Reviews
Radio:
Jazz Charts for ‘Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe’:
#1 Top Jazz Adds CMJ issue #1274
#5 Top Jazz Adds CMJ issue #1275
#5 Top Jazz Adds CMJ issue #1276
#22 CMJ Jazz Chart issue #1277
Yahoo! by Susan Frances
Vocalist Donna Singer makes a tempting offer on her new CD, Take The Day Off: Escape With Jazz, featuring a handful of swing/blues blends and bossa nova numbers. Collaborating with her bass player Doug Richards, Donna Singer takes audiences on an escape that they’ll want to go on again and again.
Singer’s experience as the lead soloist in the Swing Shift Orchestra is evident in such jubilant numbers as “Take The Day Off” and “But Not For Me” which fire up the torches of old fashioned swing. Billy Alfred’s jumping keys converging with bouncing beats of “The Sweetest Sound” set the sunny tempo while the misty smoke rings of Peter Kwon’s saxophone and Warren Cahill’s trumpet produce a soothing atmospheric in “I Have Gone.” The keys lightly showered over “The Good Life” move elegantly around Singer’s vocals as the bubbly riffs contoured by Jeff Otis’ guitar in “I Could Write A Book” frame her vocals with frilly garnishments. The rumba tempo of “Paradise” suspends an island feel, while the bossa nova rhythm of “Reve Aver” puts a splash of romance in the album. The bluesy swagger of the horns in “Alright, Okay, You Win” supports Singer’s pulsating vocals, and turn to a balladry swoon in “Felice.”
Fraught with sunshine and moonlight Take The Day Off: Escape With Jazz is an escape desired all year round. Elements of classic swing, smooth blues, and bossa nova all have a place in Singer’s repertoire. From being the musical director at The First Baptist Church of Monticello to founding Dr. Donna’s School of Song, Donna Singer shows a deep understanding for letting music flow easily emoting pleasing endorphins into the atmosphere.
[http://voices.yahoo.com/album-review-take-day-off-escape-jazz-by-11210254.html?cat=33]
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Midwest Record EMERALD BABY RECORDING COMPANY, DONNA SINGER/Take The Day Off–Escape With Jazz:
If you add up the careers of everyone involved here, there’s probably about a million years of jazz experience floating around so if this sounds like some cool, finger popping 50s club jazz, there’s a good reason for it C’mon, one of the cats here list appearing on Sammy Davis Jrs TV show on his resume. They know what they are doing and that makes this micro budget, after hours, DIY recording work. It’s got so much heart and passion that it’s unstoppable. Not just for grandpa, anyone who digs some real playing at the kind of smoky joints that no longer exist will have a great time with this romp. Check it out.
[http://midwestrecord.com/MWR458.html]
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@Critical Jazz by Brent Black
“…Donna Singer is a first call vocalist. Singer hits a nice happy place between the cabaret and the more straight ahead old school vocal jazz and with an effervescent spirit and impeccable phrasing there is certainly no lack of talent. In some cases versatility can be a musical Achilles heal but Singer and a top flight band have the chops to make the transition to stylistic variety included on this set. “Take The Day Off” is vibrant swing kicking off a rock steady release. The standard “The More I See You” is a wonderful arrangement including the piano solo of Billy Alfred and the bass work of Doug Richards anchors a more than capable rhythm section with a soulful lyrical flair. A far more traditional arrangement of “The Good Life”may show off the pristine vocals of Singer as well as any tune on the release.
A contemporary yet old school look at vocal jazz for those tired of the more familiar names and faces consistently tossed out by the major labels. Singer received formal training at Julliard along with being a skilled pianist is currently the lead soloist in the Swing Shift Orchestra, a 17 piece big band playing the music of Glenn Miller and Count Basie. If one’s vocal taste leans a bit more old school but with some contemporary voicing then you may indeed want to “Take The Day Off!”
[http://www.criticaljazz.com/2012/03/donna-singer-take-day-off-escape-with.html]
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Examiner.com New York by Nicholas Gauthier
Donna Singer and Doug Richards, along with Billy Alfred (keyboard) and Mike Cervone (drums), put on a stellar performance on their promotional tour of their latest album, Take The Day Off. Mixing originals with time-tested favorites such as Bye-Bye Blackbird, the group showed an impressive range of talent from singing to songwriting.
