Music
Press
Jazz pianist-jazz vocalist Janice Friedman will give you everything including joy, jazz, animation, & her take on what strong jazz vocalese & solid improvisational jazz piano are all about!! Friedman stands out strongly both as a jazz pianist & singer, but I must include a reference to the interpretive quality she brings to whatever she sings- a forte for her indeed! Her sense of pianistic rhythmic brinkmanship & the mellow content of her voice is manifest in her performance. Stimulating & emotionally inspirational are words that come to mind in my attempt to dissect her wonderful talent(s) - EJazznews.com
What a surprise! Her alto voice has more body than Julie London's, but she has the same effortless approach to the songs that London had…. But, for the biggest surprise of all, her compositions are worthy of becoming standards. If this were released by a major label with proper promotion, it would sell plenty. This is the best new album I've heard in months - Organissimo Jazz Chat Room
Long story short, why do we like her? ….Friedman isn’t derivative, isn’t imitative, she just has the Allison vibe down in a sincere way and plays it from the heart without sounding the slightest bit like a joker. On top of that, she does it without being too hip for the room. A really cool set by a piano ace that goes the extra mile without breaking a sweat. - Midwest Record
Widely recognized for her excellent jazz piano mastery, she has added vocalizing to her performing talents, the fine results of which are evident on "Swingin’ for the Ride" (Janika Musik – J82105). This is definitely a swingin’ ride from Friedman and her crew, one that grows more savory with each return visit. - The Jersey Jazz Society
Long time pianist, songwriter and arranger adds lyricist to her résumé as the Janice Friedman Trio gives listeners Swingin’ for the Ride. Friedman parlays vocalist and keyboardist to her arsenal as she gives us jazzy beats that are both cool and sultry and speedy and danceable.….Depending on your mood, you can pick (a tune) which fits your current musical disposition. - The Celebrity Cafe
Usually known strictly for her piano chops, Ms. Friedman has thrown her hat into the vocalist ring and has put out a surprisingly successful disc. With her voice akin to a female Mose Allison, Friedman saunters through a streetwise title song and snappy "You 'n' Me." Her takes on standards like "Summertime" and "Meditation" are quite clever and iconoclastic. Her own originals show depth and perception. "The 'I Do' Song" is as clever as anything Dave Frishberg could have composed. As usual, Friedman's piano work features clarity and alacrity… - Jazz Weekly
Janice Friedman is best known as a talented pianist who is kept busy in the New York area. Swingin’ For The Ride is a change of pace for she is also featured as a singer….Friedman, who clearly has no difficulty accompanying herself on piano, performs seven standards and five of her originals. Her renditions of such warhorses as “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Don’t Blame Me” and even “Summertime” are fresh while her own songs are thoughtful and contain insightful lyrics. Her voice is quite musical with catchy phrasing and subtle improvising. But taking honors is her piano playing, which displays her own personality within the modern mainstream of jazz. She does not sound like anyone else yet is quite accessible and melodic even at her most creative. - Los Angeles Jazz Scene
Friedman's voice can sound sultry or joyous, depending on a song's atmosphere and mood. (She) has created a highly listenable collection of original jazz tunes mixed with several classics. Friedman and her bandmates sound well-integrated; the interplay between the musicians reminds me, at times, of the Bill Evans Trio. Friedman delivers the goods, swinging on every tune in a tasteful, infectious style. Swingin' For The Ride is chock full of eloquently arranged tunes and tasteful piano solos. Friedman knows her way around her chosen instrument. I recommend this session for listeners who appreciate heartfelt, joyous jazz with meaningful lyrics. - cosmik.com
What a stunning sound you have! - Triple H-Fm Australia
Fantastic Album. Geat stuff for our Radio Station. - BRTO Radio Netherlands
Discography
Swingin' For The Ride, CD, 2007
Triptych, CD, 1998
Finger Paintings, CD, 1993
Photos
Bio
Janice Friedman is a musician who wears many hats. She is as comfortable playing solo piano as she is working with a big band. She is an accompanist in demand among instrumentalists and vocalists alike. She is seasoned, with a long list of achievements including appearances in every state of the union and practically all around the world. She is gifted, making compelling music in any style from traditional to modern and, on top of all that, she is well loved by the many musicians that call her a friend.
Now, with her new recording, “Swingin’ for the Ride”, Janice has introduced herself as a vocalist of note, receiving accolades from musicians and music lovers alike. Her composing, lyric writing and arranging are all showcased on this CD. Upon hearing the CD, David Nui from Shanghai Jazz called immediately to say “I love this CD.” The folks from radio stations around the world have been writing in with comments like “Fantastic album” and “Thank you for giving me the chance to play this CD” and “I love this.”
Janice has made her living entirely in the music world for over two decades. She has performed in countless jazz festivals in both the USA and Europe. After performing at the JVC Jazz Festival, NY Times Jazz Critic, John Wilson, hailed her playing as the highlight of the program. He wrote that her “explosive … piano playing carries the aura and variety of a big band.”
The list of people with whom Janice has played reads like a Who’s Who of the Jazz World. A few examples include: being a guest on Marian McPartland’s radio broadcast, “Piano Jazz.” Marian, who asked Janice to join her on a number of concerts around the US, regarded Janice’s musicianship as one “with a distinctive touch.” Janice has recorded with such different musicians as Milt Hinton, Warren Vache’, Claudio Roditi, and Judi Silvano. She has been one of the few women ever to tour with the great Woody Herman Orchestra. The list of folks that she has performed with is ever growing.
Janice has played in the most famous of concert halls and notable clubs from Carnegie Hall and the JFK Arts Center to the Blue Note and Iridium. In the past 6 months alone, she has performed at Dizzy’s Jazz Club, Sweet Rhythm and Iridium in New York City and has wowed audiences from Japan to New Jersey and from Italy to Florida.
In summary, Janice Friedman has a unique combination of skill, experience and craftsmanship coupled with an infectious joy of music and life. Give a listen and it will put a smile on your face.
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