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Yanofsky's 2010 "Nikki"
Nikki Yanofsky's self titled studio debut offers up a mixture of jazz standards and pop tunes. It also contains her mega-hit, the multi-platinum "I Believe".
Yanofsky possesses an amazing voice, particularly for someone her age. This Phil Ramone produced studio CD shows her voice to be an intriguing and captivating combination of youth, quality, and promise. There is a fullness of tone, especially in the middle registers, that is found in a very few jazz vocalists. The power that is so evidently there, but never resorted to at the expense of subtlety, expression or dynamics, leaves one salivating at where this young talent can go. The thought of Yanofsky in another 10 years is a very exciting thought indeed.
This collection of tunes alternates between tried-and-true jazz standards and Yanofsky's original pop compositions. The song selection could not have been better regarding the standards. Each allowed a glimpse into the range and dynamics that are already there in abundance. Her treatment of God Bless the Child stands out, both for the Rob Fahie adaptation of the Mounsey arrangement, and for Yanofsky's vocals. Simply stellar. The pop tunes, many co-written with Ron Sexsmith and Jesse Harris, offer a thematic and stylistic counterpoint. For this reviewer, this type of jazz and pop alternating scheme seldom works, but in this case, it definitely does. Just another way in which this is an exceptional CD.
Phil Ramone, who has won more than a dozen Grammy awards, does a masterful production job. Pianist John Sadowy and bassist Rob Fahie, in particular, support Yanofsky's vocals with sensitivity and match her in terms of dynamics and taste. Overall, a superbly produced and supremely well played album.
Miles Overn, Global Eidentities Internet, June 27th, 2010