Press Samplings
What they're saying about Laurie ...
[For more info, visit my EPK by clicking here.]
“Krauz inhabited the music. She crawled up into the music. She snuggled and spooned the music, wearing it like a second skin. Her voice embodied the songs and she wasn't afraid to use her body as an extension of her vocal instrument, giving a physical, sensual performance…. This show was not simply performed, but it was alive. You can feel the difference.” Remy Block, Broadway World
“Laurie Krauz channels her music from somewhere to which most of us will never have access. It courses through her body like electricity, shaped by palpable, tingling control; like a mesmerizing snake dance. By her side, Daryl Kojak taps into that same frequency, antennae up, responding.” Alix Cohen, Woman Around Town
“Some people sing. Jazz vocalist Laurie Krauz mines every melody and interprets every note until the song emerges splendidly original and unique. And some people play the piano. But arranger/musical director Daryl Kojak makes those keys vibrate with a rhythmic intensity that supports the lyrics and takes the singer (and the audience) on a musical adventure.” Paulanne Simmons, Theater Pizzazz
“Ms. Krauz is a jazz singer of note whose relationship with the music she sings is palpable. All those times you listened to a singer with a gorgeous instrument and no connection to the song will be forgotten as Laurie weaves a simultaneous spell around lyrics and licks, staying true to the composer's notes while adding her own interpretation, as any prudent jazz singer would.... One of the things that is so surprising about Laurie Krauz is what she does with her voice. At first blush, one might consider that the whisky tones emanating from the throat of the singer will be constant throughout the CD... but then, like a musical roller coaster, Ms. Krauz goes even lower - low enough to raise the eyebrows - before soaring to high notes that drop the jaw in disbelief.” Stephen Mosher, BroadwayWorld.com
“Krauz is blessed with a rich and wide-ranging voice that soared and growled and did everything in between that was required for this show’s multi-sourced set, and her frequently heard scatting ability may be unparalleled among living singers.” Robert Windeler, Bistro Awards
“You won’t believe your ears – this jazz singer’s velvety voice is a wonder to behold.” (Critic’s Picks)..H. Scott Jolley, Time Out New York
“... Krauz offers a lovely and liquidy voice that pours out of her like fine wine. Her lower register is especially worth drinking in.... [W]hen Krauz and Kojak jazz up the joint, they’re the scat’s meow.” Wayman Wong, New York Daily News
“Laurie Krauz is an entertaining singer who is certain to leave her mark in the world of jazz singers.” Bob Agnew, L.A. Jazz Scene
“Laurie Krauz is one of the rarissimo elite singers group that nourishes the world of Jazz with human warmth, depth and mesmerizing film noire aura. She is powerful, intoxicating with her sparkling talent like a well-aged Napoleon cognac, yet, down to earth with depth, a captivating stage presence which teases you, challenges you and, charms the hell out of you. This is an intelligent, elegantly stylish and warm super singer.” Maximillien de Lafayette, New York Monthly Herald
“A versatile jazz vocalist who can be bright and breezy or hot and steamy. Her on air performance started an in studio ‘heat wave.’” David Kenney, WBAI-FM
“A strikingly balanced performer, she can be audacious, mellow or tingly ... her voice and body work as one instrument joining our ears to her breath and our eyes to her performance” Rajene Hardeman, Talent In Motion Magazine
“With an unusually pliant set of vocal chords, Laurie Krauz has a ball on her first album. The album’s kick off piece, the Ellington/Strayhorn masterpiece, “Day Dream,” sets the high standard for what’s to follow.... [S]he combines the best of cabaret and jazz singing. She has the respect for the lyrics one usually finds within cabaret as well as the ability to use her voice as an instrument, without over embellishing on the latter. This is a wonderful maiden album and will cause listeners to become impatient waiting for her next one.” Dave Nathan, allaboutjazz.com
“... she immediately impresses with her ample vocal presence and poise.... This stands as an impressive debut disc for Laurie Krauz.” Alan Bargebuhr, Cadence
“Krauz possesses a voice of remarkable range and dynamics. She is also a talented improviser who has a remarkable understanding of the jazz language. She imitates a muted trumpet on Kojak’s original “Ducksoup” with a remarkable attention to not only the sound but also the phrasing and breath of a jazz instrumentalist. In contrast to current jazz singing sweetheart Diana Krall, Laurie Krauz is not an introspective or wispy balladeer. When she is ready, Krauz comes straight at you with both barrels blazing, her voice moving from a whisper to a joyous howl within the space of a bar. Jazz aficionados should welcome this impressive debut album from a singer who will certainly be making her mark on the jazz scene for years to come.” Michael Laprarie, JazzReview.com
“... a strong and flexible voice, the ability to improvise at all tempos and a sensitive style that pays attention to the meaning of the words she interprets.” Four Stars. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
“Krauz’ smooth, made-for-jazz voice has the range and versatility of a fully-staffed choir/orchestra (the lady can scat so well you’re looking around to determine what instrument made that sound), and Kojak turns any piano into a symphony. Together they are incredible, transforming standards like My Foolish Heart, Cry Me A River, and Love Is Here To Stay into true works of art. Some Kojak originals are included in the program, my favorite being Right Angle. … Krauz & Kojak are what jazz is all about, bringing to fruition a songwriter’s inspiration and passion.” Laurie Lawson,electroniclink.com
“Vocal and style comparisons to icons such as Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Annie Ross are inevitable as Krauz often seems to be channeling them while putting her own unique stamp on the material.... [A]nd her amazing recreation of a muted trumpet on “Ducksoup,” ... is worth the price of the CD. (Note - it wasn’t until the third playing that I realized it wasn’t a trumpet!)” David Hurst, Show Business
“Her offering of the Mendes/Bergman bossa, So Many Stars was a veritable tour de force. She’s obviously a seasoned pro.... Krauz focuses on her songs with a strong musical sense thus enhancing their beauty. Send me some tickets Laurie and break a leg girl!” George W. Carroll/The Musicians’ Ombudsman, ejazznews.com