PRESS
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
DIRECT QUOTES FROM CRITICS, MUSIC JOURNALISTS, RADIO HOSTS, AND OTHER INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS:
CD REVIEW EXCERPTS of Spellbound:
“A collection of cover songs by artists who sit atop the high altar of the Jazz world.” – Frank McKinney; Snapd (June, 2019 issue; Toronto, Canada)
“Classic tunes, putting his warm, heartfelt lyrics on top of them... Joel immerses himself into the songs...” – D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Magazine (Charlotte, North Carolina)
“Appropriately titled 'Spellbound'... distinctive vocal qualities... unique sound... honest... controlled emotional performances... performed with class and style... clear vocal storytelling... atmospheric... dynamic... touching... (a) great release!” – Tiina Kiik, Wholenote Magazine (Excerpts from Wholenote Magazine's review of Joel Sheridan's CD Spellbound. (October, 2018 issue; Toronto, Canada)
"This mini-musical autobiography... is an excellent, thoughtfully-planned effort... fifteen well-chosen selections, which include three Sheridan originals. Joel has surrounded himself with a quartet of terrific Toronto musicians... showcasing his own very personal interpretations of all of these tunes. This compact disc is well worth adding to your collection." Excerpts from the CD review by Rob Fogle, Radio Host of 'Some Experiences in Jazz' for 27 years. (November, 2018; Toronto, Canada)
COMPLETE CD REVIEWS of Spellbound:
“The distinctive vocal qualities of jazz vocalist Joel Sheridan keep the listener attentive to his unique sound in his appropriately titled debut release, Spellbound. His decade-long, varied artistic career (with stints in Stratford and other musical theatres billed as Joel Hartt), a 12-year, career-counsellor gig, and his 2006 return to music have undoubtedly influenced his honest take on jazz singing. His goal was a storytelling concept album about the many sides of love, yet his controlled emotional performances of 12 covers and three of his own compositions are never over the top. All are performed with class and style by Sheridan, and his band – Mark Kieswetter (piano), Maxwell Roach (drums), and Jordan O’Connor (bass) with Reg Schwager (guitar) on five tracks.
Fanny Brice’s vaudevillian Cooking Breakfast for the One I Love is given a novelty upbeat rendition. The Kay Ballard tune, Lazy Afternoon, features a slow atmospheric moment with mood-setting bass opening, piano chords, cymbal splashes and high vocal pitches. More clear vocal storytelling and piano backdrop are evident in Nat King Cole’s breakup tune, I Keep Going Back to Joe’s. Highlight is Sheridan’s You Were My First Love, a personal song of his two great loves, with a stellar piano, melodic lines, climactic dynamic buildup and quietly touching close. The danceable Antônio Carlos Jobim song No More Blues ends the disc with hope and happiness, like all great love stories. And all great releases like Spellbound!” – Tiina Kiik, Wholenote Magazine. (The complete CD review from Wholenote Magazine; October, 2018)
"The concept album has been around for many years. Mel Torme's "California Suite", Gordon Jenkins' "Manhattan Tower" in the '40's and the "King of Concept", Frank Sinatra in the 1950's with, among others,"Only the Lonely" and "Come Fly With Me", onward through to "Trilogy" and "She Shot Me Down" in the 70's and '80's. Vocalist Joel Sheridan has carried on this tradition with the release of his first album,'Spellbound'. This mini-musical autobiography recorded in the winter of 2013, but newly released, is an excellent, thoughtfully-planned effort and worth the five year wait. The liner notes of over a dozen pages, are extremely informative, presenting the background of each of the fifteen well-chosen selections, which include three Sheridan originals. Joel has surrounded himself with a quartet of terrific Toronto musicians who blend in well with the crooner. A well-tuned vocal approach has a most pleasant way of Joel showcasing his own very personal interpretations of all of these tunes. This compact disc is well worth adding to your collection." The complete CD review by Rob Fogle, Radio Host of 'Some Experiences in Jazz' for 27 years. (November, 2018)
PRESS & RADIO REVIEWS:
“Joel Sheridan shared... his own renditions of all the standards... with a rapt audience... the crowd he drew... was proof of his popularity among Jazz aficionados.” – Frank McKinney; Snapd, Toronto, Canada (June, 2019)
“One of Canada's finest jazz vocalists” – Grace Black ('The Jazz Lounge') K107 FM Radio, United Kingdom (January, 2019)
“A wonderful vocalist” – Grace Black ('The Jazz Lounge') K107 FM Radio, United Kingdom (January, 2019)
“Joel Sheridan and his band lit up the (stage) with a medley of awesome jazz tunes. The extraordinary vocalist... blew away the crowd by putting new twists on both classic and rarely-heard songs.” – Snapd Publications, Toronto, Canada (February, 2017)
“There is no doubt about it; Joel Sheridan has his own unique way with a song… Joel instantly struck up a warm rapport with his audience. He knows what they like… Look for this charming entertainer around town…” – Dave Milbourne, Toronto Jazz Magazine (Toronto, Canada)
“Dynamic” – Snapd, Toronto, Canada (November, 2018)
“Outstanding!” – Pauline Durichen, The Beacon Herald (Newspaper review of Joel’s performance [billed as Joel Hartt] in the musical theatre production of Twelfth Night Blues, at the Stratford Festival (Stratford, Ontario, Canada)
TESTIMONIALS:
“Joel has a beautiful, rich, deep tone, and a true appreciation of what made the classic singers of the jazz age so compelling and timeless… His carefully selected repertoire reflects sincere emotion, intellect and humour.”
