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Ingrid's Reviews


Pangaea Reviews

"This collection of covers of material from the 1970s and 80s by Ingrid James and The Global Collective is no nostalgic, sound-alike trip down memory lane. Nor is it an attempt to cash in on the musical flavour-of-the-month with squeaky adolescent vocals or rapping. It is a set of musically intelligent arrangements by trumpeter Paul Armstrong and multi-instrumentalist Todd Harrison performed by artists from quite literally around the world. The music draws together influences from South and Central America, jazz, bluegrass, folk and popular music. Such a project is only made possible (with a budget in the hundreds of thousands) through the advent of 21st century digital technology, and we are the luckier for it....Ingrid James' extraordinary range is showcased as her voice is variously warm and engaged, cool or contemplative, clear, or soft and hushed. Her diction is flawless... "The outstanding musicians in the Global Collective have asked themselves what these classic songs are really about and approached their material with fresh ears. The result is a refreshing new perspective on our musical past which points us towards a healthy musical future."

Louise Denson, Head of Jazz Studies, Queensland Conservatorium of Music.


Pangaea "is the title of this unique album whose members have bridged time and distance to create music that is challenging, beguiling, powerful and thoughtful. The players hail from widely separate locations as Australia, the United States, Nicaragua, France and Russia... Core members - Australian vocalists Ingrid James along with Texas-based musicians Paul Armstrong (Austin) and Todd Harrison (Houston) limned out repertoire and conception via email and skype..." All the songs "were hits during the 70s and 80s - nuggets from a rich lode of material...yet this is in no way a tribute album of the sort where lesser performers slavishly emulate their heroes. Rather, this a lovingly crafted revitalisation of repertoire from a richly musical era...Vocally speaking this is Ingrid James' album. Renowned for her clarity of diction and flawless pitch, she's funky to the max on Fame, beguilingly convincing on Kerry Livgren's Dust in the Wind and Latinsavvy on Suzanne Vega's slow tango, Caramel. The word "pangaea"- derives from the ancient Greek words "pan" meaning "entire" and "gaia" meaning "earth". No other word expresses the spirit of Ingrid James & The Global Collective. This is music that bridges cultures and makes virtue of diversity. It has a freshness, vigour and soul..."

David Bentley - Australian pianist/singer/songwriter/journalist.



"Paul and Todd have taken various tunes that might be somewhat unexpected and slightly obscure in this present day, and re-arranged them into unbelievable versions of same, and adding the superb vocals of Ingrid James to top everything off... Highly recommended!!!"

Bobby Shew, US Jazz trumpet


"Pangaea is not the fast-food version of today's albums. In fact, in order to fully enjoy this recording, you will have to get over yourself and your pre-conceived notions of what your ears are telling you is coming next. There are surprises around every corner, and it feels like James and the Global Collective set out to do just that... This music in not saccharine. Ingrid James vocals are like the perfect glass of wine with your meal, and the musical arrangements from Armstrong and Harrison form a bedrock of flavour from which a plethora of ingredients spring forth. Guitars, strings, saxophones, and a ton of percussion await you, and again, challenge you and your musical ears."

Andrew Layton, Freelance Saxophonist, Washington D.C.


"The musicianship is first class. The production is of international quality. The arrangements are wonderful and Ingrid's vocals are superb. She is a singer's singer - never tries to overdo it - just does it right. It's not easy taking a well known song and arrangement - change it dramatically from the original and have it accepted. We tend to fall in love with the original and can't see beyond that, but if they are done with passion, care and consideration, they can work beautifully and that is apparent with this album."

Peter Cupples, Australian singer/songwriter/producer


"Ingrid doesn't just sing, she has a way of taking you 'into a song' and with Ingrid, that's a nice place."

John Diegan, Australian Radio Presenter - BayFM/4MBS


Essence Reviews

This turns out to be a recital by a fully integrated quintet of improvisatory travelers, not adverse to eschewing main roads for cross country forays. Ms. James uses song materials for her own improvisatory ends, without surrendering the vital signs thereof. I'm penciling this one in as an early probable for my 2005 "best ten" list. It comes as a most challenging and welcome vocal surprise.

