Abigail Riccards

"You know that cliché about a voice so beautiful that you wouldn't mind it singing the phone book? I'm ashamed to say that I've got to dust that one off for Abigail Riccards. The song [I'll be seeing you] itself has been done by so many singers that I was surprised to find myself looking up from my writing pad as the first verse passed. Guitarist Lund floats a gorgeous chord melody underneath the vocals...and oh, the vocals! Riccards has a lovely, finely textured voice and the delicate trills added at each line's end made me wish I'd known this version forever." ---Mark Saleski, www.jazz.com . . ."A new release from a fine young vocalist who puts a new spin on time-honored classic jazz standards, 'When The Night Is New,' is New York-based singer Abigail Riccards attempt to cast a new light on some oft recorded light jazz music...Possessing a sensual soothing voice, Riccards lends a softer more refined texture to the music making these standards sound almost new." - Edward Blanco, ejazznews.com . . . . . "The heralded arrival of any new singing sensation is oftentimes met with caution, but in the case of Abigail Riccards’ …With a gorgeous voice that’s filled with warmth and poise, and a style that equals celebrated peers Jane Monheit and Diana Krall, Riccards sings with genuineness without mimicking the great singers who have come before her….Riccards sings as if she knows the material intimately. And when it’s all said and done the proof exists in the package: the songs, the music and the striking voice of a talented new singer who shines brightly." - Mark F. Turner, www.allaboutjazz.com . . .. "It’s tough for a newbie to cut through the clutter these days, especially with things tight all over. In the 50’s, so many of those great cutting sessions that were cut in an afternoon had the same songs over and over because typically, sidemen from some different groups were in town at the same time and had a limited time to grab that session check that maverick label dangled. The situation is analogous today. A young vocalist with great chops probably financing things on her own dime is wise to round up cats like Matt Wilson and Ben Allison and do some familiar tracks that players can set a mean groove to and overwhelmed listeners can relate to. Riccards makes all the right moves with this kicking little date that gives her vocal chops a fine display. Jazz vocal fans are sure to love this new find that fills the sweet tooth with more than ear candy." - Chris Spector, Midwest Record . . ."Even though Jazz vocalist Abigail Riccards is still in the beginning stages of her career, she has already been the recipient of some significant awards…and will soon no doubt have many critical accolades to add to her press kit with the December 3rd release of her glorious dbut CD, When The Night Is New (Jazz Excursion Records). The album consists of twelve love songs, comprised for the most part of classic tunes or standards, the exception being her interpretation of Sting’s “I Was Brought To My Senses.” Her sensitive retelling of Sting’s ballad provides clear proof that Riccards is a storyteller par excellence. Her phrasing and inflection bring the lyrics to life and the romantic tales unfold before us. …Opening the CD with Burke and Van Heusen’s “But Beautiful,” Riccards’ contemplative tone is complemented by the warm, mellow refrain of Ron Horton’s flugelhorn that brings a sense of fullness to this song. Far be it from me to make suggestions about my readers’ love lives, but a little bit of mistletoe, a warm glowing fireplace and Abigail Riccards singing “But Beautiful” might just be (wink) a great combination. …Generations have come and gone since Irving Kahal and Sammy Fain first introduced us to the 1938 song “I’ll Be Seeing You,” a tune whose lyrics have become a refrain for friends or lovers parted by distance and time. The longing in Riccards’ voice will be sure to stir fond memories for many listeners. In a time when America finds itself at war, it is poignant that a song that was popular during the Second World War has resurfaced. As Christmas approaches, Riccards’ gentle vocals will no doubt, for some, prompt warm memories of Christmases past." --Joe Montague, Jazz Police . . ."The evolution of jazz has taken many complicated and unexpected turns, but there are many things that were meant to stay the same. Jazz vocals fall into the latter category. Abigail Riccards Shows a deep respect and dedication to this particular form. Her trueness to the sound of jazz vocals is what will put her in the forefront of today's female artists. From the beginning of her first release, When the Night is New Abigail's voice captures you and has you captivated with a smooth, stylish, almost hypnotizing sound. There is no escaping the feeling that this is what she was meant to do. Her first selection on this recording draws you in and makes you want more. She delivers on every song: her classic vocal styling keep you holding on to every note. With songs by such legendary composers as Rogers and Hammerstein, Ray Noble, Cole Porter, and more recent work by Sting, Abigail shows that not only can she cover a lot of ground, but she can do it with grace and maintain the original character of each piece. As far as a first project goes, usually used as a tool to find where a musician's strongest points are ant test the borders of one's abilities, Miss Riccards has certainly shown versatility and skill in choices of not only music, but the musicians that accompany her. She is all but destined to succeed and become one of the all-time great female vocalists, and I look forward to hearing more from this talented young lady." --Michael Perry, Musicianreviews.net . . ."Featuring a truly lovely voice and and a relaxed delivery, Abigail Riccards places herself at the forefront of young singers to watch for on her wonderful new release, ….Meanwhile, Riccards voice is like butter melting in a pan — smooth and delicious. Rich, dark and relaxed, creative and always in command, Riccards delivery is soothing and entrancing and will please lovers of female jazz singers." - Brad Walseth, www.jazzchicago.net . . ."Young female jazz vocalists often launch their recording careers with fresh interpretations of standards. While some of these ventures are successful, it all too often happens that we never hear from these divas again. Hopefully, that will not be the case with Abigail Riccards.. Riccards stays true to the formula, launching her recording career with an album of standards. However, her vocal style and the fresh arrangements, mostly by Berkman, make this album more adventurous than others. It’s a process that works for When the Night Is New." -- Woodrow Wilkins, www.allaboutjazz.com . . .“One of the pleasures of hearing debut albums from aspiring jazz singers is to get an inkling of who the real talents are. In the case of Abigail Riccards, she clearly has a future.” ---Michael P. Gladstone, www.allaboutjazz.com . . ."With the growing volume of female jazz vocalists putting out new CDs every year, it is hard for each of them to catch sufficient media attention. But Abigail Riccards' debut recording avoids the typical mistakes many of them make. Gifted with a warm, expressive voice and clear diction, she chose material that fit her well, in addition to hiring talented arrangers and seasoned musicians. Several standards are well conceived….Riccards especially proves her depth as an interpreter by her dramatic take of "Left Alone," a gem co-written by Billie Holiday and her pianist, Mal Waldron. …an outstanding debut effort by the promising jazz vocalist Abigail Riccards." ---Ken Dryden, All Music Guide . . .
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