Paula Lammers is a client of Kari-On Productions Publicity Services

Paula Lammers
www.paulalammers.com

Accolade Highlights

Doug Boynton, Girlsingers.org
This is a first release for Paula Lammers, who has been performing in the Minneapolis area for some time. I've been saying that there's a lot of regional talent who deserve wider audiences; and Ms. Lammers is proof of that. Mostly standards, Ms. Lammers' sense of phrasing shows best in the ballads. Her opening on the classic "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning," backed only by guitarist Clay Moore, is haunting - and the rest of the song floats along nicely. Good stuff. There's a nice sense of timing on the title track, "Under A Blanket Of Blue," and I'll admit a partiality to Brazilian beats - Jobim's "Meditation" is also nicely done. The band swings along nicely on the classic "More," with Mr. Moore and sax fella Gary Berg taking great turns. This is a great first outing; it leaves me looking for the next release, and trying to make sure that all of us pay more attention to great regional artists such as Ms. Lammers and the band.

Nancy Ann Lee, Jazz-Blues Report
Minnesota vocalist Paula Lammers is backed by a talented musician team on her first professional recording project, A Blanket of Blue (Nightingale Jazz). Her sweet, pleasant tone and warm, sincere delivery enhance 11 American songbook standards such as “I Thought About You,” “Isn’t It Romantic?,” “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” “More,” and other gems. Lammers is definitely a talent to track.

Alan Bargebuhr, Cadence Magazine
Cool Clear Soprano, she offers a lovely reading of the verse to "Romantic." The rhythm team is steady throughout, with guitarist Moore distinguishing himself particularly on "Moon" and "Meditation."

Andrea Canter, Jazz Police
With the recent release of A Blanket of Blue (Nightingale Jazz), the destination seems clearly focused on the presentation of great songs reflecting a personal “longing for connection,” sung with clear conviction and exemplary musicianship. Incredible music, indeed. Lammer’s “easy-to-listen-to” soprano has a warm tone, crisp articulation, true pitch, and not a hint of shrill in her top notes. If any comparison is valid, perhaps it’s with Jane Monheit, less theatrical but in the same vein of gentle persuasion, warmly charming, lighting the tracks less with fire and more with glowing embers. Frequently Paula stretches the vowel, giving the music a silken legato that makes the occasional clipped phrase more effective. The sound quality from Winterland Studios (engineered by Brian Johnson and Darren Rust, mixed by Rust), is clean, every instrument so well articulated with the intimacy of live performance that at times I started to applaud a solo.

John Gilbert Ejazz News
4 Stars
Clarity of tone and an understanding that enunciation is a key element in vocal jazz sums it up for Paula Lammers. She has selected some gems in this album which is a huge plus. Lammers is backed by musicians who are sensitive to her modus operandi and this further adds to this delightful recording. "Isn't It Romantic" is thought of a tune that gains new life in weddings, but this song has a great melody which makes it a true classic. Paula Lammers sings the verse, not often heard which adds a new twist. Lammers simply sings the song in tune with grace and elegance and it works beautifully. "Too Close For Comfort" Gently swinging in a bright tempo, Lammers' kicks it up a notch with the cool tenor sax of Gary Berg adding a nice element in the background and he also solos lucidly with fine ideation. Peter Schimke at the keyboards ably comps and jazzes things up a bit in his soliloquy. Nice tunes, a fine vocalist with good musicians always makes for fine listening and this record is no exception.

Karl Stober, Jazzreview
Crisp and charismatic tones often single out a select vocalist from any genre. The delivery and clarity of a melody is so vital to the feel of a tune. However these qualities are so very often hidden in the world of independent artists yet exciting when unearthed. Such is the case with Paula Lammers with her new release A Blanket in Blue launched by Nightingale Jazz in 2005. This being her unveiling one can foresee an intoxicating adventure ahead in the industry for Ms. Lammers. What works in this offering are not only the vocals of Ms. Lammers but the arrangements that adorn the lyrics. The composition is befitting each cut and nicely presented for the listeners approved. In the whole scope of the menu put forth by Ms. Lammers two cuts truly stand out, although all the presentations are worthy of numerous spins. “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” a Mann classic is arranged in such a way that the music brings out the best of Ms. Lammers tones. Note on this piece the guitar expertise of Clay Moore so set back and serene but able to come to the forefront with precise sound quality. I always like to bring attention to an original spin when a new talent arises and in this case “Goodbye…again” is under the spotlight. Arranged by Peter Schimke and Jeanne Arland Peterson it examines the angelic reference to lost romance. The Lammers tones are sweet and sensitive in nature with the keyboards of Schimke creating the solemn mood, a sensitive piece of jazz. Out of the gate this young sound has the potential to really step out in front of the pack in the independent world. Ms. Lammers panache and versatility can catapult her far if she allows the force of her talent to take control. The audience will want to follow her path as she grows. As for her debut offering, A Blanket in Blue is a fine start and pleasant listen to that entire jazz populace who takes the time to experience fine young talent.