- Alan Bargebuhr, CD review, Cadence Magazine, New York
(Read more..)

CD REVIEW 3/6/05
[Ingrid James] is a fearless and gifted jazz singer for whom the songs are there to be teased, flirted with and milked for all their improvisational potential. [Her latest CD] is much more about life on the edge, about chances taken and pulled off with panache.

- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
(Read more..)

At a time when so many singers rely on clichéd embellishment, it comes almost as a shock to hear lyrics delivered with directness and clarity. Ingrid James brings the listener to the inner essence. It's deja vu in reverse. Thoughtful, inventive and, above all, swinging, Ingrid squeezes every line for nuance and meaning. The impeccable phrasing and accurate intonation come almost as a bonus.

- David Bentley, Journalist
(Read more..)

A very true singer who has a special affinity for the Brazilian music. She sings Chega de Saudade with an unmistakably personal approach, with a sound that does not belong to anyone else. A swinging bossa nova singer, but she is also well equipped to bring out the full beauty of the lyrics.

- Joao da Penha, Brazilian journalist, author & music critic

(Read more..)

Australian singer, Ingrid James has a voice that reminds me of eating chocolate: rich, dark and smooth. This is a really different vocal album, recorded livein the studio with a lot of energy and spontaneity.

Trudy Kerr, jazz singer, London. INGRID JAMES - ESSENCE

Renditions of songs are common; however when a vocalist such as Ingrid can make the song sound completely new you sometimes forget what the original even sounded like.

- Aparna Datta, Music Journalist based in Los Angeles
(Read more..)

With so many singers putting out CD's before they are genuinely ready to immortalise their work, it's refreshing to listen to Ingrid James and her sense of swing, her accuracy, her fresh approach, her maturity.

STEVE ROBERTSON - Presenter "Jazz on Saturday" Melbourne (Extracts from a feature story - "Essence" CD)
(Read more..)

While jazz buffs will be familiar with standards from Cole Porter (Love for Sale), the Gershwins (But Not for Me) and Hart and Rogers (My Funny Valentine), they won't have heard them given such inventive treatments for some time.

Noel Mengel - Journalist - "Courier-Mail" Brisbane, Australia. SINGER FIND JAZZ ESSENCE 23/4/05
(Read more..)

This music is a beautiful experience - savour it well and enjoy the 'Essence' of a real alchemy.

John Morrison - January 2005
(Read more..)

Circumflex Reviews

"As a Jazz Presenter you are always awaiting a CD that is "Different, Daring" and most importantly, "Enjoyable".

"A few days ago, Mark Goring from Newmarket Music, sent me such a CD."CIRCUMFLEX". A VOCAL/PIANO DUET by two of Australia's finest musicians, Ingrid James and John Reeves. Ingrid had told me she and John were preparing, rehearsing and finally recording.
I had not heard any tracks previously so I was unprepared for what was to follow.
As I was playing the opening track "Slow, Hot, Wind" I knew this CD was different, daring and enjoyable.
Let Ingrid's voice MELT you with "Yesterdays", Lennon/McCartney's "And I Love Him" and then be amazed as Ingrid uses her voice as an extended instrument in Charlie Haden's "First Song for Ruth". and then. More Surprises? .Oh Yes An up tempo version for Porter's "Just One of Those Things and Mulligan's jazz standard "Line for Lyons". The versatility of Ingrid's voice is again verified with her bewitching versions of "Gentle Rain" and "Beautiful Love".
I have not forgotten John. Those rich left hand chords in contrast to the soft delicate chords and single right hand trebles - a perfect accompanist. Ingrid and John have been playing music together for a couple of years. They have developed understanding, respect and musical affection for each other's capabilities.
"CIRCUMFLEX" beautiful word with several meanings. This CD is aptly titled, Ingrid and John perform in the true meaning of the word."
"CIRCUMFLEX" a CD that is Different, Daring and Enjoyable. Thank you Ingrid and John for many hours of musical pleasure"

