CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR KEN’S LIVE PERFORMANCES AND RECORDINGS
REVIEWS OF KEN'S NEW CD, I'LL TAKE ROMANCE:
"Ken's latest CD, I'll Take Romance, is simply stunning. . . I haven't heard "But Beautiful" done so well since Billie Holiday."
JIMMY R. SMITH, 'FRESH BEATS,' THIS WEEK IN TEXAS
"Jazz and cabaret singer Ken Slavin has what it takes to make hearts melt: a deep baritone voice that fills the room and a sincere approach to lyrics that reach out tenderly with genuine passion. . .His recording session centers on the piano trio, which helps to lift his voice over this program of familiar songs. With pianist Morris Nelms, double bassist Chuck Moses, and drummer Kevin Hess, the singer gives each song a gentle caress and a big hug. Up-tempo romps satisfy as thoroughly as do his slow ballads. "Just You, Just Me" works the best in this context, giving the session a sparkle through its quick pace and energetic pulse. . . Overall, the singer's clear diction adds considerably to his image as a persuasive saloon singer. . . Slavin feels as comfortable with Brazilian romance as he does with Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Jimmy Van Heusen, and Harold Arlen: honoring a timeless songbook that will never be forgotten." - JIM SANTELLA, CADENCE
"During an era when male jazz singers are few and far between, a new recording by Ken Slavin is a welcome event. Although born in 1961, Slavin loves to sing songs written long before he was born, standards from the 1930s through the 50s. Based in San Antonio, he did not begin singing professionally until 1990 but has since become established as arguably the city’s top jazz crooner or saloon singer. On “I’ll Take Romance,” Ken Slavin sounds warm and expressive on the ballads while cooking on the uptempo tunes, most notably “Just You, Just Me.” He sticks to the lyrics while his phrasing gives the music a strong jazz feeling. Joined by pianist Morris Nelms’ trio, a few guest soloists (including [Grammy winning] trumpeter Al Gomez) and occasionally four violins, he swings his way through16 standards including “Tea For Two,” “I’ll Take Romance,” “Day By Day” and “Summer Samba,” making the vintage material sound fresh and lively. This is a fun CD that is easily recommended to fans of the small field of male jazz singers."
SCOTT YANOW, NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED JAZZ BIOGRAPHER AND CRITIC, LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE
“A sultry, late-night ode to love...a seductive 16-song collection that features both the lushest texture(particularly with the string-laden bookends “Thoughts of Your Smile” and “I’ll Take Romance”) and the most intimate, casual vibe ever heard on a Slavin album...More than most contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Slavin delights in turning his material sideways, making even the most familiar tunes sound like new discoveries...”
GILBERT GARCIA, MUSIC EDITOR, SAN ANTONIO CURRENT
"Give Ken Slavin a sad song, and you will hear some of the most beautifully melancholic crooning in quite a while. That’s no exaggeration. Slavin is blessed with a haunting, broken-hearted baritone that reaches beneath the skin, crawling its way into the deepest recesses of your soul. Accompanied by lush strings and lovely piano on the opener, “Thoughts of Your Smile (Manha de Carnaval),” Slavin is a knockout; his booming, sultry voice weaving its way into the black-and-white atmospherics of the lyrics, yearning, pleading for affection. That moment alone justifies the existence of this CD, a collection of smoothly polished and well-sung jazz standards.
On I’ll Take Romance, Slavin balances slow and upbeat numbers, making sure that the listeners don’t linger with one emotional response for too long of a time. For me, Slavin is at his best when he sings low and sad, such as the unrequited love of “I Can’t Reach Your Heart,” which should be on every mix tape given to a prospective date.The more spirited tracks on I’ll Take Romance, like the jubilant “Just You, Just Me” and the tropical “Mangos,” offer delicious fun; however, Slavin is truly mesmerizing when the material has him looking for, and not celebrating, love. Nevertheless, there isn’t a bum cut on the record; these are all classics, and Slavin performs them with class, respect, and warmth."
MICHAEL SUTTON, SHOTGUN REVIEWS.COM
“Through hard work, determination, innate chops and...good sense...Slavin became a first-class singer with a repertoire that transcends nostalgia. And it hasn't hurt that Slavin has become a top-flight showman. ‘I'll Take Romance’ is a romantic effort indeed, packed with ballads including "But Beautiful,"... and "Alone." To describe the CD as anything but beautiful would be a mistake. Though it's ballad heavy, with only a few selections, including "Just You, Just Me" and "Day by Day," hitting the up category, Slavin's voice is excellent, Brake's production deft and the music, by Slavin's band and a few talented guests, is exactly what the songs call for.”
