SPIDER SALOFF: The Memory of All That

Spider Saloff

The Memory of All That

© 1997 Kopaesthetics (729366010422)

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Straight-ahead jazz vocals of Gershwin with a fresh twist on classic songs.

tracks

1 Slap That Bass
2 How Long Has This Been Going On?
3 Fascinating Rhythm
4 Do Do Do/Do It Again
5 Nashville Nightingale
6 Isn't It A Pity
7 Love Walked In
8 Embraceable You
9 They Can't Take That Away From Me
10 Ask Me Again
11 S'Wonderful
12 Lonely Boy
13 Vodka

notes

"Saloff remains one of the finest jazz vocalists working in this or any other city. Slyly sophisticated, easily accessible, Saloff stands as a kind of ideal", the Chicago Tribune stated emphatically. "A wicked way with a lyric and a glint of well-controlled mischief. A sparkle that lights up the performance", exclaimed The New York Times. Heard worldwide as the co-star and co-creator of the internationally syndicated Public Radio series Words and Music on PBS, Spider Saloff has received critical acclaim nationally and internationally. As one of the rare officially sanctioned acts of the Gershwin Centennial, her concert, Spider Saloff Sings Gershwin, has been touring the U.S. since 1996 and headlined the St. Petersburg Gershwin Festival in Russia (the birthplace of Gershwin's ancestors), including performances in the Gershwin family home. Ms. Saloff has played such renowned jazz and nightclub venues as New York's Firebird, Michael's Pub, The Russian Tea Room, The Algonquin, Café Carlyle, and Birdland, as well as San Francisco's Plush Room and Chicago's famed Gold Star Sardine Bar and Toulouse on the Park, the Fairmont Hotel, and The Plaza Tavern. Other leading venues include The Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, Wilmington Grand Opera, Wallingford Symphony, the Everett Symphony, and Town Hall and Dick Hyman's Jazz in July in New York. Spider Saloff has recorded and performed with such jazz luminaries as Tom Harrell, Nick Brignola, Ray Drummond, and Dick Hyman. She has worked frequently with Larry Novak, Tony Monte, Steve LaSpina, and John Colianni (Mel Torme's pianist for five years). A five-time winner of the prestigious MAC Award, including one for Best Female Jazz Vocalist, presented by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets, she also received a special citation for her musical contributions from NARAS (presenter of the Grammy Awards). Spider Saloff has five CDs released nationally on Kopaesthetics Records: 1938, Sextet, The Memory of All That, and A New Set of Standards. Her latest release is a Christmas CD entitled Cool Yule. Television and radio credits include: The Bonnie Hunt Show (CBS), The Steve Baskerville Show (CBS), a one-hour feature on the Noteworthy Women series (Public Radio), and Studs Terkel (WFMT). What others say about Spider Saloff... "Ms. Saloff is a gifted and polished song stylist who gives Gershwin a new spin. A most enjoyable musical outing." - Rex Reed "Saloff accomplishes an impressive feat: She brings fresh ideas to extremely familiar Gershwin standards." - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune "There have been countless album salutes to George and Ira Gershwin, but few as fresh or relaxed as Spider Saloff's 'The Memory of All That'." - Lloyd Sachs, Chicago Sun-Times "Spider Saloff loves a Gershwin tune, and so will you after listening to her fresh interpretations of standards such as 'Embraceable You' and 'Love Walked In'. Saloff delivers a warm toast to the Gershwin brothers that brings a champagne glow to all who listen." - Knight-Ridder Newspapers "Saloff consistently strips away the obvious phrasing and renders crisp, simple touches that make this whole album a joy. In fact, s'wonderful." - John Hoglund, Back Stage "Spider is a wonderful interpreter of this material and her accompaniment arrangements are first-rate. It's one of the best Gershwin albums I know. Right-on intonation and a personal style which can sell a ballad or tantalize with half a chorus of scatting." - Dick Hyman "This is a seriously great album. Spider's solid rhythmic sense and warm, cozy vocals bring a freshness and elegance to the music of the Gershwins. The arrangements are full of wonderful surprises and a delight to listen to." - Billy Stritch "A truly wonderful singer! Spider sings Gershwin with such understanding, personality, and insight. A first rate interpreter of the American songbook. My dad played with Paul Whiteman and was a New York City theater musician. I grew up listening to the songbook, so I think I know a little bit about what's good and not so good." - Phillip T. Ventre, Conductor, Wallingford Symphony Orchestra "A thrilling singer! This is a voice you can dig, 'cause I dig it too." -Lionel Hampton "She electrified Tatou's full house. Rarely have I heard so many musical ideas from one set of pipes with the talent and self-assurance to carry them off. Her jazz phrasing is flawless." - Back Stage "Saloff's frenzied scat-singing trip brought the audience to its knees." - The Star Ledger "It's apparent she's a performer of depth...she demonstrated her impressive jazz skills...[and] a sudden outpouring of radiant high notes. Her voice takes on a lovely Billie Holiday-like quality. Saloff will win you over completely." - The New York Post "Whether scatting impressively or breaking hearts with her stirring performance, her agile voice and winning stage presence kept the audience totally enthralled." - The Asbury Park Press "Saloff's flexible pop soprano pipes are tops." - Variety "Spider makes every songs a deeply moving love song. Full of life and vitality." - Studs Terkel "Can she sing! She is the ultimate amalgam of every great singer one has ever been a fan of, and like no one I have ever heard. Every 4 bars I thought I heard Lena, Anita, Annie Ross, etc...but no, it was not them - it was Spider, Spider and Spider once again." - Buddy Bregman