BRIAN FANE Jazz Presenter - Noosa Community Radio FM101.3

"From sweetly normal renditions to surprising creative artistry, brimming with colour, nuance and fine musicianship. This is a superb album. Warm, gorgeous vocals with deft rhythmical piano "a superb duet feel"

Sharny Russell, singer, pianist, composer, music teacher

"The fabulous Ingrid James has done it again. This time she has teamed up with John Reeves which shows Ingrid has impeccable taste when it comes to choosing a musical partner. Henri Mancini's Slow Hot Wind sets the pace for what is an exciting musical journey of thirteen tracks that aren't usually in a jazz singer's basket of goodies. I will leave others to praise the dynamics, the arrangements and such, and just say Ingrid and John make a great team and this is a "must have' disc."

Carole Hayes Shoalhaven Radio, Nowra.

Reunion

"Reunion" brings vocalists Trudy Kerr and Ingrid James together, displaying an exceptional balance of interpretation and musicianship.

They deliver an eclectic selection of jazz, Latin and folk songs by composers such as Chick Corea, Bob Dorough, Baden Powell and Carole King. With a fresh approach, they bring new life to the songs and sing together, as a duet should be sung yet each of them having room to shine. "A CD you'll want to revisit again and again. I love it!"

Anita Wardell

"A delightful collection between singers Trudy Kerr and Ingrid James with both singers demonstrating not only near telepathic sense of vocal interplay but also adroit interpretative

Charles Waring - Record Collector Nov 2010

"Exuberant vocal jazz from two Aussie songbirds radiating old-school hip and dexterity. Featuring fresh Geoff Gascoyne arrangements and adaptations of Mulligan, Corea, Don Cherry and Bud Powell material, the music is delivered with cool unisons, tight harmonies, and pin-sharp vocalese, sweet, swinging, sassy, plus a hint of tartness from Tom Cawley's edgy piano."

Chris Ingham - Mojo Nov 2010

"Trudy Kerr and Ingrid James take a more playful line on “Reunion� which takes the singers back to their Brisbane club days. A vivacious, nimbly-negotiated and often boppish session mixes the American Songbook, the Mulligan-Baker group, Beady Belle and Sheila Jordan material, and naturally "Waltzing Matilda."

Jazz UK - Dec/Jan 2010/2011

"Australian singers Trudy Kerr and Ingrid James worked together regularly in Oz two decades ago and despite Kerr settling in London, have enjoyed parallel careers. Listening to this CD - very much a 21st century affair as it was rehearsed over Skype - you'd never realise that they hadn't collaborated regularly in so long. Their voices work together a treat, weaving round each other, harmonising with each other and sharing the spotlight throughout. The songs are a mix of numbers by contemporary writers and vocalese tunes with a couple of old classics thrown in."

Alison Kerr, The Scotsman, Aug 2010

"The pair's skills and obvious enthusiasm for the venture and each other radiates warmth. They're deft and relaxed on This Could Be the Start of Something Big; the Mulligan-Baker band is elegantly reprised on a contrapuntal version of Soft Shoe; Beady Belle's When My Anger Starts to Cry and Sheila Jordan's and Don Cherry's Art Deco reflect the range of the pair's interests, and Waltzing Matilda their deepest roots. It's a joyous get-together."

John Fordham, The Guardian

"A pair of Jazzy Chanteuses get together and do what comes naturally - gossip (Girl Talk), shop for shoes (soft Shoe), share romantic secrets (Dancing on the Ceiling) and worry about therapy (When my anger starts to cryO. Kerr and James blend naturally well, swapping lines, entwining in unison or counterpoint, trading girly ad-libs. The material comes from the tradition of vocalise, the art of appending words to jazz solos, which is a direct route to the subconscious, and perhaps explains whey so many vocalise songs are about going mad (there are two here). Not that the music is never anything less than charming and swinging with just-so phrasing and a pleasing lilt. Clearly, Kerr and James are loving and loveable women. A soft crooning Waltz brings it all back home."