JIM BEAL, MUSIC WRITER/COLUMNIST, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
"The number of well-groomed, immaculately attired artists today who believe they can croon as well as Frank Sinatra is growing like an infected wound. Blame it on the surprise success of Michael Buble, the Harry Connick, Jr. of this generation. Most of the time (they) probably will not find a following outside of the nightclubs they frequently perform at; after all,despite the popularity of Buble and Connick, Jr., jazz standards aren't the hot topic in contemporary music.
But Ken Slavin is different. Slavin isn't attempting to be Sinatra or anybody else for that matter. His voice is stunning by itself. Brimming with passion and soul, Slavin could be a role model on how this style can be pulled off. There are compositions on here dating back 60 years; however, you won't be able to tell because of the fresh-faced and lively renditions that Slavin offers.The title track is invigorating cocktail jazz which finds Slavin giving one of his most soaring performances. Slavin has a deep, penetrating voice; that he can probably woo women of all ages with this instrument is further evidence of how timeless it is. Slavin is not trying to sing like it's 1940; he simply sings, letting the emotional weight of every word, either lovelorn laments or unrestrained giddiness, leap from his silky throat.
The musicianship is crisp and engaging. "Alone" features seductive saxophone from Pierre Poirre while "Come Rain or Come Shine" delivers Kevin Hess' most robust drum work. The production is top-of-the-line,placing Slavin's vocals in front of the mix; on "Thoughts of Your Smile(Manha de Carnaval)," it almost sounds like Slavin is whispering in your ear. Slavin has taken these heavily aged tunes and made them his own, free from any imitation. It's almost as if he was born to sing them, which he probably was."
ADAM HARRINGTON, WHISPERIN' & HOLLERIN' (INDEPENDENT MUSIC REVIEW SITE, BASED IN UNITED KINGDOM)
“The new CD is really special. We’ve been playing it pretty much every day since we got it, and I did a 30-minute feature a few weeks ago on the South Texas Jazz Project show. I hope the disc is getting national attention, because it deserves to be heard in L.A., New York City, etc.”
AARON PRADO, MUSIC DIRECTOR, KRTU-FM 91.7, "JAZZ FOR SAN ANTONIO"
“Velvety, smooth and compelling classic jazz vocals by one of today's most exciting singers…Recommended if you like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman.”
CD BABY-RECOMMENDED JAZZ (EDITOR'S PICK)
“Because we NEED guys like you with a passion for this music to get it in front of as many people as possible...I not only listened to I'll Take Romance, but we'll give it it's first "spin" on Martini in the Morning…YOU are the real hero in this Great American songbook renaissance we're seeing...so we're here to help...Can't wait to hear more...”
BRAD CHAMBERS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, MARTINI IN THE MORNING (ONLINE RADIO PROGRAM)
"Slavin is making inroads in the worldwide music scene...a remarkable talent -- a voice that has been variously described as 'velvety,' 'sultry,' 'clear,' and 'rich' -- combined with his showmanship, have gained notice as far away as France and Portugal. Slavin says he is a Texas performer looking to break out. The way he's going, it won't be too long before his wish comes true."
SCENE IN SA MONTHLY
OTHER REVIEWS OF KEN'S PERFORMANCES, RECORDINGS AND OVERALL APPROACH TO HIS ART AND CRAFT:
“When it comes to crooning in the classic jazz/pop saloon style,
Ken Slavin has no peers.”
San Antonio Express-News
"The power of American Idol was no match for the velvety pipes of Ken Slavin, as SA’s favorite torch singer bested Idol contestant Haley Scarnato..."
The San Antonio Current, "Best of 2007" edition.
(Readers voted Ken "Best Vocalist" of the year.)
“Ken’s vocals are clear, rich and swinging.... great heart and soul ...His interpretations of classics like Fever display his command of the material and his strong understanding of jazz vocal performance.”
JAZZ Online
"Ken Slavin’s got some pipes and he knows how to use them. Attend a show and you are likely to fall in love – not only with his sultry voice, but also with that mile-wide, boyish grin and those handsome good looks. Slavin is funny, charming and works hard to ensure the entire audience has a great time.”
Misi Woolard’s “Art & Soul”
North San Antonio Times
“I heard Ken stop the room...literally one of the most difficult rooms to stop in New York City and perhaps the entire world. This crowd never asks for encores, but they asked for two from Ken that night. I'll never forget it.”
Clint Brownfield
Travel Writer
New York City
(After watching Ken sit in at The Townhouse in Manhattan)
"We are still basking in the afterglow of our most successful gala yet and I want to thank you and your musicians for an absolutely wonderful evening. Your easy listening, toe tapping, relaxing performance was the perfect accompaniment to the evening. We got loads of compliments and favorable comments on your music. I am now an official Ken Slavin groupie and want to join your fan club!"
