Sophie Milman
Vocalist Sophie Milman operates at levels most artists have never heard of. Still in her 20s, Milman has just released her third album, and is the spark that the jazz world has been missing for many years. Her first two releases topped the jazz charts in several countries, and drew accolades for her “classic jazz voice that evokes smoky lounges, softly clinking glasses and the cool of the night.” (-NPR’s Weekend Edition) Her second album, Make Someone Happy, won the Juno Award for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year. With her new record, Take Love Easy, Milman branches out into pop music territory, making songs by Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Duke Ellington her own.
Born in Russia and raised in Israel, Milman’s first experience on the stage came when she won an audition to perform in an Israeli children’s show called “Festigal.” Israel is also the place Milman heard jazz for the first time, and she absorbed as much of it as she could. Upon moving to Canada, Milman literally fell into a singing career. She sang a couple of songs at an open mic night at a local club, and the host of the night offered her a gig. The gig led to a TV appearance, which led to a recording contract, and Milman’s career took off.
Milman currently resides in Toronto, and brings a variety of experiences to her show without making it seem precious or self-absorbed. She has learned the value of having a regular band to play with, and she will be appearing at the Dakota with longtime musical director and pianist Paul Shrofel, guitarist Rob Piltch, bassist Kieran Overs, and drummer Mark McLean.
“Chatty and full of personality, this dusky-voiced Canadian, 24, showed vocal instincts beyond her years and an enviable rapport with her band. She’s the best young jazz singer to come along since Jane Monheit, but Milman does it with a captivating soulfulness, not impeccable technique.”
- Jon Bream, Star Tribune
Pick six: Half a dozen cool things in music
January 25, 2008
