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'People we once Knew is the exquisite result of her new passion... uncovers new emotional layers... vocal dynamics and
change of timbre from sweet and soft to harder - emphasise the drama.
She's already a jazz diva ... Remarkable album'
PICK OF THE MONTH - BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE 2000 - Ian Carr
'People We Once Knew... a beautifully recorded blend of voice and instrumentalists - wonderful arrangements of un-hackneyed
standards'
JAZZ UK May/June 2000 - Brian Blain
'People ...a finely crafted and very lyrical CD. The arrangements .. take a spare and contemporary approach, allowing
each musician to contribute completely to the mood particular songs demand... Sparks sings with an assurance and ease, taking
the journey through the emotional and lyrical territory of the diverse repertoire and making it whole.
If I heard this on the radio I would immediately want to know who this singer was.'
MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 2000 - Barb Jungr
'Your Time - 'There's something remarkable about Andra Sparks' singing - sure she has the clear diction, the sense of
timing and the precise intonation that you expect of a top vocalist
yet on top of this she has a rare ability to create totally engaging performances without all the
effort and effects on which many others depend. She just seems to sing the songs..
yet turn them into highly charged statements....'
JAZZ UK 2004 - Pete Martin
'Andra Sparks moved from a background in classical music and whilst there's a trace of precise classical intonation in
her singing she is clearly more than comfortable in the jazz environment. The album comprises a mix of carefully chosen standards
along with a few less familiar tunes such as Dorough and Landesman's' 'Small Day Tomorrow' a number that is given an outstanding
interpretation here. Sparks is accompanied by a very strong band... tender and quite beautiful reading of... 'Ballad of the
Young Men'....and for me the strongest song here, Sparks' version of the title song, Ferrre's 'Your Time', a song both about
the fading of love within a relationship, and on another level about the diminishing spirit of life itself... she almost recites
the lyrics, imbuing the number with powerful emotion. This is a beautifully sung, well played and well recorded set that
I hope will gain Andra Sparks the wider audience she clearly deserves.'
HI FI MAGAZINE 2005
'On this second album Sparks' husky, intimate tones are brought to bear on an interestingly varied range of songs in
clean but colourful arrangements by Weldon. She's especially strong on the more soulful and introspective numbers and clearly
has a strong affinity with Kenny Wheeler material
(his 'Sweet Dulcinea Blue' is one of the standout tracks). Well supported by her band ...
some particularly edgy sax from Russell van den Berg on But Beautiful.'
PENGUIN ROUGH GUIDE TO JAZZ 2005
'This is the second album from Sparks ... lovely voice, fine intonation , crystal clear diction and respect for lyrics.
Featuring the same superb trio of Nick Weldon.. Jeff Clyne... and Trevor Tomkins... from her earlier 'People We Once Knew'
... it's the originals - Leo Ferre's title track, Kenny Wheeler's 'Sweet Dulcinea Blue' and above all, Bob Dorough's tartly
hip 'Small Day Tomorrow' - that seem to draw her in and spark her interpretive gifts to the fullest.
Certainly they stand out on an album notable for the quality of her support.'
IRISH TIMES 2004 - Ray Comisky
'Irish singer with a very broad experience in straight music and jazz, and an amazingly beautiful voice, backed by a
group of immensely experience, first rate musicians.'
SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2001
'This is a band that works together very much as a unit, not just vocals and backing..
some of the most respected musicians on the British jazz scene...'
THE CASTLE - WELLINGBOROUGH 2002
'This is a band, not just a first rate vocalist with backing, with every member
making a vital contribution to the presentation of the words and music -
a collaboration of talent, respect and individuality.'
LINCOLN JAZZ FESTIVAL 2001
'.. Jeff Clyne's singing bass lines, Nick Weldon's arrangments ...
are just two of the reasons to pay attention to an outstanding release'
MUSICIAN MAGAZINE 2004
'Vocalist Andra Sparks releases her second CD on the inde label run by her succinctly affecting pianist/arranger
Nick Weldon. Weldon selects notes as if each one contains meaning
and finds the perfect partner in Sparks....'
JAZZWISE 2004
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