Sallie Chasnoff, gala chair, The Children's Bereavement Center
"Ken Slavin made it. Three years ago the local jazz crooner was slated to open the main stage portion of the 20th annual Jazz'SAlive festival downtown in Travis Park. His set was canceled because of the rain. It wasn't this year. . . The Ken Slavin Quintet finally got to reach out from the main stage with a sharp set of vocal classics such as Just In Time and Alright, Okay, You Win. This year, Slavin won."
Jim Beal, writing about "Jazz'SAlive" 2006 in the San Antonio Express-News
“A retro rave with a smooth and sultry voice...”
Texas Entertainment News
“Eminent jazz musician Ken Slavin took a new direction this spring with his cabaret debut…an ambitious two-act show designed to incorporate every color in this veteran crooner’s palette…Slavin earnestly studies his favorite singers, (but) takes pains to avoid mimicking their vocal techniques. His phrasing might be as smooth and impeccable as his pinstripe suits, but it is also highly idiosyncratic. And he constantly seeks out obscure material that will set him apart from bandwagon-jumping standards interpreters (raise your hand, Rod Stewart). ”
Gilbert Garcia
San Antonio Current
(Whose readers voted Ken "Best Musician 2006")
“Slavin slays the crowd with his Bobby Darin tribute, Mack The Knife.”
Texas Monthly
"This writing is to sing the praises of Ken Slavin. Ken has appeared on my morning radio programs in San Antonio numerous times. He is a real favorite among my listeners. I have also had the pleasure of working with Ken at various events and found him to be the consummate professional. He has a way of connecting with an audience by making them feel comfortable and wanting more of his smooth song stylings. Ken appeared on my television show, SonnySide SA in a cabaret setting and captivated a most appreciative audience. His wardrobe alone could easily get him on the cover of GQ! I would highly recommend Ken Slavin to any group, cruise line, or promoter wanting a top notch talent with much to give. You will not be disappointed."
Sonny Melendrez (Nationally renowned radio broadcaster and motivational speaker, former host of ABC-TV's "Kids Are People, Too," actor and producer)
"Weekends swing with Slavin behind the microphone...an atmosphere of casual elegance...a win-win barhopping stop downtown for hunkering down with lovers and friends or for falling in love on a slow dance."
Hector Saldana, "Pub Crawl" review of Ken's weekly gig at Sage at The Fairmount Hotel
San Antonio Express-News
"Your show is completely delightful! It was seamless. I am inspired and my friend and I enjoyed that joyous release that good entertainment gives. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your true heart full-tilt singing with your spirit and your beautiful voice . . ."
Karen Emerson
"Now here's something, lounge music in a cocktail lounge. Slavin, one of the best classic saloon jazz/old-school pop singers going, will take his band outside of two loops to croon and entertain in a setting that looks to be tailor made for the repertoire."
"Night After Night," San Antonio Express-News -- writing about Ken's debut at Chango's Havana Club, where he has played regularly for more than a year.
"Ken Slavin is an artist who knows who he is and knows what he wants to give his listeners. He takes a song that touches him in some way and sumptuously makes it his own. And at his final note you sit for a moment and breath in that feeling of utter satisfaction that only great music can bring. Ken has got "IT"! He hits every note and you understand every word. He sings I Wish You Love and you are playing on the Riviera. He sings It's a Good Day and you are riding the ferris wheel at Coney Island. Traditionally he ends his show with "Mack The Knife." His audiences want it and they wait for it and there is a reason for this: Ken's version of the song KNOCKS YOU OUT. Hear him sing it once and I promise you'll want to hear him sing it again."
Maggie Worsdale, nationally acclaimed cabaret singer
“A retro rave with a smooth and sultry voice...”
Texas Entertainment News
“...quite possibly the city’s top saloon singer . . . Slavin, whose
repertoire ranges from jazz and pop standards to a few surprises…
brings a taste of cabaret elegance to the stage.”
“Night Lights” -- San Antonio Express-News
“San Antonio-based vocalist Ken Slavin is one of the most popular singers in that Texas town, and the hardest working. (He) has paid his dues in the home of the Alamo, having played everywhere from local meet markets to the ritziest lounges in the city…Slavin has an expressive timbre…and a knack for choosing good songs…"
JazzReview.com
Ken Slavin is a San Antonio treasure! Not only are his musical talents phenomenal, but his passion and enthusiasm are contagious. I have never seen an entertainer connect with his audience better than Ken. He doesn't just sing the songs - he involves his audience with the charisma and grace of a master showman. His authenticity and love for people and music make him a rare and special performer. Whenever someone local or from out-of-town asks me where they should go for live music in San Antonio, I tell them to go wherever Ken Slavin is performing. Ken's immense talent on-stage is matched only by his heart and soul off-stage: he's a tireless supporter of numerous charities, regularly volunteering his time to help those in need. I'm proud to be one of Ken Slavin's biggest fans!
