exactly CD & Reviews
“So far, I think the Carol Heffler CD “exactly” is the best vocal disc of the year.”
Doug Moody, KMFB, Ft. Bragg, CA
Possessed of a transparently warm soprano voice which dips into contralto depths when necessary, Carol Heffler’s delivery is akin to a sweet melodic breeze. Three of the songs are entirely her own, and in “Same Old Used to Be”, reminiscent of “That Old Devil Called Love”, I can easily imagine Billie being attracted to its overall contour…As for Dave Frishberg’s “You Are There”, when Carol sits alone at the piano, she gives an absolutely ravishing performance.”
Alan Bargebuhr, Cadence Magazine
Carol’s tone is cool and laid back, with the emotions felt just beneath the surface. She is able to swing such numbers as “Lullaby of Birdland” and “Exactly Like You” quite well, but Ms. Heffler is particularly expressive on ballads, including “My Foolish Heart” and Dave Frishberg’s “You Are There”. She also contributes three fine songs of her own including “Same Old Used to Be” plus her words to Marilyn Harris’s “Mahina”. Sometimes she stretches a little into folk music but she is always a subtle jazz improviser, quiet but with a constantly burning flame that makes her CD grow in interest with each listen.
Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene
“Carol Heffler is a pro. She’s a jazz singer with a song in her heart. Her writing is well termed, concise. And her phrasing will remind one of a well tempered June Christy.”
Dick Crockett, KXJZ, Sacramento, CA
Carol Heffler has a great little album. She’s very clean-sounding, and the ensemble behind her is really tight. Where has she been all this time? Out east? I dig it for sure. We’re giving time to the fun title track “Exactly Like You”, and the following “My Foolish Heart”. I like “Mahina”…”
Daryl Scott, WNIN-FM, Evansville, IN
“This is Carol’s second release, looking for some national attention on this self-produced recording. She has been studying jazz since she was 15, has earned a Masters in Music at UMass, and she was awarded “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” by the International Association of Jazz Educators. All the studying has paid off for Carol on this vocal treat. Key tracks: “Exactly Like You”, “Pull of the Moon”, and “Mahina”.
Tony Gasparre, JAZZWEEK
Heffler selected some true chestnuts for “Exactly” – such as “My Foolish Heart”, “Willow Weep for Me” and “Exactly Like You” – and showed she knows how to give them the classy treatment they deserve. Her original are musically imaginative and flow smoothly, including the very expressive “Bittersweet”, a recounting of a son growing to adulthood and a mother’s willingness to let go. “Same Old Used to Be” also expresses deep personal feelings, enhanced by the work of her support musicians: pianist John Bianculli, saxophonist Angelo DiBraccio, bassist Steve Varner, drummer Dave Mohn and percussionist Chuggy Carter.” Curt Yeske, Trenton Times
Doug Moody, KMFB, Ft. Bragg, CA
Possessed of a transparently warm soprano voice which dips into contralto depths when necessary, Carol Heffler’s delivery is akin to a sweet melodic breeze. Three of the songs are entirely her own, and in “Same Old Used to Be”, reminiscent of “That Old Devil Called Love”, I can easily imagine Billie being attracted to its overall contour…As for Dave Frishberg’s “You Are There”, when Carol sits alone at the piano, she gives an absolutely ravishing performance.”
Alan Bargebuhr, Cadence Magazine
Carol’s tone is cool and laid back, with the emotions felt just beneath the surface. She is able to swing such numbers as “Lullaby of Birdland” and “Exactly Like You” quite well, but Ms. Heffler is particularly expressive on ballads, including “My Foolish Heart” and Dave Frishberg’s “You Are There”. She also contributes three fine songs of her own including “Same Old Used to Be” plus her words to Marilyn Harris’s “Mahina”. Sometimes she stretches a little into folk music but she is always a subtle jazz improviser, quiet but with a constantly burning flame that makes her CD grow in interest with each listen.
Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene
“Carol Heffler is a pro. She’s a jazz singer with a song in her heart. Her writing is well termed, concise. And her phrasing will remind one of a well tempered June Christy.”
Dick Crockett, KXJZ, Sacramento, CA
Carol Heffler has a great little album. She’s very clean-sounding, and the ensemble behind her is really tight. Where has she been all this time? Out east? I dig it for sure. We’re giving time to the fun title track “Exactly Like You”, and the following “My Foolish Heart”. I like “Mahina”…”
Daryl Scott, WNIN-FM, Evansville, IN
“This is Carol’s second release, looking for some national attention on this self-produced recording. She has been studying jazz since she was 15, has earned a Masters in Music at UMass, and she was awarded “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” by the International Association of Jazz Educators. All the studying has paid off for Carol on this vocal treat. Key tracks: “Exactly Like You”, “Pull of the Moon”, and “Mahina”.
Tony Gasparre, JAZZWEEK
Heffler selected some true chestnuts for “Exactly” – such as “My Foolish Heart”, “Willow Weep for Me” and “Exactly Like You” – and showed she knows how to give them the classy treatment they deserve. Her original are musically imaginative and flow smoothly, including the very expressive “Bittersweet”, a recounting of a son growing to adulthood and a mother’s willingness to let go. “Same Old Used to Be” also expresses deep personal feelings, enhanced by the work of her support musicians: pianist John Bianculli, saxophonist Angelo DiBraccio, bassist Steve Varner, drummer Dave Mohn and percussionist Chuggy Carter.” Curt Yeske, Trenton Times