M.E.N 2010

"Trudy Kerr's ninth album presents a very special pairing with her old friend from OZ, fellow jazz singer Ingrid James. With a terrific song list that ranges from Jon Hendricks' rambunctious version of 'This Could be the start of Something Big' to a swinging waltz-time take on chick Corea's 'You're Everything' to a Carole King's 'Way Over Yonder/So Far Away' the duo rekindle their erstwhile musical partnership with empathy, exuberance and imagination. The pair negotiate the tricky syncopations of Bob Dorough's 'Baby you Should Know it' and the angularity of 'A Little Crazy' (after Bud Powell's 'Un Poco Loco') with such unbelievable precision that it would be impossible to blow smoke between their respective melodic lines. Other standouts include a delightfully fluid account of Ann Hampton Calloway's 'Finding Beauty' and a captivating 'Art Deco', featuring words by Sheila Jordan music by Don Cherry."

Peter Quinn, Jazzwise Magazine Sept 2010

"It's also an unequivocally enjoyable, impeccably performed set of intelligently selected songs, ranging from the peppy opener, 'This Could Be the Start of Something Big' (inspired by the Jon Hendricks version), through visits to jazz classics (Gerry Mulligan's 'Soft Shoe', wittily transformed into a paean to female footwear with a concluding moral; Bud Powell's 'Un Poco Loco', inspired by TV's righteous serial killer Dexter) and personal favourite songs (by the likes of Bob Dorough and Ann Hampton Calloway), and concluding with a tender, clearly heartfelt version of 'Waltzing Matilda'. There is also a delightful 'Girl Talk', scatterings of vocalese, and a Carole King tribute ('Way Over Yonder/So Far Away'). The women's voices blend perfectly, both in natural-sounding harmony and trading lines/verses, and with accompanying duties flawlessly performed by pianist Tom Cawley, bassist Geoff Gascoyne and drummer Sebastian de Krom, this is an unalloyed treat, providing that rare and precious commodity, serious fun."

Chris Parker Vortex Website Oct 2010

"Two talented vocalists, top-class musicians, inspired song selections, a few new lyrics and a genuinely original set of arrangements come together to make Reunion: a fresh-sounding and charming album from Australian singers Trudy Kerr and Ingrid James. Kerr and James' voices are distinctive and complementary. James who appears in the left channel has the slightly brighter, more crystalline, voice. Kerr, using the right channel, has a softer edge to her voice that gives her sound greater sensuality. Neither is a bluesy shouter, but apart from that they have pretty much all of the vocal bases covered.

Reunion is immediately enjoyable: everyone on the album sounds like they were having fun and this readily translates to the performances. The vocal partnership between Kerr and James is delightful—a second reunion will hopefully be on the cards soon."

Bruce Lindsay. AAJ Oct 2010

"Trudy goes from strength to strength. Just seven issues ago, I reviewed her productive team-up with Michael Garrick. Here she is teamed with Ingrid James. They sound marvellous together. I'm always happy to be able to say that I thoroughly enjoyed a whole album - and this is the case. Within these 13 tracks is not a dull moment...

What impresses is the variety, both of the material and the way they combine their voices on it. Two top-quality items that are graced by such Trudy/Ingrid elements as synchronised diction and lyrical interplay."

Les Tomkins, Jazz Rag, Autumn 2010

"Jazz vocal duo albums are pretty rare and this is, as always a classy offering from Kerr and her colleagues. It's also unusual to find two duetting singers who sound so similar when so many vocal pairings go for the "chalk and cheese" approach. Kerr and James come from similar musical and cultural backgrounds and have many shared influences. They obviously have great respect for each other's abilities and this is reflected in their work, a partnership of equals where nobody gets in each other's way. Cawley, Gascoyne and de Krom are superb throughout, sympathetic and supportive, always adding but never imposing. There are some neat instrumental solos and cameos, notably from Cawley, but really this album is all about the singing and the songs. "Reunion" is a sophisticated package that is likely to attract healthy audience numbers for the duo's forthcoming UK tour. Having already toured the album around Australia Kerr and James should be in fine voice."

thejazzman.com Sept 2010

Portrait

"This is exciting playing by a wonderful group of musicians". Ingrid and Louise have brought new things to music by way of creative lyrics and compositions. They connect beautifully with one another in terms of sound quality - nothing forced, nothing overdone, and very refined."

