Romantic Love Gifts & Decor - Perfect for Valentine's Day, Anniversaries & Couples' Home Decor

Born in Schladming, Austria, jazz singer Simone Kopmajer is a cool toned soprano, tipped a little toward the contralto end of the scale - her low notes may remind old timers, (like me), a little of June Christy. I'm not a huge fan of sopranos - but I really like Ms Kopmajer's voice - it's not up in the stratosphere and it has a subtle "throaty" quality - smokey rather than whispy - that I find particularly pleasing. She is exceptionally well trained - she has studied with Mark Murphy, Jay Clayton and Michele Hendricks and has a masters degree from the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz. And while English is her second language, you'd never guess it - her diction is precise and her phrasing is excellent - and on "Romance" she swings gently and easily."Romance" is a set of 12 songs, most of them standards and all of them - surprise - having to do with romance. The songs include "A Blossom Fell," "We Kiss in a Shadow," "Exactly Like You," "The Way You Look Tonight," "Where or When" and "Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)." To my ears, the only misstep is "You Light Up My Life" - and that may be because I don't like the song very much, no matter who does it. Ms Kopmajer delivers all of the songs gently, almost whistfully - it's a lovely set.The band is excellent. Whether they are soloing or playing as a unit pianist John di Martino, bassist George Mraz, drummer Tim Horner and tenor saxman Eric Alexander provide just the right showcase for Ms Kopmajer voice.The sonics are good. Ms Kopmajer's voice is crystal clear in the center of the sound stage and there's plenty of air under, and separation between the instruments.