reviews

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  • Christmas gift for husband. We heard Spider live in Chicago this summer. Loved
    author: Darlene Rynkewitz

    My husband will open Christmas Day and will be thrilled! Obviously can't review right now but I know he and I will just love the CD.

  • author: CD Baby

    Fans of Gershwin and Gerswhin-type jazz with female vocals will want to get their paws on this charming and spirited album the way it was meant to be done. Gerswhin himself would be pleased. Put it on as you're making dinner, grab the cucumber for your microphone and throw your head back; this will spruce up any occasion.

  • This has to be greatest Gershwin CD by a jazz artist around!.
    author: M.P. from Chicago

    These are Gershwin songs at their finest. The fact that there are little known or heard Gershwin songs included makes this CD a must have!

  • Wow!
    author: Lisa B., Chicago, IL

    This CD is amazing! Spider is an incredible vocalist with a flair for playful interpretation! The arrangements are refreshing and the energy is contagious! When's the next Spider Saloff CD coming out? I want more!!

  • Probably my most listened to and most gifted CD
    author: Matt Oltman, tenor in the male a cappella ensemble, Chanticleer.

    The Memory Of All That is truly a pleaser. I have played it and given it as a gift to innumerable friends who have, in turn, played it and given it to their friends. Not so long ago, I played it at a party in Lubeck, Germany, and everyone loved it so much that I had to send them all copies from the states. Spider has such an unbelievable presence on this recording. Her voice wraps around you and laps at your ears, soothing, tickling, haunting. Its an ageless voice for ageless songs that will give hours and days and weeks of listening enjoyment. BUY THIS CD!!

  • The memory of all this will go on for a long time
    author: gary meyer

    This CD knocked me out. I have been playing for friends a lot and everybody wants to know "Who is that?" Gershwin never sounded more fresh and "Vodka" in this version should be required listening for all aspiring singers.

  • Spider's style takes music into another dimension.
    author: Dr. Jerome M. Juska (Chicago, Illinois)

    Listening to the words and music is only part of the experience. Spider creates an entirely new environment with her expression and interpretation. It's alluring, inviting, and intoxicating. Her songs keep playing in your mind long after the CD is over. Spider is a must have for your collection!

  • Spider is simply great..... I don't know how many times I have listened her cd!!
    author: Bernardo Paoli

    "The memory of all" is a great work about Gershwin! It is great for the arrangiament, it is great for the fantasy that Spider put in the several songs, it's funny and romantic.....I find a great pleasure all the times that I listen it!

  • Love For This CD Walked Right In
    author: Jerry Stemnock

    I'd heard a lot of Gershwin over the years, from New York to the West Coast, but it took the Gershwin centennial to bring this CD to my attention. Bless George for being good enough to have a centennial celebration and bless Spider for bringing out a CD good enough to still be listened to for the Gershwin bicentennial.

  • Turns a phrase that tugs your heart
    author: P & T Cox, Chicago, IL

    Spider never fails to turn a phrase in such a way as to tug at your heart--this CD is no exception. To all of you who think you've heard the same Gershwin tunes recorded so many times you can't imagine yet another Gershwin CD, set aside your ennui and indulge just one more time--you certainly won't regret it.

  • Every music lover on my Christmas list is getting this album! Brava! Encore!
    author: Vicki Webster, North Adams, Massachusetts

    George's notes, Ira's lyrics, and Spider's pipes -- what more could a jazz lover ask for? I grew up with this music pulsing through my veins, and Spider interprets it like no one else I've heard. This album belongs in the collection of everyone who loves the Gershwins, the American Songbook -- or simply incomparable singing.