Tony Gould

"Many tracks feel like a captured story filled with warm and intimate thing..."

John Hoffman, trumpet/big band leader/educator

"This album is a fine example of globalization in its ideal sense. The music of Ingrid and Louise knows no geographic boundaries - from Down Under to New York to the Far North, we ultimately all share one set of needs and values: joy, family, spiritual journey... its all here….Ingrid can just plain sing, and Louise's rare musicality is evident from the first note."

Aaron Goldberg

Flame Tree

"Superb musicianship from all the players....James's vocal melodies soar with freedom and confidence bringing a wonderfully individual colour to the sound of the band."

Sandy Evans, tenor and soprano sax, composer, educator

Lazy Afternoon

"Ingrid James floats and swings effortlessly through the changes with a tone of honey. As well as great technique, there's an engaging warmth to her delivery like a close friend smiling at you."

Tony Backhouse, Sydney

Live Reviews

"It doesn't get much better than John Reeves, Andrew Shaw, Paul Hudson, Graeme Norris & Ingrid James. Despite having only flown in from LA yesterday, Ingrid was, as always, visually & performance wise - brilliant. Her expression, clarity & vocal control thrilled the audience of 185 & the variation in tempo made for a particularly interesting evening. One or two quieter, sensitive numbers brought a remarkable stillness in the audience, as we soaked up the beautiful lyrics & Ingrid's vocal interpretation. The backing in all numbers was perfect. well, the superlatives could just keep flowing.... Suffice it to say, the East Coast Ensemble is a 'must' for future bookings ...."

Creme de la Creme Friday 23 January 2009 @ The Brisbane Jazz Club
Ingrid James & East Coast Ensemble

"I have to say that yesterday's jazz was, without a doubt, the best I've heard at the Club. I don't recall any other time when I've felt so emotionally involved with the music & vocals. It was truly magic."

Rita Laurie, Brisbane Jazz Club ('live' performance 17th August 2008)

"Ingrid James is a jazz singer with great musical quality and possesses a voice of rare purity."

Jazz Club Venture, Marseille, 2006

"Ingrid James' passionate vocals cut like musical light-sabres with each note - yet injected warmth and depth of meaning and pathos that only deep compassion can bring."

- Matthew Hutchinson, Special Music Consultant to the Noosa Jazz Festival - 'live" performance review
(Read more..)

"Ingrid is a class act. The Mackay Festival of Arts was privileged to secure such a performer for the Festival. Her performance on the opening night still has people talking. Her presence on and off stage makes Ingrid the sensation she is."

Louise Bezzina, Festival Coordinator, Mackay Festival of Arts (July 2004)

"Ingrid James is one of those exception singers who takes her audience on a journey of joy and delight. Every set of hers filled the room. Her voice, her style and her stage presence charmed the Honda Jazz Festival audiences over and over again. Can I say that she's a winner!."

Ray Bolwell, Chairman, Gold Coast Arts Centre & Gold Coast Jazz Festival Director, 26/27 February 2005.

"Ingrid is a singer who can draw you inside the most touching standard and make you smile with an up-tempo tune and a scat chorus. [Her] infectious humour and her delightful interpretations of jazz classics made her a popular choice for best performer and ensured an invitation for the 2004 Festival."

- Peter O'Neill, Strategic Director of Kiama Jazz Festival
(Read more..)

"The Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Club were very previleged to secure the talents of Ingrid James to appear in the inaugaural Gold Coast Jazz Festival held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre the weekend of March 26, 27 & 28th...Ingrid gave a stunning performance and was one of the stars of the whole event. Queensland is fortunate to have her as one of our leading jazz singers."

Mary Oxenford, Festival Coordinator 2004.

"The thing about Ingrid James is that not only is she an extraordinary vocal stylist, but always manages to appear with a backing group of exciting ability."

