Reviews
With the release of Claudia Koval’s CD, “Songs from the Raggedy Road”, she has created a true work of art.
~ Ron Boustead, Resolution Mastering
Somewhere along the way, jazz lost the art of creating an environment for singer/songwriters. Even more rare is when the artist is female, so Claudia Koval is breaking down a couple barriers on this impressive album, that is as personal and intimate as vintage Cat Stevens, but with a sense of swing.
Her lyrics convey stories about the frailty of relationships, and she bares her soul on her vulnerable "Where are you?" She paints a portrait with rich brush strokes on the tender "Sheri Lynn" and is delicate on "Forever This time." Also under appreciated is the fact that these songs come from a long-overdue female perspective, making the 'Round Midnightish "The Well Ran Dry" all the more poignant.
She does do a few covers, and even these are personal dwellings, as gives a slinky film noir color to "Some Cats Know" and tells her story on Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" as if she's sitting at the bar stool right next to you.
Short stories with musical notes; isn't that the goal of every musician?
~ George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly
Thank you for trusting me in bringing your talents and creativity to my studio. It’s a beautiful compilation of great songwriting and heartfelt singing. You should be proud of it.
~ Dori Amarilo, Mi Casa Studios
Claudia Koval is a fine local singer who does justice to the lyrics she interprets. Her voice is attractive and sultry (when it fits the mood of the song), and she swings at all tempos. Whether it's "Ain't Misbehavin', "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams," "The Shadow of Your Smile" or "Sentimental Journey," Clauda Koval comes up with something fresh to say through her phrasing.
With Heart and Soul is a happy surprise.
~ Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene
Running through a genuinely fearless set of tunes, the erstwhile Edmontonian impressed across the board at Darling's yesterday and had patrons like Sheila Jordan nodding along. Whatever Claudia Koval is picking up inLA should be distributed around town.
~ The Edmonton Journal Review
I don’t get great recordings like this very often, so it was a pleasure to listen to, and Master. If you love Jazz, you will love Claudia Koval’s album – “With Heart and Soul”. A throwback to Jazz bands of the past complimented by Claudia’s silky, smooth vocals! Well done, I can’t wait for your next project!
~ Damon Mapp, the Mastering Source, Texas
Claudia Koval's solo cabaret debut in support of her CD, "With Heart and Soul," was a relaxed-paced, easygoing affair that showcased her fine voice and delightfully swinging style.
~ Les Traub, Cabaret Scenes Magazine