Dorothy Hill, Jazznow
This CD of standards features the soprano vocals of Paula Lammers, who exhibits a bell-like clarity to great effect. She knows her way around a song and deftly milks ballads with imagination. On the covers of "I Thought about You," and "The Moon and I," Lammers negotiates the lyrics of these pop ballads with style. "Isn't It Romantic?" is distinctive for its sheer melodic beauty and the seductive piano styling of Schimke and sweet saxophone solo of Berg. "Honeysuckle Rose" is a sultry take with Lammers breathing vitality into each phrase. Ballads "Gentle Rain" and "In he Wee Small Hours of the Morning" are exquisitely rendered. Lammers delivers "Too Close for Comfort" with ease and assurance. On the one original, "Goodbyeagain," Lammers stretches out the phrases in a yearning that is winsome. The rendition of "More" is outstanding; Lammers opens with the original Italian lyrics and concludes in English. The title cut of "Blanket of Blue" will have you swaying to the melody and the fetching vocal treatment by Lammers. Every one of the eleven cuts on this CD is superb. The well-seasoned musicians are supportive without intruding on the vocals. Lammers is a surprise and delight, and this one is highly recommended. Wow! is all I can say for this effort which will be embraced by those who still enjoy vocals warm and tender with feeling.

Scott Yanow, All Music Guide (AMG)
Based in Minnesota, Paula Lammers has a very warm voice that is particularly effective on ballads. Throughout this set of mostly standards (other than her original "Goodbye...Again"), she also sounds lightly swinging on the occasional medium-tempo piece. Accompanied by five excellent Minnesota-area musicians, including bassist Billy Peterson, who arranged most of the pieces, Paula Lammers shows that there is still significant talent to be found outside of the major metropolitan areas. Well worth searching for.

Michael James, Smooth Jazz and More
4 stars out of 4
Paula Lammers started singing at a very young age by imitating songs on the radio. She studied music in college in Minnesota and also taught vocals in high school. After getting the performance bug, she decided to pursue her passion full-time. Her first CD is a mix of American Standards and Jazz Ballads that will satisfy the music lover. I enjoyed the tracks, "I Thought About You" and "Gentle Rain". She has a voice that I can describe as a cross between pop greats Karen Carpenter and Anita O'Day. Her sound is very light and lovely to listen to. If you're looking for a singer that won't overwhelm your senses, consider listening to this up and coming songstress. Highly recommended!

Nicholas Sheffo, Fulvue Drive-In
Like the few female vocalists who know how to make this work, but part of anyone singing these songs is not to lean on them as if you are bored or act
like you are above such work. We won’t name names (as that could go on for a while), but Miss Lammers could teach most of these big names a thing or two. The vocals are full, consistent and (especially important to work like this) warm. These songs are about classiness and a finer school of thought, emotional depth and wit. They are not just something to cover to cover up shortcomings or boredom. When done right, they are great entertainment and A Blanket Of Blue gets it.

Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
Paula Lammers - A BLANKET OF BLUE: & that is what it IS, folks! Definitely laid-back, pleasant vocals that will wrap you up & make ya' warm (in your heart). Debut releases are always fun, 'coz th' energies are KICKIN', & that certainly holds true for Paula's "on" vocal style. What you'll notice right away is how clear the words she sings are... & not in a "high style", either... you know, some singers kind of "affect" their language & come across sounding really phony... that's not true with Ms. Lammers at all! She's purely original in her presentation & performance. Most of the tracks are covers... so, for her next outing, hope she'll include (at least) a few more originals... the one she
does include - "Goodbye - Again" - is my favorite cut on the CD, in fact. She'll reach right out & touch your soul, to be sure... excellent singer, excellent music, excellent album. This one gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any listener who wants to get "wrapped up" in Paula's beautiful "blanket of blue". I'm impressed, & you will be too!

Bob Collins, The Jazz Cafe, WRHU - Long Island
Paula has a lovely, clear voice. She sings with much subtlety and style.

Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
Clarity of tone seems Lammers most distinguishing vocal characteristic, along with a seemingly effortless delivery. Her take on “Honeysuckle Rose” has a bouncy feeling,
with pianist Peter Schimke opening up with a Waller-esque verve. Lammers' knowing take on this classic, especially her sly and sultry turn of phrase on “when I'm taking sips,
from your tasty lips, seems the honey fairly drips,” highlights the song's playfully salacious mood and just might send you off for a cold shower.

Aaron Fensterheim, Award Winning Jazz Radio Producer/Announcer
"Though operatically trained there are no histrionics here. Paula uses her great range to present a beautifully balanced set of standards. Her one original tune, "Goodbye...again" shows a talent for composing.