– Beverly Taft (jazz singer)
“His presentation of standards – some not so standard - is always warm, sometimes humorous, and thoroughly professional.” – Tony Quarrington (jazz guitarist)
“Joel’s rich baritone is steeped with drama and nuance, grounded in his theatrical background while embracing the vocal subtleties of the great jazz singers.” – Alan Kingstone (jazz guitarist)
“A natural communicator, enchanting his audience with an infectious down-to-earth charm and an elegant, intimate vocal style.” – Denise Leslie (singer)
“Joel shares his dramatic skills, love of rare and treasured jazz compositions, and a passion for storytelling through music, in his performances. His generous spirit, humour, and sensitivity enhance the experience for the audience. We enjoyed his performance, and hope he'll come back soon.” – Susan Brown (founder/director - AGC/Plein Air Concerts) Joel performed for three consecutive seasons at Plein Air Concerts.
“Exquisite choice of tunes, wonderful phrasing, and a deep sense of what these songs are about.” – Danny McErlain (jazz pianist)
“Joel Sheridan sings from the heart.” – Peggy Mahon (singer/actress/director)
“A wonderful performer!” – Luba Goy (comic actress - Royal Canadian Air Farce)
“You sing pretty. Keep on singin'!” – Barry Harris (legendary jazz pianist & teacher)
DIRECT QUOTES FROM AUDIENCE MEMBERS:
“A golden voice.” – S.N.
“Joel's voice is powerful and silky smooth. His charm is seductive. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand.”
– Sylvia F.
“Most singers sing the song. Joel Sheridan IS the song!” – Susan B.
“A voice of sweetness and longing, always pure and sincere… A wonderful performer at the peak of his powers.”
– Della G.
“Captivating… a most accomplished jazz performer.” – Kristina K.
“Joel Sheridan keeps the Great American Songbook alive, and elevates other songs - too seldom heard - to a status as timeless.” – Gregory R.
“When I listen to him, I really get caught up in his uncanny ability to bring meaning to a song…. A consummate professional, and an engaging and innovative performer.” – Anthony S.
“Joel Sheridan is a wonderful singer, and a fabulous entertainer! When I see him perform, his rich, warm voice makes me feel happy to be alive!” – Janice K.
CD REVIEW EXCERPTS of Spellbound:
“A collection of cover songs by artists who sit atop the high altar of the Jazz world.” – Frank McKinney; Snapd (June, 2019 issue; Toronto, Canada)
“Classic tunes, putting his warm, heartfelt lyrics on top of them... Joel immerses himself into the songs...” – D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Magazine (Charlotte, North Carolina)
“Appropriately titled 'Spellbound'... distinctive vocal qualities... unique sound... honest... controlled emotional performances... performed with class and style... clear vocal storytelling... atmospheric... dynamic... touching... (a) great release!” – Tiina Kiik, Wholenote Magazine (Excerpts from Wholenote Magazine's review of Joel Sheridan's CD Spellbound. (October, 2018 issue; Toronto, Canada)
"This mini-musical autobiography... is an excellent, thoughtfully-planned effort... fifteen well-chosen selections, which include three Sheridan originals. Joel has surrounded himself with a quartet of terrific Toronto musicians... showcasing his own very personal interpretations of all of these tunes. This compact disc is well worth adding to your collection." Excerpts from the CD review by Rob Fogle, Radio Host of 'Some Experiences in Jazz' for 27 years. (November, 2018; Toronto, Canada)
COMPLETE CD REVIEWS of Spellbound:
“The distinctive vocal qualities of jazz vocalist Joel Sheridan keep the listener attentive to his unique sound in his appropriately titled debut release, Spellbound. His decade-long, varied artistic career (with stints in Stratford and other musical theatres billed as Joel Hartt), a 12-year, career-counsellor gig, and his 2006 return to music have undoubtedly influenced his honest take on jazz singing. His goal was a storytelling concept album about the many sides of love, yet his controlled emotional performances of 12 covers and three of his own compositions are never over the top. All are performed with class and style by Sheridan, and his band – Mark Kieswetter (piano), Maxwell Roach (drums), and Jordan O’Connor (bass) with Reg Schwager (guitar) on five tracks.
