Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Sophie Milman: Make Someone Happy

255

Sophie Milman: Make Someone Happy

By

Sign in to view read count
Sophie Milman: Make Someone Happy
It's truly a treat to witness the growth of an artist. Vocalist Sophie Milman confesses that she didn't know much about music when she made her first record but her natural talent and lovely grace has helped her get through. So this Russian native—now a resident of Canada with time in Israel in between—has released Make Someone Happy, showing just how far she's come. Milman has always had a way with a lyric and poise well beyond her years—intelligent and beautifully timed phrasing seem second nature to her—but her voice has grown richer and more expressive in the few years since her first outing.

Make Someone Happy is her newest showcase for intimate singing and smart song choice. This is a mix of show music, some pop tunes and new songs from the pens of friends and associates. It's a joy to hear the relaxed swing Milman puts forth on "Matchmaker" and "Like Someone in Love," complemented by the smooth playing of her band. Listen to how she wisely changes the title tune from a kind of daffy anthem to a personal life choice. In that same vein, she makes "Bein' Green" a personal statement about trying to make a difference while being unique.

This terrific collection of tunes—that also features guest turns by Guido Basso on flugelhorn, Gregoire Maret on harmonica and Randy Bachman on electric guitar—ends with the Hebrew song "Eli, Eli." It's a stunning and dark prayer that demonstrates Milman's smarts and individuality. With some truly personal and timeless singing, the brilliant musical direction of producer Steven MacKinnon and the touching playing of pianist Paul Shrofel and cellist Jill Vitols, Milman wraps up this beautiful package that demands immediate re-opening.

Track Listing

People Will Say We're In Love; Something In the Air Between Us; Rocket Love; So Long, You Fool; Matchmaker, Matchmaker; Like Someone In Love; Make Someone Happy; (It's Not Easy) Bein' Green; Reste (Stay); Fever; Undun; It Might As Well Be Spring; Eli, Eli (A Walk to Caesarea).

Personnel

Sophie Milman: vocals; Paul Shofrel: piano; Kieran Overs: bass; John Fraboni: drums; Rob Piltich: guitar; Alan Hetherington: percussion; Anne Lindsay: violin; Jenny Thompson: violin; Claudia Vena: viola; Jill Vitols: cello; Gregoire Maret: harmonica; Guido Basso: flugelhorn; John Johnson: flute; Vern Dorge: alto flute; Cameron Wallis: clarient, flute; tenor saxophone; John Johnson: bass clarinet (11) ; Dennis Keldie: Hammond B3 organ (10); Randy Bachman: guitar (11).

Album information

Title: Make Someone Happy | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Linus Entertainment

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.