  • I love this CD and listen to it all the time.
    author: Rebecca Holland

    I bought this CD in Chicago after seeing Spider Saloff in concert and it has become one of my favorites (especially in the car). I've introduced many of my friends here in New York City to it and like me they've been wowed by Spider's voice and interpretation of familiar songs, and have enjoyed being introduced to the songs they hadn't heard before.

  • "The Memory of All That" is STILL GREAT!!!!!
    author: Ralph Lampkin,Jr.

    As the co-producer of Spider's Gershwin Concerts in Chicago, I am proud to see that "The Memory of All That" is receiving more visibility four years later and still getting GREAT reviews. Congratulations to CD Baby on carrying it. "The Memory of All That " does deserve continuous attention, for it is TERRIFIC!!. Enjoy!!

  • Ask Me Again...S'Wonderful!
    author: James Jarrett, San Francisco, CA USA

    Do Do Do/Do it agian! What a great treat and gift for Spider Saloff to give us rarely heard Gershwin songs like Lonely Boy and Vodka! What a treat to hear such a young, yet experienced voice in jazz today. This is a must have in your collection.

  • Spider's Gershwin won us over for good...we are caught in her web!!
    author: Danilo Puig and Bob Moryl

    I've been in love with Gershwin for a very long time, but Spider makes it more accessible, more fun, even a bit devilish! I can't wait till she does Cole Porter....how about it, Spider?

  • Spider has done it again! Thanks for the Vodka!
    author: Vadim Muchnik, Chicago, IL

    Just finished listening the great CD for the second time. A must for any jazz lover. Being Russian, my favorite song, of course, is Vodka. Na Zdorovie! L'Chaim!

  • no wonder they call her Princess Fire and Music!
    author: Chris Morano (and happy to be), San Francisco, CA

    Spider Saloff and the Gershwins - Love Walked in, all right. I must have a bazillion Gershwin albums in my collection - vocalists, instrumentalists, singing dogs (!), Gershwin playing Gershwin, etc. - however, this recording has gotten so much play in my home that I wore out my first copy and had to buy another. How one singer, obviously a child of this generation, is able to capture the essence and feel of what the Gershwins surely intended some 70 years ago is beyond me - that must explain why she's the interpreter and I'm merely reviewing the album. The album is full of rarities ("Nashville Nightingale"; "Lonely Boy" - a stunning ballad dropped from the original production of Porgy and Bess in favor of "Summertime"; "Vodka" - worth the price of the album alone) as well as oft heard chestnuts. Saloff is able to give an inventive twist to each track, making the music sound new and alive, yet as comfortable and intimate as a fireside chat. Rife with the talents of Bradley Williams on piano, John Whitehead on bass and the amazing Harry Allen on tenor sax, I say "Do It Again", Spider.

  • A gem of a vocalist, a must have CD for any Jazz lover.
    author: Roger G Staedtke - Rotary International

    Spider Saloff's CD is the best kept secret since Ella Fitzgerald. Spider's emotional interpretation of classic Jazz standbys transport me back in time. With Embraceable You she literally tugs on your heartstrings and makes you teary-eyed; while in the next minute with the song Vodka, she magically transports you back to the days of Vaudeville. She is an icon of the current Jazz scene.

  • A rare gift for comedy.
    author: Maye Cavallaro

    All the songs on this CD are sung beautifully, but my personal favorite: Vodka! This is a song I've never heard before and Spider gives it just the right combination of humor and seriousness. I want to invite her to my next party. If she can't come we'll just put on this CD. My rating? 4 stars!!!

  • Sultry and sparkling voice hits all the right chords. A delight.
    author: Kitty Ultra Sound

    This Spider weaves a sparkling musical web... A truly charming take on Gershwin standards, and an exquisitely clear, rich voice. Five paws up for this gem!!!

  • What a gift! Beautifully rendered songs. Gershwin is smiling!
    author: Tom Hampson
  • Incredible, the greatest voice with so much love in the interpretation of Gershw
    author: Heike Baars, San Francisco, CA

    It feels like Gershwin is one of her greatest loves. The clear voice and the passion of singing these songs come through so well on this CD. Great selection of songs too!

  • Stunning!! The Best!!! So joyous, so on target!!!
    author: Norman Mark, KNWZ talk radio, Palm Springs, CA.

    Spider Saloff and Gershwin are like gin and vermouth--made for each other. When I listen to this CD, I go to another time and place -- the '30s, when music WAS jazz and a singer could interpret MY mood. Stunning!! The Best!!! So joyous, so on target!!! Literally, almost no singer has ever done Gershwin better. This CD is on my list of the top 20 albums of all time!!!

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