The show ran from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Shrine Music World Venue on 7th Ave in Harlem (between 133 and 134 Streets). Donna Singer, aptly named, sang her heart out while Billy worked his magic on the keys and Doug and Mike kept up a jazzy groove. The performers are clearly professionals with a lot of experience and love for what they do. Their stage presence and musical consistency made the show a pleasant experience that jazz lovers shouldn’t miss.
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THE BORDERLAND by: John M. Peters
The venue has charm and atmosphere, and a very tasty menu selection (albeit at Manhattan prices). It caters to more of a dinner crowd than a listening crowd, but some of the diners, including two female students from Germany, were captivated by the show and approached Donna afterward to compliment her on the band’s performance. With momentum like this behind them, Donna & Doug look set to have a successful run.
[http://karionproductions.blogspot.com/2012/05/donna-singer-and-doug-richards-are.html]
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Improvijazzation Nation by Rotcod Zzaj
The idea of quitting for a day (or more) is most appealing, under any circumstance – but as I groove to Donna’s vocals on her totally hip rendition of “The More I See You“,… the temptation is ever stronger to take that holiday (like, forever, folks… lol). Another tune that’s definitely hittin’ th’ groove for me is “Paradise“… smooth & silky, with hints of th’ blues we all love so well. A total of 14 tunes makes this most appealing for jazz vocal lovers th’ world ’round. I enjoyed the bouncy “All Right, OK, You Win” the most, in fact it was my favorite. I give Donna & Doug a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, particularly for listeners who have gotta’ have a toke of cool vocals each day. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97.
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O’s Place Jazz Magazine by ~D. Oscar Groomes
Vocalist Donna Singer partners with The Doug Richards Trio to play fourteen classics. The trio is Billy Alfred (p), Mike Cervone (d) and bassist Richards. They incorporate five guest artists playing horns and guitar to add color and warm compliments. Highlights are “Rêve Aver” and the title track.
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Hot House, New York’s Jazz Bible, June 2012 Issue mentions in the JAZZWOMEN! section which is sponsored by International Women In Jazz By Elzy Kolb: “What are the singers up to…Take the Day Off (Emerald Baby) with the aptly named Donna Singer.”
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Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe
Radio ~ Jazz Charts:
#1 Top Jazz Adds CMJ issue #1274
#5 Top Jazz Adds CMJ issue #1275
#5 Top Jazz Adds CMJ issue #1276
#23 CMJ Jazz Chart issue #1277
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Os Place Jazz Magazine, O’s Notes: November 2012 Vocalist Donna Singer teams up with The Doug Richards (b) Trio to present her favorite Holiday tunes, a dedication to her husband Roy. Billy Alfred (p) and Mike Cervone (d) round out the trio with a several guest artists that add further depth and dimension to the set. Our favorites are “Rise Up Shepherd” and “Let It Snow” with Luis Camacho (t, vocals). It is a heartfelt collection
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Midwest Record EMERALD BABY RECORDING COMPANY, DONNA SINGER
DONNA SINGER/Kiss Me Beneath the Mistletoe: The lead singer of Swing Shift Orchestra steps out for another solo turn delivering a sprightly holiday set that feels like a welcome post card from an old friend. Easy going stuff made to look deceptively simple, Singer is smart singer that knows how to move and groove with swing and verve delivering a Christmas record that really sounds like nothing you’ve heard before. There seems to be a wave of different and creative Christmas records in the pipeline this year but this set is running at the head of the pack. A good bet for the holidays.
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CRITICAL JAZZ
by: Brent Black, Donna Singer Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe Emerald Baby 2012
Another Christmas release soon to be hitting those rare brick and mortar stores we have left is from Donna Singer entitled Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe. Singer enlists the aid of the Doug Richards Trio to come up with a more soulful mix of originals and traditional Christmas favorites sure to please.
Normally I cringe upon seeing more than one Christmas “original” on a release. Given the short sixty day run that is what commonly referred to as the Holiday season, new Christmas music seems to be a desperate attempt by some artist to receive the extra attention they may not receive with their regular catalog. In short, the tunes are born out of desperation not out of necessity but this is the second or perhaps third release where that does not seem to be the case. Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe is a well paced, delightfully conceived release with original to the more familiar Christmas classics being close to 50/50 which contributes nicely to a delightful ebb and flow of this release.
