1998
CD Pick of the Week
By Johnny Adams
There is an innocent and appealing thread of melancholy in all ten songs that
Ms. Jantzen sings in this release for Starfire Music. The songs, all standards,
were written between 1929 & 1952. Seemingly aimed at those who like their jazz
watered down, these ten selections are tightly arranged. In other words, this
is its sophisticated best. There is a quiet charm about these performances, particularly
if the listener doesn’t take the disc in one straight dose. In the process of
listening to tunes like "Since I Fell For You", "Sophisticated Lady", and "Some
Other Time," you are engaged in a warm controlled voice. Ms. Jantzen’s backing
includes the pretty and infectious piano of Chris Sigerson and the quintet that
display imagination and freshness behind the voice of Amandah. For those who perhaps
have never heard of Amandah Jantzen, I would suggest that you try this set because
she delivers entertainment.
Jazz Now Magazine
December, 1998 / January, 1999 issue
New Sounds Review
By Al Merritt
Amandah Jantzen, vocals; Chris Sigerson, piano; Ken Lister, bass; Craig Scott,
drums; Al Wold, tenor saxophone; Ron Thompson, guitar; Derry Byrne, trumpet.
Amandah Jantzen’s smoky voice is surrounded by a varying combination of suitably
hip musicians in this selection of old, friendly songs. The rhythm section is
upfront on the opening track, "Beautiful Love," with drummer Craig Scott getting
a slice of the action. The remaining tracks include tasty readings by pianist
Chris Sigerson, guitarist Ron Thompson, and the standout styling of tenorist Al
Wold, who deserves to have his own opportunity in the star slot. Amandah is most
effective when singing in the low-key, laid-back style as with the title song,
"Some Other Time." An album deserving of your attention.
LA Jazz Scene Magazine
February, 1999 issue
Jazz Lines
By Bob Agnew
Les Girls...Three singers who are making an impression with their CD’s:
...Then westward to Portland, Oregon and Amandah Jantzen whose very fetching CD,
"Some Other Time" (Starfire Music), is an excellent effort by this songstress
who is in full control of her voice and knows how to express a lyric. Recorded
in Vancouver Canada with a sextet, Jantzen does 10 tracks of standards, displaying
an expertise that should vault her into fame. From upbeat songs such as "Beautiful
Love" and "Mean To Me," to her contralto hushed-tone interpretations of "Too Late
Now" and "Sophisticated Lady," her CD is a musical treat.
Contributing to its success is the good, straight-ahead work of the musicians
accompanying her: Chris Sigerson, piano; Ken Lister, bass; Craig Scott, drums;
Al Wold, tenor saxophone; Ron Thompson, guitar; and Derry Byrne, trumpet.
LA Jazz Scene Magazine
March, 1999 issue
Review By Jim Santella
An expressive vocalist with all the necessary singing skills, Amandah Jantzen
offers a session of familiar romps, ballads, and blues. Her clear alto voice and
extended range facilitate a delivery that’s quite close to Nancy Wilson. Jantzen’s
capable ensemble shares the responsibility for creating a stellar session, and
complements the singer’s sound. Pianist Chris Sigerson smokes on "I Ain’t Got
Nothin’ But The Blues," Ken Lister steps forward with a bass solo on "The Song
Is You," and drummer Craig Scott stretches out on "Beautiful Love." This album
may not be easy to find in local stores; however, the artist can easily be contacted
through Starfire Music, PO Box 12022, Portland, OR 97212-0022.
Jantzen is particularly expressive on "Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You," which includes
her original lyrics. The presentation is enhanced by Derry Byrne’s muted trumpet.
Tenor saxophonist Al Wold provides thoughtful interludes on seven tracks, including
"Since I Fell For You," "The Song Is You," Benny Golson’s "Whisper Not," and Alan
Lerner’s "Too Late Now." The lyrics for "Whisper Not"
LA Jazz Scene Magazine
October 2000
Review By Scott Yanow
Amandah Jantzen
Some Other Time
(Starfire Music)
Although there is a shortage of talented male jazz vocalists around these days,
there are a countless number of excellent female jazz singers. Amandah Jantzen
is based in the Pacific Northwest. She has a warm voice, swings at every tempo
and, although she does not improvise that much, her phrasing is spontaneous
and appealing.