Brisbane Jazz Club, March 2004

"Ingrid's professionalism in the lead up to the event was equalled by her talents as a performer.Ingrid's vocal talent kept the audience spellbound and her friendly manner to all of our patrons was very much appreciated. A truly amazing singer of world class standard."

Management & Patrons 100 Years of Wine & Song , Grand View Hotel, 15 March, 2003

"It was wonderful to see the Cascade Court so animated and [Ingrid's] work so obviously well received...it was a fabulous session."

QPAC's Sunday Soirees Series 2003

"Look out Noosa, here comes an artist who can move gracefully between traditional jazz and soulful blues with a powerful, yet sultry vocal resonance."

Noosa Jazz Festival 2002



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Joao da Penha, Brazilian journalist, author & music critic

If a great musician (and a great singer is a great musician) is 'a person who can keep time' (Flip Phillips, sax), Ingrid James is a great musician. Do you need proof, then please listen to her marvellous new album 'Essence'.

Ms. James is a jazz singer, a superb jazz singer, I say. But she has a special affinity for Brazilian music. Pay close attention to Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes' 'Chega de Saudade' (No More Blues). She sings this wonderful song with an unmistakably personal approach, with a sound that does not belong to anyone else. A swinging bossa nova singer, but she is also well-equipped to bring out the full beauty of the lyrics. In other words: a vocalist who can improvise on the melody while giving the emotion of a lyric.

Her interpretation is sensual (listen to 'Love for Sale'). Her voice is velvet-smooth (listen to 'My Funny Valentine'). In short: Ingrid James is one of the best voices Australia has ever produced. 'Essence' is a reunion of a superb female singer with a contingent of gifted musicians. Artists to the delight of audiences all over the world.

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Aparna Datta - Music Journalist & Music Promotions Specialist

Lay back, put up your feet, close your eyes, and enter a classic jazz club from the mid 50's as you listen to Ingrid James new CD "Essence."

Ingrid James of Brisbane, Australia brings her eloquent vocals to this familiar ten-song set. She is able to move seamlessly between songs by songwriters who are diverse, and by adding her own heart felt vocals the songs are completely reformed. The sounds of these songs will have listeners wondering if they are really hearing old classics or completely new songs. Renditions of songs are common; however when a vocalist such as Ingrid can make the song sound completely new you sometimes forget what the original even sounded like.

Ingrid's treatment of "You don't know what love is" is sultry and filled with passionate vocals. Sounds of harmonized conversations with the instrumentalists takes place as Ingrid's passionate long notes are kept streaming from instrument to instrument.

The rendition of "Love for Sale" is one to keep your ears open for. All the instruments are combined together as her vocals stand out with a deep intensity.

While listening to this CD you would think that the band had been together for many years; however the truth is this album required no rehearsals. The melodic sounds of Adrian Cunningham's tenor saxophone, flute, and clarinet add a spicy flavor to each song as no other saxophonist or clarinetist can. His unique sound is one that can be recognized instantly. Matt Baker adds his amazing pianist talents to this album, sounding more subtle, and played with more finesse than any piano session you have heard before. A beautiful rendition of "My Funny Valentine" highlights the talent that flows from his fingers. Owen Newcomb on acoustic bass is smooth. He keeps the bands rhythm jumping in "I'm old Fashioned," and going smoothly throughout the other songs. John Parker on drums and percussion wraps around this amazing group of talent, keeping it together as he sits in the background throughout each song.

For something classic and familiar, yet at the same time modern and new the CD "Essence" is a must have.
To purchase this CD or to read more about Ingrid James visit: www.ingridjames.com

Aparna Datta is a published Music Journalist & Music Promotions Specialist


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STEVE ROBERTSON - Presenter "Jazz on Saturday" Melbourne

(Extracts from a feature story - "Essence" CD)

"With so many singers putting out CD's before they are genuinely ready to immortalise their work, it's refreshing to listen to Ingrid James and her sense of swing, her accuracy, her fresh approach, her maturity."