Some of the highlights here include the standout original “In The Stillness Of The Night” along with the stirring spiritual “Rise Up Shepherd.” Singer warms the heart with “What Are You Doing New Years Eve” and then lets the spirit fly with a foot to the floor version of “Winter Wonderland.”
A nice mix of originals and holiday favorites couples with a more soulful presentation than most artists have the chops to deliver allows “Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe” to take flight as a solid Christmas release for most anyone in the market for new music this season. A sure fire winner!
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All About Vocals by Constance Tucker
Well, it is that time of year again; Christmas time. A time of celebration of family, friends and all the good things that each of us has been bestowed with this year. Music is always the perfect back drop for reminiscing and entertaining and this year is rich with new releases for Christmas. Donna Singer and Doug Richards have come together again—this time for a fun and energetic Christmas CD, Kiss Me Beneath the Mistletoe. The CD is comprised of twelve selections and is a nice mix of familiar Christmas standards and new Christmas originals all coated with a jazz/gospel flavor that will keep any Christmas event in good cheer.
On the familiar side, we are treated with the lovely rendition of the Negro spiritual “Rise Up Shepherd,” a tender rendition of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.” Donna and The Doug Richards Trio will get the cheer swinging on a nice in the pocket rendition of “Winter Wonderland.” Donna adds just the right amount of glee to the melody to keep it fresh yet familiar. Bill Alfred’s piano solo is clear and to the point and never loses that swinging feeling, followed by Doug Richards taking us on a nice bass ride throughout the bridge and last “A” section with drummer Mike Cervone providing a nice pulse throughout.
Four of the original selections are written by Donna’s husband, Roy Singer, who teamed up with playwright/lyricist Mitchell Uscher and lyricist Elly Koury. “Kiss Me Beneath the Mistletoe” (Usher/Singer) is a nice duet with Donna and Luis Camacho, who also sings with her on “Let It Snow.” The original music and lyrics are right at home with the usual Christmas favorites. Guesting on the CD is guitarist and composer Jeff Otis, providing a very nice instrument only waltz entitled, “Christmas Is Near.” “Christmas in My Heart” is a Richards penned original that explores the meaning of Christmas through the years with Singer exploring the upper register of her voice and allowing her gospel roots to shine through.
If you are looking for a holiday treat that will warm your guests and lift your spirits for the season, do not miss the opportunity to add Kiss Me Beneath the Mistletoe to your holiday collection. Certainly a kiss worth having.
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SPECIAL TREAT!!
PREVIOUS SHOWS/RESUME
Non-Profit Fundraising:
~SaratogaArtsFest, Saratoga Springs, NY
Performances and Gigs:
~The Catskill Club – A 1920′s Speakeasy Themed Black Tie Fundraiser
~Club at Smallwood Summer Opening
~Lansmen Country Resort Summer Fun
~Timber Hill Country Club Jazz In The Afternoon
~Small Wood Estate Homes Evening Extravaganza
~Donna is also the lead singer in the Swing Shift Orchestra (SSO), a seventeen-piece big band delivering the upbeat tunes including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Duke Ellington. SSO has performed on radio, television and in numerous jazz series.
Past Performances:
~Previously she opened for Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr at the Times Herald Record 4th of July Spectacular and sang with Gospel Dove Award winner Alvin Slaughter. She headlined the gospel segment at the Catskill Mountain Festival of Music and Art, captivating audiences through a national public broadcast of her performance.
~Donna also performed in Phoenix, New Orleans, Washington DC, Delaware, Virginia and West Palm Beach, FL.
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*****Sang at Havana Hideout in Lake Worth, Florida last night, what fun!
*****Happy New Year Friends, Family and Fans!! 2013 will be a great year for JAZZ!! Nadia’s Hungarian Buffet
*****Yippeeee!! Please read note from my publicist…”Dear Donna: Congrats it happened you were the only holiday CD to chart!!” Donna Singer and Doug Richards Debut on the CMJ Top 40 Jazz Chart At #23 With Kiss Me Beneath the Mistletoe
*****Kiss Me Beneath The Mistletoe song can be heard on WHFR.FM, 89.3: Public Radio International. The Jazz Montage Show playing out of Michigan: take a listen, Wednesday 4-6pm!!
