Music
Press
"Céline Berman and the fine cast of musicians on this CD have hit the mark. Céline's voice is to be treasured. Our radio show has made this release a staple. Can't wait to see Céline and her band tour this way." - Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault" radio show on WVOF
Nothing could be finer than some tunes from Carolina. Canadian born Céline Berman, residing now in North Carolina has assembled a fine cast of musicians to back her exciting (and ultra hip) vocal message.
"Oleo" Sonny Rollins' bop inspired piece is given added dimension with Berman's rapid fire rendition. This is a great tune presented 'å coup sur' ...Berman is on dead red all the way, making this song get off the ground with ease and style. The only thing that could add more to the mix is if the drummer would be less invasive and more supportive.
Scatting smoothly, Céline's "Lady Is A Tramp" is performed as cooly as a South Beach cocktail (and) a bit of her French accent peeking through makes it even more delightful.) "Isn't It Romantic" is done at a tempo way down and it works beautifully..Pinky Winters comes to mind in Berman's interpretation of this classic standard. Elegance and grace along with clarity of tone give this old chestnut a brand new life. Romance rules the day on this one.
This recording showcases Céline Berman and Jazztrack in all its urbane resplendence...This disc is a pleasant surprise and North Carolina is lucky to have such a swinging vocalist and ensemble in its cultural environment.
Five Stars *****
- John Gilbert, Sony/Columbia Records, Eurojazz, Johnnyjazz
"Céline Berman & JAZZTRACK deliver a keeper with this recording. The tunes are classic jazz; the treatment is fresh yet respectful of tradition. The musicians are top-notch and the arrangements tasteful. A wonderful voice from which we'll undoubtedly be hearing much, much more. Buy it, play it, enjoy....Go...Do...Be...." - David McGuirt - Charlotte, NC
For a vocalist one of the weighty ingredients to a successful delivery of a specific performance is aspiration. Aspiration to pour ones full spirit and fire into a tune as it bleeds forward and connects with the listener. Thus defining the distinguishing factor between entertainment and mediocrity. Celine Berman embraces this philosophy and delivers that entertainment under her own label (Jazztrack) with her debut project GO-DO-BE.
In short, GO-DO-BE is very cool and a pleasure to experience.
Taking from Berlin, Rogers, Kern, Ellington, among other greats, Ms. Berman presents a very pleasurable flavor to these standards. In studio with Ms. Berman are Jon Thornton, Tim Gordon, Matt Yarborough, Ryan Weaver, Jim Duckworth, Charles Berman, and Brian Sullivan. All compliment her style and grace through out the studio recording.
As a bilingual vocalist her rendition of Trenet’s Que Reste T’il de Nos Amours is stunning and delicate. The piano intro filtered with the strings delivers the mood of the piece the way it was meant to be.
We can only hope in the future she produces an original or two. It would be of great interest to see how she takes her talents to the next level.
An enjoyable listen, give it a play or two.....or three!
- Karl H. Stober, International Columnist and Broadcaster - Jazztrenzz
Discography
"GO DO BE" – Jazztrack featuring Celine Berman -has been released on her own indie label, GO DO BE/JAZZTRACK. It aired all around the world and garnered critical acclaim.
Photos
Bio
The first striking part of the band is Celine’s voice and her ability to scat and sing in various languages. Her improvisation is always unscripted and her scatting comes from the soul. Celine always assembles an unbeatable lineup. The band’s many influences vary from Ella Fitzgerald to Bill Evans, from Diana Krall to Chick Corea, from Blood Sweat and Tears to Count Basie, from Billie Holliday to Cole Porter, from Astrud Gilberto to Ivan Lins. There are rarely two performances alike, due to her drawing from a diverse, contained pool of players to suit the occasion. This is the true meaning of being a "flex" band.
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