Fanny Brice’s vaudevillian Cooking Breakfast for the One I Love is given a novelty upbeat rendition. The Kay Ballard tune, Lazy Afternoon, features a slow atmospheric moment with mood-setting bass opening, piano chords, cymbal splashes and high vocal pitches. More clear vocal storytelling and piano backdrop are evident in Nat King Cole’s breakup tune, I Keep Going Back to Joe’s. Highlight is Sheridan’s You Were My First Love, a personal song of his two great loves, with a stellar piano, melodic lines, climactic dynamic buildup and quietly touching close. The danceable Antônio Carlos Jobim song No More Blues ends the disc with hope and happiness, like all great love stories. And all great releases like Spellbound!” – Tiina Kiik, Wholenote Magazine. (The complete CD review from Wholenote Magazine; October, 2018)
"The concept album has been around for many years. Mel Torme's "California Suite", Gordon Jenkins' "Manhattan Tower" in the '40's and the "King of Concept", Frank Sinatra in the 1950's with, among others,"Only the Lonely" and "Come Fly With Me", onward through to "Trilogy" and "She Shot Me Down" in the 70's and '80's. Vocalist Joel Sheridan has carried on this tradition with the release of his first album,'Spellbound'. This mini-musical autobiography recorded in the winter of 2013, but newly released, is an excellent, thoughtfully-planned effort and worth the five year wait. The liner notes of over a dozen pages, are extremely informative, presenting the background of each of the fifteen well-chosen selections, which include three Sheridan originals. Joel has surrounded himself with a quartet of terrific Toronto musicians who blend in well with the crooner. A well-tuned vocal approach has a most pleasant way of Joel showcasing his own very personal interpretations of all of these tunes. This compact disc is well worth adding to your collection." The complete CD review by Rob Fogle, Radio Host of 'Some Experiences in Jazz' for 27 years. (November, 2018)
PRESS & RADIO REVIEWS:
“Joel Sheridan shared... his own renditions of all the standards... with a rapt audience... the crowd he drew... was proof of his popularity among Jazz aficionados.” – Frank McKinney; Snapd, Toronto, Canada (June, 2019)
“One of Canada's finest jazz vocalists” – Grace Black ('The Jazz Lounge') K107 FM Radio, United Kingdom (January, 2019)
“A wonderful vocalist” – Grace Black ('The Jazz Lounge') K107 FM Radio, United Kingdom (January, 2019)
“Joel Sheridan and his band lit up the (stage) with a medley of awesome jazz tunes. The extraordinary vocalist... blew away the crowd by putting new twists on both classic and rarely-heard songs.” – Snapd Publications, Toronto, Canada (February, 2017)
“There is no doubt about it; Joel Sheridan has his own unique way with a song… Joel instantly struck up a warm rapport with his audience. He knows what they like… Look for this charming entertainer around town…” – Dave Milbourne, Toronto Jazz Magazine (Toronto, Canada)
“Dynamic” – Snapd, Toronto, Canada (November, 2018)
“Outstanding!” – Pauline Durichen, The Beacon Herald (Newspaper review of Joel’s performance [billed as Joel Hartt] in the musical theatre production of Twelfth Night Blues, at the Stratford Festival (Stratford, Ontario, Canada)
TESTIMONIALS:
“Joel has a beautiful, rich, deep tone, and a true appreciation of what made the classic singers of the jazz age so compelling and timeless… His carefully selected repertoire reflects sincere emotion, intellect and humour.”
– Beverly Taft (jazz singer)
“His presentation of standards – some not so standard - is always warm, sometimes humorous, and thoroughly professional.” – Tony Quarrington (jazz guitarist)
“Joel’s rich baritone is steeped with drama and nuance, grounded in his theatrical background while embracing the vocal subtleties of the great jazz singers.” – Alan Kingstone (jazz guitarist)
“A natural communicator, enchanting his audience with an infectious down-to-earth charm and an elegant, intimate vocal style.” – Denise Leslie (singer)
“Joel shares his dramatic skills, love of rare and treasured jazz compositions, and a passion for storytelling through music, in his performances. His generous spirit, humour, and sensitivity enhance the experience for the audience. We enjoyed his performance, and hope he'll come back soon.” – Susan Brown (founder/director - AGC/Plein Air Concerts) Joel performed for three consecutive seasons at Plein Air Concerts.
“Exquisite choice of tunes, wonderful phrasing, and a deep sense of what these songs are about.” – Danny McErlain (jazz pianist)
“Joel Sheridan sings from the heart.” – Peggy Mahon (singer/actress/director)
“A wonderful performer!” – Luba Goy (comic actress - Royal Canadian Air Farce)
“You sing pretty. Keep on singin'!” – Barry Harris (legendary jazz pianist & teacher)
DIRECT QUOTES FROM AUDIENCE MEMBERS:
“A golden voice.” – S.N.
