Sarah Pillow Press Quotes
"Ms. Pillow has a lovely, natural-sounding tone and versatile gift for interpretation."
-The New York Times
"In other words, Sarah swings. Her scat version of Bird's "Confirmation"had her rising up into the stratosphere, displaying a formidable vocal range". - Jazz Now
"...Sarah Pillow sings with considerable allure in the beautiful soaring melody of the lament "Proserpina Gelosa" and the beguiling low register of "il mio cocente ardore"..."
-BBC Music Magazine
"...Sarah Pillow's singing of "O Maria Dei Genetrix" is gorgeous...."
-The London Sunday Times
'...a passionate and improvisatory approach - sensual, languorous, compelling."
-BBC Music Magazine
"The music on this CD ("An Afterthought") features the vocals (and lyrics) of Sarah Pillow, who turns in a first rate performance.... two tracks that really stand out are "Venus Incognito" and "The Warrior", which blend great lyrics and vocal delivery." -Progression Magazine
"...after hearing Sarah Pillow's delivery of the Improvisation on the Passacaglia I was not surprised to learn that she is also an accomplished jazz singer "..."-Gramophone
"...my hat goes off to Sarah Pillow! and to Buckyball Records for sensing the enormous potential in this lady and this genre...The overall sound is extremely fresh, while remaining classical at the same time. Extremely innovative. There's even a cow in there somewhere... (Really, there is!) Very well done. Hopefully, this style will become more popular and Ms. Pillow will give us more of it." - guitarnoise.com
"...her performing qualities are so great that, imho (in my humble opinion), none of the other contemporary female singers can be compared to her." - progressor.net
Though Nuove Musiche is primarily Pillow's show, the contributions of the Brand X lads are substantial. Most tunes are co-arranged by either Goodsall or Wagnon, who get their share of solos- and Jones' bass work is as impressive as ever. I can't think of any obvious points of comparison, but anyone who enjoys outstanding female vocals, jazz-rock fusion, or radical reinterpretations of early baroque music will probably love this." Exposé Magazine
"This recording will spur some debate, yet when viewed upon as a whole, Nuove Musiche is a compelling project, brimming with emotional story lines and melodious themes. Basically, Sarah Pillow navigates previously uncharted sectors on this curiously interesting excursion!" - allaboutjazz.com
"There is plenty of vigour, and the occasional sultry number....for a listener who is fairly innocent of jazz this is a real success." -Early Music Review
'Pillow's authentic early Baroque vocal ornaments'with rapidly repeating, tremolando notes may sound odd, but it all fits together...include elements of speed metal, ECM-ish jazz and more, in this curious, if not fascinating album." -Progression
"Ms. Pillow's unique style of singing creates an appealing atmosphere. Some may feel that Brand X's sound is not suitable for this music, but listening to Brand X is very enjoyable. This CD is a masterpiece, which evokes memories of Brand X's musical recordings of the 1970s." Euro-Rock Press (Japan) English translation by Reverend Akinori Imai
"My ear is tickled when Sarah Pillow sings tremolo on 'Jubilate Deo'. The group never loses its focus during all of the recorded sessions. The flowing structure of the guitar solos and the samples are guiding the ensemble, and are anticipating the moments of stillness when the voice is alone." - Ragazzi Magazine (Germany)
"The soft vibes and conflicting drums of 'Dido's Lament', a recitative by Henry Purcell, are a lovely little combo to showcase Sarah's particularly charming style of blending the Very past with only the latest present...the energy and importance she breathes into these old classical pieces is worth the price of admission, and hopefully will lead the genre forward for many imitators."Ben Ohmart -MusicDish
"Do yourself a favor: buy this album. It will allow you to greatly expand your horizons and discover how truly universal music is. As for which arrangements are best, the traditional or the modern, I leave that to the listener. I listen to the first CD, then put in the second and spend two very happy hours! Oh, and pay attention after the last song on the second disc for a vocal-only rap version of (unfortunately only) the beginning of "To Lillies". Hilarious! - guitarnoise.com
"The new context suits the songs just fine. "Remixes" is a powerful, genuinely daring record." - collectedsound.com
"It all takes some getting used to. And from a strict marketing standpoint, Ms Pillow seemingly has her work cut out for her......although Ms Pillow's nouveau approach and willingness to take chances, speaks volumes."- All Music Guide
"Everyone else should sit back and enjoy one of the best voices of our time opening the ears to a creative tour-de-force. A well-conceived set that more than delivers the goods, the melding of minds and modes here would cheer all creative music fans. Well done."
- Midwest Record Recap
"Not for the narrow-minded"
"... Many talents to accompany that superb voice. "Amarilli Mia Bella" (Amarillis, My Beauty), where a picking guitar, filled with effects kind of reminds you of a heavy metal song. But instead of rising to a thunderous chorus, a classical guitar is played marvellously."
"The overall sound is extremely fresh, while remaining classical at the same time. Extremely innovative." - guitarnoise.com
'Sarah's vocal parts in each composition she sings on are so wonderfully rich in emotions and diverse in arrangements that they outclass even that instrumental canvas (rich in itself) that is behind her singing. I couldn't even imagine that I'll ever hear such an incredibly innovative thing as using wonderful female (very female) vocals, performed mostly in a symphonic key, in a work of Jazz-Fusion..." - Ragazzi Magazine
"Ms. Pillow adds sonority and color to this burgeoning and quite climactic piece with animated vocals and scat singing, often in unison or at times accenting the vivacious horn arrangements. Ms. Pillow also possesses a remarkable vocal range as she effortlessly crosses octaves and displays an overall expansive vocal range!" - allaboutjazz.com
"Pillow's presence also makes the tunes seem more like songs - with sections and changes of texture - than like fusion jams." - Progression Magazine
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