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Jazz On The Beach “A REAL JAZZ SINGER” In the course of my jazz radio life, (about 33 years now) I have interviewed many jazz people. Some of the interviews have been interesting, some not--especially during my early days. That’s when I was thinking, “Wow, I’m really talking to So-and-So!” Of course, “So-and-So” was probably one of my long-time heroes, and I was content to have them say almost anything into my microphone. My conversation with Duke Ellington was one of those. I was delighted when he said, “And you tell all of your listeners that we do love them madly!” That did it for me! I think I’m better at it now, preparing myself for interviews,
hoping that my questions will elicit some fruitful replies. I have interviewed,
by telephone, authors of jazz related books, and perhaps inspired listeners
to buy, or at least read, the book. A recent enjoyable experience for me came when singer Amandah Jantzen, visited during one of my “Jazz on the Beach” broadcasts. Amandah is an attractive young lady with not only an excellent voice, but also a special approach to her music and the lyrics. I have seen many people sing the great American songs. They know all the words, and sing them pleasantly with a smile. What’s missing is style and phrasing. Amandah has it all, and seeing her sing in person is memorable. An old expression is appropriate, “She knows how to put over a song!” Her facial expressions, eye movements, and body language are all so individual. A friend leaned over to me during one of Amandah’s appearances at Heidi’s Jazz Club, and said, “She’s a real jazz singer, isn’t she?” The personal proximity is a bonus, but her CD, “Some Other Time” (Starfire) is sufficient to let you know that she is someone with a lot to say. Amandah is from Portland, Oregon, and is returning there shortly, after more performances in Central Florida. I hope she’ll come back! Jack Simpson’s “Jazz on the Beach” is heard on WFIT-FM 89.5, Melbourne, on Thursdays, 7 to 10pm, and in Orlando on Saturdays, on WUCF-FM 89.9, from 10 am to 2 pm. The Jazz Society of Brevard meets monthly for a program of live jazz. For more information, call 773-5880 or 799-2357. Simpson sez... By Jack Simpson Many years ago, while listening to a Miles Davis LP, I suddenly asked
“Wow, who is that?” It was John Coltrane on tenor saxophone,
that’s who! I had a similar experience when I first heard Amandah
Jantzen’s CD. She’s something special, for sure! From Portland,
Oregon, and soon to return there, Amandah sat in one Friday night with
Bert, Ron, Jim and Dave. Audience reaction was enthusiastic to say the
least! A lovely girl, with quite a vocal range and a great personality
(Bert says “A lot of fun to work with.”). She sings the wonderful
American standards, and those obscure romantic songs, creating a quiet
“hanging on every word” room. Don’t miss Amandah Jantzen
and Bert on May 12 and 13. Spokane Jazz Society Newsletter “Out and About” December 2000 Amandah Jantzen Top Vocals Atop the Ridpath For those (and there are many) who hunger these days for a successor to our beloved “Hobart’s” jazz club, there is a bit of live music available that offers some nourishment for that hunger. “Ankeny’s”, atop downtown’s West Coast Ridpath Hotel, has recently been featuring a fine jazz singer. Amandah Jantzen is performing five nights a week, Tuesday through Saturday. She accompanies herself acceptably on piano. But wait, this is not your everyday “piano bar”. Her voice, selection of tunes, vocal style, delivery and audience rapport really do command attention from the fans of good jazz music. Ms. Jantzen has a well-crafted and very appealing CD entitled “Some Other Time” that was recorded with a fine quartet. During the course of each evening, she performs selections from her recordings in a ‘music minus one’ fashion. She activates the disc player, turns to face the audience and delivers the vocals with ease and conviction. Each times she does this, it is a pleasant surprise. Amandah Jantzen is well worth checking out. We hope the Ridpath will soon experience enough local trade to let her hire a hot trio. Then we might all be enjoying live jazz in a good venue once again. Get on up to the Ridpath Roof (Ankeny’s) and hear something good. Amandah Jantzen is well worth your “listen”! Comments from Tom Phillips (The Sounds of Jazz) WHAT A RECORDING!!!!! All the gals/players/tracks are good, but that Amandah is sump’n else! Even though I’ve been (reasonably) happily married for 46+ years, her delivery on “Come On Back, Anytime” made me want to hop the next plane to Portland. Not only is her diction the greatest, she can bend a note in JUST the right place, but the feeling/passion she puts into it - W-O-W! It’s more than just phrasing. The sensation is like it’s late in the evening, at the Country Club, a lot of the couples have left, the lights are low, the band is great, you’re dancing close, and she’s singing in your ear, just to YOU! In fact, the mix/balance on this is superior to her initial album. On “Some Other Time”, the players, while excellent, tend to dominate. Whereas on Ellen’s CD, the players are ALSO excellent, very supportive, the tempos are “Basie-perfect”, but the singers are not straining to sing over the players. EXCELLENT job on mixing! What would we do without Al Julian! What a guy. He’s sent another winner! Played it on the show yesterday, and look forward - eagerly - to the April release. It will get a lot of airplay, and I’ll try to get a review in JAZZNEWS. What else can I say but............ thanks! Jazz On The Beach "Amandah Jantzen has a new CD titled "Devil May Care",
(Starfire) which has been receiving critical acclaim. Amandah, who was
featured at Heidi's last year, is now back in the Northwest, appearing
in Oregon, Washington, and sometimes Vancouver, British Columbia. The
Canadian musicians recording with Amandah are outstanding, and her versions
of the Gershwin, Porter, Berlin etc songs are most pleasing. I've never
heard a better reading of Jobim's "How Insensitive", and I
mean that!"
The Beat Magazine (www.beatmag.com) volume 160 Update July 28- August10, 2006
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“An enthusiastic and charismatic performer who is also subtle, Amandah Jantzen is a constant joy, both musically and personally.” – (Scott Yanow, Los Angeles, CA)
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