None of the musicians on Some Other Time (recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia)
are well known but are all excellent: tenor-saxophonist Al Wold, trumpeter Derry
Byrne, guitarist Ron Thompson, pianist Charles Sigerson, bassist Ken Lister
and drummer Craig Scott. The repertoire consists of ten vintage songs, all familiar
tunes but given renditions that are lively and joyful. Attention was paid to
varying tempos and moods so the program is quite enjoyable from start to finish.
Among the tunes that benefit form Amandah Jantzen’s voice are “Beautiful
Love,” “Whisper Not,” “Mean To Me,” a soulful “Since
I Feel For You” and “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues.”
Some Other Time is an easily enjoyable set, available from Starfire Music,
P.O. Box 12022, Portland, OR 97212-0022)
Jazz Improv
vol. 2 no. 2
By William Collins
Amandah Jantzen
Some Other Time
Starfire Music
Produced by Amandah K. Jantzen, no catalog number
Amandah K. Jantzen, Starfire Music
PO Box 12022
Portland, OR 97212-0022
E-mail: amandah@teleport.com
Personnel: Chris Sigerson, piano; Ken Lister, bass; Craig Scott, drums; Al
Wold, tenor sax;
Ron Thompson, guitar; Derry Byrne, trumpet; Amandah Jantzen, vocals
Some girls (ladies, women, females) just like to have fun. This is the feel
I get from Amandah Jantzen. She just likes to have fun. Her approach is casual
and joyous; at times even flippant. But the CD is high quality, the backup is
great, and the package is professional. You’ll like it. Some quick comments:
“Beautiful Love” - Opens with Craig Scott’s supportive drums
and AJ’s voice. Up tempo bright and clear. The combo joins as Amandah uses
both “air over” and full sound. The middle drum solo is good, but
I wouldn’t put it in the opener for a vocals CD.
“Too Late Now” - Slow and breathy... Chris Sigerson’s piano
comp is perfect with brushed drums, easy bass from Ken Lister, and fine floating
sax from Al Wold. A club sound for romantics. “Everybody, slow dance.”
“Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You” - Strolling Blues, soft and
easy, nice muted trumpet from Derry Byrne drifting behind the vocals, then moves
forward with Ron Thompson’s guitar. Sultry.
“Whisper Not” - Medium tempo. Jantzen continues to use a very light
quality. This cut is mixed a little heavy with the combo, overflowing the voice
at times.
“Sophisticated Lady” - Glissanding beginning with lovely guitar for
the first chorus. The combo’s entrance establishes a rare Fox Trot. Pure
social dancing stuff. Does anybody do that anymore? The sax and guitar duo work
well. AJ does a lot of slippin’ and slidin’ - kinda’ off-handed.
Alas, it’s her style.
“Mean To Me” - Up, with a bigger voice, still havin’ fun. Would
like to have heard a more serious approach on the second go, though.
“Since I Fell For You” - Piano and voice slow at first, then pushes
to a Blues beat. A lot of messin’ with the melody line and tonal quality.
Good Blues, wailing sax and combo work.
“The Song Is You” -Fast four. AJ’s sound is bigger and better
than up to this point. Since it’s upbeat, there isn’t enough time
to digress.
“I Ain’t Got Nothing But The Blues” - I like the steady Dirty
Boogie drive from piano, bass and drums behind the sax solo. All smooth nicely
for clean piano solo lines. Ms. Jantzen obviously enjoys singing the Blues.
“Some Other Time” - Her air-light sound favors this slow ballad:
very cozy rendition.
The musicians are excellent with noticeable contribution by each, everywhere.
The CD is very listenable and worth your attention. Must repeat that I’d
like to hear more pure voice and less diversion, but that’s my thing. I’m
always a bit disappointed when a quality voice is not put out there where you
can bathe in it. But, Amandah is fun to listen to.
- William Collins
“Gold Is Where You Find It”
By Tom Phillips
Second album is from Al Julian. A singer from Portland, OR named Amandah Jantzen.