*****Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, The Holiday Market, Performance, Sunday December 2, 2012
*****Billy’s Black, Harlem NY, Thursday November 15, 2012, $10.00 Cover – $10 Minimum
*****United Way of Sullivan County Benefit Jazz Concert, Nadia’s Hungarian Restaurant, Hurleyville, NY, Saturday October 27, 2012 1st seating 5:30 and 2nd seating 8:00
*****Freddy’s Bar in Brooklyn, No Cover – No Minimum, Thursday October 25, 2012.
*****Live Concert, University of the Streets (2nd floor)
Muhammad Salahuddeen Memorial Jazz Theatre
130 East 7th Street (East Village), Saturday - September 22, 2012 - 8pm, Purchase tickets online: $20.00 Universityofthestreets.org, 212/254-9300
*****Nadia’s Hungarian Restaurant Summer Concert with The Doug Richards Trio, September 14 and 15, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Hurleyville, NY
*****Private Party, September 2, 3:30-4:30
*****Liberty Jazz Festival, Main Street Stage September 1, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Liberty NY
*****Nadia’s Hungarian Restaurant Summer Concert with The Doug Richards Trio, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Hurleyville, NY
*****Swing Shift Orchestra St. Joseph’s End of Summer Fling Dance, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Wurtsboro, NY
*****Otisville Country Fair Jazz Segment, Saturday August 25th, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, Stage 1, Otisville NY
****Swing Shift Orchestra Liberty Music in the Park, Thursday August 23rd, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Main Street Stage, Liberty NY
*****Newburgh Jazz Series 2012, Thursday August 16th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Arboretum, Thomas Bull Memorial Park, 211 Route 416, Montgomery, NY, HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!
*****July 7, 2012 – performing at the Wurtsboro Street Fair, 3pm -3:45. Come and listen to some Jazz in the Afternoon!
*****June 28, 2012 – performing at Shrine World, Harlem NYC 134th st/Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. 8-9pm. See ya there!
*****Performed at Thalia’s Symphony Spot with D’Ambrose Boyd, Rodney Harrison and David Pearl. Fantastic time!!
*****Looking forward to working with the Times Herald Record regarding a summer advertisement for our upcoming tour! Loads of fun!!!
*****Just landed the Otisville Country Fair
*****Donna Singer and The Doug Richards Trio will be at Shrine World on 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (133rd/134th) in Harlem. No cover/No min, (212) 690-7807 on Thursday, June 28th, 8:00-8:50pm! Special musical guest Luis Camacho on Trumpet!! Spend the evening in NYC with us!
*****Great gig at Otisville Town Park. Donna-vocals; Doug-bass; Billy-piano; Mike-drums; Larry-alto sax; Dan-guitar. We really had a good time. Big shout out to our two groupies, Alice and Irwin…you two rock!!
*****Sang at Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City with Steve Niles-Piano; Winard Harper-Drums and Doug Richards-Bass. The joint was jumpin’ tonight with me on vocals. A whole bunch of new fans (shout out to Councilwoman Michele Massey!) we had a fantabulous night!!
*****Recording Radio Promotions
*****CMJ Music Charts Jazz Artist (Ranked 24) 6/2012
*****Recording Christmas Album 6/2012
*****Moore’s Lounge in Jersey City with Steve Niles-Piano; Winard Harper-Drums and Doug Richards-Bass 6/2012
*****Nadia’s Restaurant, Hurleyville, Friday’s 6pm 2012
*****Somethin’ Jazz, 212 East 52nd Street NYC 6/2012
***** Radio Air Play (180 Stations – National, The Netherlands, Germany and Canada (Song: Take The Day Off) 5/2012
*****Public Access 8 Television Station ‘Mr. Phil Show’ Jazz Concert – 5/2012
*****CMJ Music Charts Jazz Artist (Ranked 20) 5/2012
*****The Dupliex, Christopher Street NYC - 5/2012
*****Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant Rock Hill, NY CD Launch 4/2012
*****Somethin’ Jazz, 212 East 52nd Street NYC 3/2012
*****Shrine World Music Venue, Harlem NYC 3/2012
*****Nadia’s Cafe, Hurleyville NY, CD Launch 3/2012
*****Take The Day Off: Escape With Jazz CD Released 3/2012
*****Jazz In The Living Room CD Released 6/2011
*****Both can be found on ITunes, Amazon Mp3, Rhapsody, CDBaby and Amazon.com USA, UK, Japan and Germany