"What happened was that Ingrid went from being a technically accomplished singer with a 3 octave range, to becoming a musician. Now it was not enough to hit the notes right on pitch and breathe at the right moments. Now she was crossing bar lines, going up where others would go down, exploring new and daring harmonic possibilities. Now she could safely avoid parroting precisely the notes which the composer gave us - she was interpreting and give of herself. It's called being an artist.

Ingrid's journey has seen more than just the predictable stops along the way. There's her years as a TV director with the ABC, and valuable experience singing in groups (ideal for learning how to intelligently interact with the instrumentalists you share the stage with, a skill Ingrid has mastered). She's also enjoyed those intangibles that help develop artistic expression, life experiences like raising children and watching an intimate relationship grow. Now she's a full-time singer, a jazz identity complete with a recording, interstate tours, maybe foreign jazz festivals before too long."

On Ingrid's new release Essence (Newmarket CD), it's clear that she is a listener as well as a performer. She interacts superbly with her sax and flute player Adrian Cunningham, who sometimes sounds even more inspired and disciplined on Ingrid's recording than on the recent Newmarket CD under his own name. Bassist Owen Newcomb and drummer John Parker are clearly relaxed and confident working with Ingrid, hence the faultless rhythm throughout.

Special praised, though, should be reserved for pianist Matt Baker, who, like Ingrid, is a chance-taker, the high wire walker who sways a bit as he crosses the chasm but always comes out fine at the other end. This album and his live work provide indisputable evidence that Baker is rapidly moving towards membership of that elite of Australia pianists which already includes Tony Gould, Joe Chindamo, Mark Isaacs and Mark Fitzgibbon....

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Noel Mengel - Journalist -"Courier-Mail" Brisbane, Australia
23/4/05 SINGER FIND JAZZ ESSENCE

While jazz buffs will be familiar with standards from Cole Porter (Love for Sale), the Gershwins (But Not for Me) and Hart and Rogers (My Funny Valentine), they won't have heard them given such inventive treatments for some time... It's an album which stretches the ballad form thanks to James's sensual voice and the interplay of four of the finest players in Australian jazz...Look no further than a sizzling 10-minute interpretation of "I thought about You" on which James's impeccable phrasing fits hand-in-glove with [Matt] Baker's extrapolations....(extracts from reviewer, Noel Mengel)

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John Shand - SYDNEY MORNING HERALD - CD REVIEW 3/6/05

The songlist suggests yet another safe set of standards. The reality is much more about life on the edge, about chances taken and pulled off with panache. Brisbane's Ingrid James is a fearless and gifted jazz singer for whom the songs are there to be teased, flirted with and then milked for all their improvisational poential. Sydney's brilliant Adrian Cunningham (reeds) and Matt Baker (piano) join James's fellow Queenslanders Owen Newcomb and John Parker in taking the likes of "You don't know what love is" and "Love for Sale" on a return to the wild side.

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Dave Bentley (jazz icon and journalist)

At a time when so many singers rely on cliched embellishment, it comes almost as a shock to hear lyrics delivered with directness and clarity. Ingrid James brings the listener to the inner essence. It's deju vu in reverse.

You've probably heard these songs before - but never like this. Thoughtful, inventive and, above all, swinging, Ingrid squeezes every line for nuance and meaning. The impeccable phrasing and accurate intonation come almost as a bonus.

On this CD. She is backed by four of Australia's stellar instrumental talents - pianist Matt Baker, bassist Owen newcomb, reedman Adrian Cunningham and drummer John Parker. The combination owes its genesis to 2004's Noosa Jazz Party where Ingrid's impromptu set with Sydney-based Matt and Adrian went so well that she asked them to record with her. Brisbane players Owen and John completed the studio lineup - and here is the result: familiar, much-loved standards bursting with fresh energy and spontaneity.

To hear Ingrid's subtle yet authoritative reading of My Funny Valentine is to realise how shabbily this venerable old jazz standard has been treated by lesser singers. Elsewhere on the album, Ingrid revisits the near-forgotten verse to But Not for Me, and also revives Georgie Fame's vocalese chorus from a solo by the late trumpeter Chet Baker.

