Press
CRITICAL PRAISE for "VERTICAL VOICES" (ArtistShare® 2010):
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JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE
"The synergy between the two is most potent on the closer, "Hang Gliding," where Marsh enters upon the ecstatic ascending peak of Dollison's zigzagging vocal. He then initiates an awesome, stratospheric duel that has sensual, sexual dimensions that a big band cannot express without a vocalist."
Perry Tannenbaum, CD Reviews (October 28, 2010)
ARTISTSHARE
"Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh transform the music of Maria Schneider, ingeniously re-creating the compositions with only their voices. The incredibly difficult task of singing the wide ranging horn parts is handled marvelously. Breathtaking."
Brian Camelio, CEO ArtistShare (September 21, 2010)
STEP TEMPEST: HUMAN MUSIC
"Dollison's solo ranges far and wide, sometimes angelic, bird-like at times, chattering, keening, swooping, reaching for the sky. Like Wilson's long and heartbreaking solo, this is simply divine."
Richard Kamins, Step Tempest: "Human Music" (August 13, 2010)
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
"Sizzling lead trumpet. Near-perfect transparence--illuminating the sweet dissonances and quartal zing of Schneider's voicings." **** out of five stars
Ed Enright, Editor-in-chief, "Editor's Picks" (July 14, 2010)
JAZZIZ MAGAZINE
"The singers show their affection for their mentor--and matchmaker--with this ambitious and atmospheric new release."
Bob Weinberg, Prelude Feature, (June 28, 2010)
ALL ABOUT JAZZ - NEW YORK
"Dollison establishes herself quickly with her impressive solo in “The ‘Pretty’ Road”, demonstrating an incredible range and variety in her expression, never falling into a rut. Dollison and Marsh's striking new look at Maria Schneider's music is well worth the investment."
Ken Dryden, CD Review (June 26, 2010)
ALL ABOUT JAZZ - ITALY
"The voices of Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh work perfectly on the compositions in a phantasmagoric kaleidoscope that turns constantly. Refined and successful... able to evoke the great impact of Maria Schneider."
Mauritius Comandini, CD Review (June 16, 2010)
ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM
Dollison and Marsh: Raising Their Voices (five-page review)
"It's a very sharp recording, rich with emotion, unveils a different beauty to Schneider's always-sumptuous creations. Dollison's high range and remarkable flexibility combine in a sublime mix. It's a bold project that is pulled off in fine fashion."
R.J. DeLuke, CD Review (June 8, 2010)
SACRAMENTO BEE
"Dollison's range, tone and musicality allow her to successfully meld with the band. Schneider has been effusive in her praise and support of the album."
Marcus Crowder, Entertainment Feature (May 28, 2010)
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
"This unusual outing was a radical idea. Somehow it works. The two create a chorus that enhances the soaring effect in Schneider's music." ***1/2 of four stars.
Karl Stark, New Recordings (May 23, 2010)
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE
"Vertical Voices" is more than an album of wonderful music. Schneider's music soars in this unusual, striking, energetic musical project. Excellent."
Bob Karlovits, Feature CD Review (April 25, 2010)
ARTSJOURNAL
"With flawless matching of intonation, they take Schneider's pieces, with all of their complexity and ethereal beauty, into a personal dimension."
Doug Ramsey, Rifftides - Top 5 Picks (April 19, 2010)
ALLABOUTJAZZ
"Dollison's voice beautifully becomes the trumpets. Their sound completely captures Schneider's arrangements ... a vocal tour de force."
Larry Taylor, CD Review (April 17, 2010)
BUFFALO NEWS
"Fresh and distinctive ... absolutely haunting." 4 out of 4 stars.
Jeff Simon, CD Review (April 11, 2010)
JAZZ O! NEWS
"The talented contemporary singers demonstrate the implementation of jazz voice better than in any other form."
Orleans, JLD, CD Review (April 10, 2010)
ST. JOSEPH NEWS-PRESS
"The result is pure heaven. Excellent for those midnight to first sunlight conversations."
Alonzo Weston, CD Review (April 8, 2010)
OTTAWA CITIZEN
"Successful beyond imagining ... Vertical Voices is simply the strongest affirmation of the power of jazz singing that I've heard in a long, long time."
Peter Hum, JazzBlog (April 6, 2010)
SOUNDSOFTIMELESSJAZZ
"Simply astounding ... absolutely stellar. Their work should garner a legion of new fans. The duo does Schneider’s work complete poetic justice."
Paula Edelstein, CD Review (March 31, 2010)
PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS
"As a fan of both wordless vocalese and Brazilian-flavored jazz, how could I not be swept up in Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh's lush trills on "Vertical Voices: The Music of Maria Schneider?"
Jonathan Takiff, CD Review (March 30, 2010)
ARTSJOURNAL
"More than just a technical tour de force, this CD is a miracle of kaleidoscopically varied vocal color that provides an arresting new perspective on Schneider's musical genius."
