Sonics: 5 out of 5!

Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet.
Yarlung.

This band of young jazz musicians follows in the classy-cool tradition of Shorty Rogers & His Giants, a tasteful swinging late 50s-early 60s outfit led by a principal creator of the West Coast sound. Recorded in Cammilleri Hall in LA, this debut album sounds astoundingly good. Recorded live, it gives one the feeling of having a ringside seat at an intimate jazz club. It opens with a politely swinging rendition of Jerome Kern’s “I’m Old Fashioned” that’s underscored by drummer Andrew James Boyle’s deft brushwork at the intro. Every nuance of JJ Kirkpatrick’s bristling trumpet solo here can be readily felt while Boyle’s switch to sticks on the ride cymbal is like sparklers being set off in the dark. Boyle’s gentle ballad “Gone” is a lyrical highlight while the Ellington-Strayhorn song “Isfahan” is another showcase for Kirkpatrick’s bold tones and sly improvisations. Pianist Misha Bigos contributes the swinging “Finale” and delivers a dramatic solo piano piece, “Fields of Kurdistan,” while bassist Gary Wicks contributes the darkly beautiful “Night Night” and the somber “Weightless.” Kirkpatrick also turns in some bright trumpet work on a faithful rendition of Duke’s timeless “Sophisticated Lady.” A stellar first outing by a group that shows great promise. ”

— Bill Milkowski
The Absolute Sound, December 2014

“Sophisticated Lady’s debut album for Yarlung Records is an elegant stew of tradition-based jazz infused with some modern spice, a tasty dish sure to please the most discerning of connoisseurs. Working through a studio set of original pieces and classics, all recorded in one take, the quartet clearly demonstrates there is life in tradition yet. Innovation doesn’t have to be far out, strange, outre. Such innovation can sound “go-o-o-od,” very good. … ”  Read more Seattle P-I.

–By Jack Goodstein, BLOGCRITICS.ORG

“Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet, Sophisticated Lady: Nice debut from a young quartet that clearly burns for a traditional jazz sounds, and covers of songs like “Strange Fruit,” “I’m Sentimental,” and a couple by Ellington speak to passion, both in song selection in the way the quartet chooses to express it. What kicks the session up a notch is that when they throw in an original constructed more like something of the present day, it doesn’t sound that far removed from the traditional material as to shatter the album’s cohesion. The way a song like “Ropes of Sand” fits neatly into the stream of songs is the best proof of this. The quartet is trumpeter JJ Kirkpatrick, pianist Misha Bigos, bassist Gary Wicks, and drummer Andrew Boyle. A good one for old-school fans who like a little bit of a modern flair from time to time.”

— Dave Sumner, Wondering Sound: “New Jazz This Week: Ryan Keberle, Mario Castro, Ananda Gari“

“Kudos to Sophisticated Lady for some of the most intelligent and soulful playing I’ve heard in a long while. Mr. Wicks is clearly the Stephane Grappelli of the bass. Mr. Boyle’s atomic clock accuracy was outshone only by his remarkable sensitivity and nuanced “drumist” vocabulary. Mr. Kirkpatrick’s winsome lines and lightning-fast coloratura took us beyond the trumpet and through the gamut of melody-instrument domains. And Mr. Bigos’ hands fell lacelike over his ivories with the finesse and speed of traditional Portuguese tatting amid a rainbow of colored threads. The ensemble’s inspired compositions showcased a raft of fresh voices that we must have more of.”
–Peter Rutenberg, Grammy-winning conductor and producer

“Old school goes new cool with Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet, Nice!

Simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication and Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet has that down cold. Remember west coast cool and what real swing sounded like? Well melody has just been released from the jazz witness protection program! Most releases of this nature would have the 4tet phoning it in with some time tested standards and production values that would sound like the music was sanitized for your protection, not here.

Live in the studio, one take and they just don’t make them like that anymore. The set list here includes some reinvented favorites such as “Sophisticated Lady” along with “I’m Old Fashioned.” There are some most impressive originals that are banged out with a lyrical sense of purpose including “Weightless” from bassist Gary Wicks and “Gone” from Andrew Boyle. Truth be told there really isn’t a weak link to be found here. Each member could easily become a leader in their own right which may be a strong reason for the lyrical synergy that jumps from band.

This is an act to keep an eye on!”

–Brent Black / www.criticaljazz.com

“Look out Brubeck, Sophisticated Lady’s remarkable debut should perhaps be re-titled TAKE ONE. Why? Each tune was captured in one take! The 60+ minute CD also celebrates Yarlung’s audiophile venture into JAZZ with a splatter of Chet Baker’s seductive, kicked-back Californication daubed with a drizzle of Miles at his mellowest.

No matter how busy your day, an evening spin through this one will definitely move your mood.”

–David Thomson, RecordCollectorNews.com

“Yarlung Records did it again. This time it’s their first jazz entry that has golden warmth of a Blue Note from its heyday as well as visceral instruments presence of a Contemporary Records. Recorded in Cammilleri concert hall using only a vintage tube stereo microphone, the sound of the CD is creamy like butter while the texture is so rich that you can easily discern which parts of the drum set the player hits and rubs. The big crescendo on For Andrew is mind blowing!”

–Mori Shima, Stereo Sound, Japan

“More jazz records should be like Sophisticated Lady Quartet—relaxed yet focused, tradition-based yet modern, elegant yet conveying a sure sense of swing. The recording is so pure that you almost feel as if you’re eavesdropping on four musicians who seem completely in their element while performing, in a one-take environment, a set that’s evenly split between previously rehearsed arrangements and performances where they had one chance to turn a composition into a memorable piece of music. No splicing or editing here—just a live-in-the-studio recording where the mood, playing and sonics are so solid that that jazz lovers will wish that the mostly-classical label Yarlung wandered over to this side of the street more often.”

–Jeff Wilson, The Absolute Sound

“Sophisticated Lady” performed this year for The Young Artist Jazz Series at Catalina Bar and Grill, and brought the crowd to their feet. I was so impressed with the group’s innovation and talent in both their playing and writing. They bring a modern and creative energy to their original songs as well as standards, while maintaining the integrity of what is at the heart of jazz music. I have no doubt that they will have enormous success”

–Barbara Brighton, producer Young Artist Jazz Series