Love for Sale takes the listener into exotic territory. A bazaar in Morocco, perhaps.with Cunningham as snake charmer and Baker plucking sounds directly from his piano strings.

This is jazz for a new millenium - but don't just read about it. Put it on your CD deck and listen. You'll be glad you did.

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John Morrison - January 2005

The nature of good jazz demands good chemistry between its performers and this recording is a fine example of how musicians, many of whom had only enjoyed chance meetings to this point, can come together and create something truly wonderful.

This music transcends the need to debate styles or influences and comes across as a purity of thought drawing in the listener. It has a raw energy only known to music created spontaneously yet refined well beyond what one would expect from a recording that was performed live in the studio.

My first response after listening to this recording was to play it again.

Not only does it sound completely fresh on subsequent playings, but you will then discover many new and subtle nuances that entice you further each time.

This music is a beautiful experience - savour it well and enjoy the "Essence" of a real alchemy.

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INGRID JAMES with MATT BAKER at the NOOSA JAZZ FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 2003

Review by Matthew Hutchinson - Sept. 2003 Former broadcaster on Noosa Community Radio fm 101.3 and special musical consultant to the jazz festival.

There are moments that transport you - they are particular, special segments in Time, in one's life, that allow one the opportunity to realise consciously what the journey is about; and permit a slow-motion type of cognisance to take place, wherein life-actions can be simultaneously viewed, participated in, and completely realised as integrated understanding, all at once.

Sitting at Fusion Cafe on the Noosa River on Sunday evening on the tail end of the Noosa Jazz 2003 Festival one such magical illumination took place.

Ingrid James' passionate vocals cut like musical light-sabres with each note - yet injected warmth and depth of meaning and pathos that only deep compassion can bring. Her work on "What a Difference a Day Made" was both incandescent yet heart opening. Just as riveting, yet in a totally credible, street-tough punchiness was the Oscar Brown Jr. blues "As long as you're living". The focus must shine equally on the dramatic piano work of Matt Baker. The evening's solos were the highpoint to this listener of decades of listening to great jazz - yet the particular extended solo played in "I've got just about everything" was the absolute zenith of the integration of pyrotechnical physical alibility, musical nous and sense of fitness, spiritual compassion and innate sense of beauty and elegance. Patrons and musicians alike were shaking their heads in disbelief at the music being generated.

The vortex of joy and upliftment created in that room by the four players was such that a transporting past the time/space continuum was produced. A healing on the hearts of humanity was taking place in that special moment. All present were involved - whether their intellect was cognisant or not. The interlocked simpatico of the two brothers, Pat and Joe Marchisella comprising the rhythm section set up the foundation and scaffolding for the two soloists (Ingrid and Matt) to build upon.

An environment wherein music became the vehicle to dismantle fear was in motion. Pure elation and interconnectedness to the hearts of all of humanity happened in that room - the players, through their years of dedication to their craft accessed the higher levels of Love and let it flow through them to repair all of those fortunate enough to put themselves in that place.

Bless them for their gifts. The immediacy of great jazz puts it right where it is - Truth resonates.

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2003 Kiama Jazz Festival - Peter O'Neill

NEW LOOK JAZZ A HIT
Peter O'Neill doesn't mind blowing his own trumpet,particularly when it comes to the new format for the 2003 Kiama Jazz Festival ! "This year's format was an outstanding success," said Peter O'Neill, Strategic Director of the Festival. "The new look festival had jazz fans, performers and restaurant owners singing its praises."

One of the highlights of the festival was Ingrid James Quartet, with Matt Baker . The quartet played at several venues across the weekend including a booked-out Harbourside Brighton on Saturday night and a packed performance at Natural Necessity Cafe on Sunday. The combination of the experienced musicians coupled with the smooth sound of Ingrid James was a hit wherever they played. Ingrid is a singer who can draw you inside the most touching standard and make you smile with an up-tempo tune and a scat chorus.Ingrid's infectious humour and her delightful interpretations of jazz classics made her a popular choice for best performer and ensured an invitation for the 2004 festival!