“Joel's voice is powerful and silky smooth. His charm is seductive. He holds the audience in the palm of his hand.”
– Sylvia F.
“Most singers sing the song. Joel Sheridan IS the song!” – Susan B.
“A voice of sweetness and longing, always pure and sincere… A wonderful performer at the peak of his powers.”
– Della G.
“Captivating… a most accomplished jazz performer.” – Kristina K.
“Joel Sheridan keeps the Great American Songbook alive, and elevates other songs - too seldom heard - to a status as timeless.” – Gregory R.
“When I listen to him, I really get caught up in his uncanny ability to bring meaning to a song…. A consummate professional, and an engaging and innovative performer.” – Anthony S.
“Joel Sheridan is a wonderful singer, and a fabulous entertainer! When I see him perform, his rich, warm voice makes me feel happy to be alive!” – Janice K.
MUSICIANS
Sheridan has performed and/or recorded with some of Canada's top jazz musicians, including (in alphabetical order):
Norman Amadio (piano), Kevin Barrett (guitar), Gary Benson (guitar), Robi Botos (piano), Don Buchanan (piano), Jane Bunnett (sax, flute), Dave Caldwell (saxophone, flute), Ernesto Cervini (drums), Rob Christian (saxophone/flute), Pat Collins (bass), Mike Daley (guitar), Kevin Dempsey (drums), Mike Downes (bass), Mark Eisenman (piano), Ewen Farncombe (piano), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Attila Fias (piano), Dave Field (bass), Rosemary Galloway (bass), June Garber (vocals), The George Lake Big Band, Mark Godfrey (bass), Peter Hill (piano), Nathan Hiltz (guitar), Duncan Hopkins (bass), Graham Howes (piano), Jason Hunter (saxophone), Steve James (drums), Mark Kieswetter (piano), Kevin Laliberté (guitar; Sultans of String), Ross MacIntyre (bass), Amanda Martinez (vocals), Carol McCartney (vocals), Danny McErlain (piano), Scott Metcalfe (piano), Jon Meyer (bass), Mark Micklethwaite (drums), The Mississauga Big Band and Jazz Ensemble, the Mississauga Pops Orchestra (42 piece orchestra), Jordan O’Connor (bass), Kieran Overs (bass), Mary-Catherine Pazzano (vocals), Brigham Phillips (piano), Tony Quarrington (guitar), Rainbow Gardens Orchestra, Dave Restivo (piano), Maxwell Roach (drums), Artie Roth (bass),
Reg Schwager (guitar), Bernie Senensky (piano), Eric St-Laurent (guitar), Neil Swainson (bass), Don Thompson (piano, bass, vibes), Don Vickery (drums), Chris Wallace (drums), Lee Wallace (guitar), Steve Wallace (bass), Richard Whiteman (piano), Dave Young (bass).
Norman Amadio (piano), Kevin Barrett (guitar), Gary Benson (guitar), Robi Botos (piano), Don Buchanan (piano), Jane Bunnett (sax, flute), Dave Caldwell (saxophone, flute), Ernesto Cervini (drums), Rob Christian (saxophone/flute), Pat Collins (bass), Mike Daley (guitar), Kevin Dempsey (drums), Mike Downes (bass), Mark Eisenman (piano), Ewen Farncombe (piano), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Attila Fias (piano), Dave Field (bass), Rosemary Galloway (bass), June Garber (vocals), The George Lake Big Band, Mark Godfrey (bass), Peter Hill (piano), Nathan Hiltz (guitar), Duncan Hopkins (bass), Graham Howes (piano), Jason Hunter (saxophone), Steve James (drums), Mark Kieswetter (piano), Kevin Laliberté (guitar; Sultans of String), Ross MacIntyre (bass), Amanda Martinez (vocals), Carol McCartney (vocals), Danny McErlain (piano), Scott Metcalfe (piano), Jon Meyer (bass), Mark Micklethwaite (drums), The Mississauga Big Band and Jazz Ensemble, the Mississauga Pops Orchestra (42 piece orchestra), Jordan O’Connor (bass), Kieran Overs (bass), Mary-Catherine Pazzano (vocals), Brigham Phillips (piano), Tony Quarrington (guitar), Rainbow Gardens Orchestra, Dave Restivo (piano), Maxwell Roach (drums), Artie Roth (bass),
Reg Schwager (guitar), Bernie Senensky (piano), Eric St-Laurent (guitar), Neil Swainson (bass), Don Thompson (piano, bass, vibes), Don Vickery (drums), Chris Wallace (drums), Lee Wallace (guitar), Steve Wallace (bass), Richard Whiteman (piano), Dave Young (bass).
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