Sophie Milman

by Ken DrydenSophie Milman's debut release reveals a gifted young jazz vocalist who swings with a surprising degree of maturity. Though born in Russia, she has called Canada home for some time and is joined by some of the country's best jazz musicians. Milman isn't afraid to take a few chances and seems to be quite comfortable with her own voice rather than copying others, as young performers have a tendency to do. Her upbeat treatment of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby" is full of spirit, while she's clearly having fun in the somewhat campy 1960s-flavored arrangement of "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." Pianist Bill King (who is also one of Milman's two producers for this project) provides superb accompaniment to the singer in "I Feel Pretty," which evolves from its original setting into a lively bop setting featuring saxophonist Pat La Barbera. Among the newer compositions, Milman excels in her interpretation of the breezy "Lonely in New York'" (briefly showcasing guitarist Reg Schwager and violinist Lenny Solomon), though the bland pop song "Back Home to Me" sounds like something taken from a Norah Jones CD. Sophie Milman clearly has the ability to turn heads in the jazz world; all she needs is the opportunity to be heard.