Terry Teachout, About Last Night - Top 5 Picks, #1 CD (March 28, 2010)
THE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF MUSIC
"Dollison and Marsh have accomplished the remarkable task of creating vocal renderings of Maria Schneider’s mesmerizing instrumental music."
Don Heckman, IROM (March 16, 2010)
CAPITAL PUBLIC RADIO, SACRAMENTO
"A two-voice orchestra, an ambitious project, a novel new CD."
Paul Conley, Feature Arts Story (March 15, 2010)
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
"Should you wonder whether Maria Schneider's compositions are singable, the answer is a resounding yes. Such a good idea!"
Suzanne Lorge, Vox News (August 26, 2009)
OTTAWA CITIZEN
"I'm with Schneider on this one. You have to give Dollison and Marsh full marks for their ambition, execution, commitment and musical taste."
Peter Hum, JazzBlog (August 26, 2009)
THE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF MUSIC
"Here's an opportunity to hear their remarkable vocal transformations."
Don Heckman, IROM (August 26, 2009)
****
CRITICAL PRAISE for Dollison's 2005 debut CD "OBSERVATORY"
JAZZ.COM
"Julia Dollison works wonders with the older songs and makes me hope that readers will check out her self-produced CD Observatory – a real undiscovered gem that deserves greater recognition."
(Ted Gioia, October 2008)
SACRAMENTO BEE
"Dollison's voice is a wonderfully refined instrument.
Her interplay is continuously subtle, spontaneous and breathtaking."
(Marcus Crowder, December 2007)
VALLEJO TIMES HERALD
"Dollison is scorching the jazz scene."
(Rich Freedman, August 2007)
STOCKTON RECORD
"Her fresh perspective and risk-taking has served her well."
(Brian McCoy, April 2007)
JAZZREVIEW.COM
"New voice, fresh debut, wide-ranging material.
It's a trip worth taking."
(Donna Kimura, January 2007)
WALL STREET JOURNAL
"Observatory, Julia Dollison’s debut CD, contains songs sung in a richly imaginative, pigeonhole-eluding style that lies somewhere in the no-man’s land, separating jazz from pop."
(Terry Teachout, May 2006)
ASSOCIATED CONTENT
"For a petite blonde with a powerhouse voice, don't turn to the tabloid princesses of pop. Instead, try the luminous sound of impressive jazz soloist Julia Dollison."
(Candace Leigh Coulombe, April 2006)
KANSAS CITY STAR
"There’s a fascinating newcomer, Julia Dollison, who combines incredible technique with real daring and respect for the words of a song. If you’re on the fence about this one, check out her website and you run the risk of becoming an instant fan."
(Joe Klopus, March 2006)
JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE
"Rare is the vocal acrobat who, like neophyte recording artist Julia Dollison, can remain aloft with interpretations both fresh and substantive. Dollison seems the vocal actualization of the curious dichotomy – jaundiced cynicism blended with fragile optimism – that defines her Generation Y…"
(Christopher Loudon, February 2006)
SACRAMENTO BEE
"Listening to Observatory, Dollison’s voice is rich and dexterous. A true original."
(David Barton, February 2006)
SECRET SOCIETY "I was surprised at how much I liked Julia Dollison's set. Huge momentum. And Julia ate it up -- she's the real deal, no doubt."
(Darcy James Argue, January 2006)
HARTFORD COURANT
"Judging by the cover of Julia Dollison's debut CD, Observatory, one might expect the recording to just be collection of standards, yet Dollison makes them sound young again. You can hear her heart in this music and that's what makes it so impressive."
(Richard Kamins, December 2005)
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
"Dollison moves fluidly through all of her interpretations, demonstrating virtuosity in her vocal performance. She appeals to a broad jazz/rock audience and will give Gen Y-ers sufficient reason to become curious."
(Jim Santella, November 2005)
SOUNDSOFTIMELESSJAZZ.COM
"Julia Dollison has one of those voices that you’re sure to remember. With just the right touch of class that many of today’s ingénues lack on their record label debuts, she immediately grabs your attention with her beautiful range and excellent accompaniment."
(Paula Edelstein, November 2005)
WASHINGTON POST
"Dollison's full-bodied yet sweetly airy voice has always been a wonder, and her self-penned arrangements are subtle to a degree rarely found among the present generation of once-over-lightly jazz singers."
(Terry Teachout, July 2004)
TIME OUT NEW YORK
"In traditionalist circles, among whom Norah and Diana just don't cut it, improvising throat Julia Dollison will push at your preconceptions."
(Steve Smith, February 2003)
WASHINGTON POST
"Julia Dollison is the real right thing, a deeply musical virtuoso with a luminous voice, astonishingly wide vocal range and a bracing taste for challenging material."
(Terry Teachout, June 2001)
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