Wow! Her selection shows class & taste - older songs for a younger gal and
a SUPERB piano-bass-drums trio augmented on several tracks by tenor, guitar, trumpet.
This group may never hit the east coast, so I’m grateful for the CD - but
then again, if we can all persevere, maybe some quality can slip back into the
music scene and groups like this MAY be able to “hit the road.” They
deserve it. The tracks are: “Beautiful Love,” “Too Late Now,”
“Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You,” “Whisper Not,” “Sophisticated
Lady,” “Mean To Me,” “Since I Fell For You,” “The
Song Is You,” “Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues,” “Some
Other Time” (the title track of the album). A velvet voice, you feel like
she is singing just to you, and the band is first rate - as is the balance on
the recording. Not many singers would dare approach material like Golson’s
“Whisper Not” & Duke’s “...Lady“. She sings ‘em
like she wrote ‘em! “Mean To Me” is taken as a Bossa, and the old
Buddy Johnson “...Fell For You” is just plain low-down blues! Contact
Starfire Muisic, P.O. Box 12022, Portland, OR 97212 - and again, please mention
JAZZNEWS.
Review by Dave Nathan
Amandah Jantzen
Some Other Time
Starfire Music
P. O. Box 12022, Portland, OR 97212-0022
E-mail: amandah@teleport.com
Recorded: Vancouver, Canada, February 2, 1997 (43:24)
Amandah Jantzen - vocals; Chris Sigerson - piano; Ken Lister - bass; Craig
Scott - drums; Al Wold - tenor saxophone; Ron Thompson - guitar; Derry Byrne
- trumpet.
Beautiful Love; Too Late Now; Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You; Whisper Not;
Sophisticated Lady; Mean To Me; Since I Feel For You; The Song Is You; I Ain’t
Got Nothin’ But The Blues; Some Other Time.
This is one of those recordings where the singer is very good, but she had
to overcome less than adequate accompaniment, routine arrangements and problems
with the technical quality of the CD. Amandah Jantzen is a competent singer
with a very pleasing voice, good diction and more than ordinary interpretative
skills. The musicians are fine instrumentalists, but they need some instruction
in the art of backing a vocalist. Throughout, Ms. Jantzen has to fight to be
heard over the piano which seems to be closer to the mike than Ms. Jantzen.
Then there’s Craig Scott, who is a graduate of the Elvin Jones school of
drumming. He sees himself as an active participant in the proceedings rather
than just providing the rhythmic underpinning for the session;. That’s
fine for an instrumental session; but for a vocal set, it’s a distraction.
But Ms. Jantzen works hard to overcome this technical deficiency and lack of
other than conventional arrangements by delivering some nice stuff. All the
bases are touched with respect to styles. There’s a bit of the blues, some
up tempo numbers and some silky deliveries of sultry ballads. “Gee Baby,
Ain’t I Good To You” benefits from some additional cute lyrics added
by Ms. Jantzen. “Too Late Now” gets a solid performance with some
nice tenor sax work by Al Wold. Jantzen and Wold’s Zot Sims-like playing
also work well together on “The Song Is You.” “Baby, Ain’t
I Good To You” showcases the melodic, muted trumpet of Derry Byrne. One
of the very fine tracks is “Sophisticated Lady” where Jantzen sings
the verse accompanied only by Ron Thompson’s guitar, playing in a style
reminiscent of the great Johnny Smith. Wold’s tenor comes in for the refrain
to compliment Jantzen’s understated delivery of the Ellington classic.
“I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But the Blues” reveals Jantzen’s
affinity for that genre with a rip roaring, down and dirty delivery and finally
they get the voice/instrumental balance right. Everybody in the group is appropriately
funky, with Chris Sigerson’s saloon type piano standing out. The highlight
of the album for me is a very poignant “Some Other Time” with Jantzen’s
voice showing the resignation and the emotional shrugging of the shoulders as
she realizes the love affair has ended. Very nicely done. By the way, the title
of this album, “Some Other Time,” doesn’t mean “later”.
Instead, it refers to the period when the songs on the play list were written,
and that was some time ago, between 1929 and 1952.
Hopefully, Jantzen’s next album will be absent the technical and accompaniment
problems which detract from fully enjoying her pleasant way with a song.