Chris Duel
Host of "The Chris Duel Show"
Weekdays, 4-7 p.m. on San Antonio's News-Talk 550 KTSA
"Snappy, jazzy, a hip anomaly in the world of beat-heavy modern music."
S.A. News
“It was 10 on a sticky Friday night in July, and the dance floor in the Sage bar at the Fairmount Hotel was full...Slavin and backup band (did) their best to invoke New York, and if we closed our eyes we could for just a second imagine that were in the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis, or even the holy grail of sophisticated tippling, Bemmelman’s…”
Elaine Wolff
The Bar Tab
San Antonio Current
“The best thing since Frank Sinatra for local jazz fans.”
Susan Yerkes—S.A. Life columnist
San Antonio Express-News
“Buttery, warm tones that suggest a young Mel Torme issue forth from the mouth of Ken Slavin, who caresses each lyric of the jazz and popular standards that compose his sets at local nightspots . . . for those who prefer their martinis shaken, not stirred, and their listening fare melodic, memorable and soothing . . .”
Songwriter Ron Young, former music critic
San Antonio Express-News
“I receive a lot of CDs … many of them from vocalists, and most of them mediocre. But I found The Song is You to be a thoroughly enjoyable recording. Ken Slavin has a very appealing voice and a nice, easy-going approach to each performance on the disc. He seems to be having a good time with each song and, more importantly, conveys that feeling to the listener.”
Lenny Mazel, Jazz Director
KCME 88.7 FM
Colorado Springs, Colorado
"You have a gentle and captivating vocal modulation of a
natural baritone, so cool and relaxing to listen to. I do not
want to compare you to anyone... it's unfair and downright
unnecessary. Yours is a unique God-given gift that stands
greatly alone on its own. If I could only pull you decades
back to the 50's and 60's.. hello.. move over, Steve Lawrence,
Tony Bennett and Mr. Mack The Knife!"
Ed -- a fellow musician from the YouTube community, upon listening to Ken's version of "Tender Is The Night"
“…an integral part of the San Antonio fabric for locals and tourists.”
San Antonio Express-News
“The smoothness of his voice is rivaled only by the genius in his delivery.”
John Santos, music critic
The San Antonio Current
“Breezy sophistication ... a suave, well-controlled
baritone...epitomized in his silky version of Moonlight Serenade. This
listener’s favorite selection of the evening was Slavin’s smoldering,
understated version of ... Cry Me a River.”
Diane Windeler, arts writer
San Antonio Express-News
“…a golden throat and a winning smile.”
Dianne Fortune
North San Antonio Times
“Ken Slavin, a veteran of five Jazz’SAlive gigs, was excited, and admittedly a little nervous about his first appearance on the main stage...(but) he certainly didn’t show it. The Fairmount Hotel star ...scored with smooth vocals caressing such finger-popping numbers as ‘How High the Moon,’ ‘Summertime,’ ‘What A Difference A Day Makes’ and ‘Route 66.’”
Jazz’SAlive Review by Hector Saldaña, San Antonio Express-News
(NOTE: Jazz’SAlive is one of the nation’s largest annual jazz festivals.)
“Crooner extraordinaire, Slavin weaves old melodies around his voice box and they become magic dust.”
The Current Music Awards
“The genteel Polo’s Lounge...(is) where jazz crooner Ken Slavin holds
court on Friday and Saturday nights with his classic jazz trio. Slavin
is known for his unique jazz and pop classics interpretations and his
easy rapport with audiences…”
Best Read Guide
“The one word that describes an evening at Polo’s is ‘smooth.’ We’ve got soothing atmosphere, fun and adventurous food and—here’s the topper—smooth, live jazz from Ken Slavin, a local and talented singer. His crooning, which reminds me of a young Frank Sinatra, flows from the lounge full of energy and a sense of fun...Take dessert in the lounge and enjoy the smooth, dreamy sounds of Ken Slavin.’
Diner in Disguise, North San Antonio Times
“...Ken Slavin’s evening of jazz and American pop standards came off as smooth and neat as the crease in his tuxedo trousers...first class all the way.”
“The Arts in Review” San Antonio Express-News
“...if you close your eyes, listen to him sing and let your imagination take a stroll back in time, you can easily picture Ken Slavin, resplendent in a fine tuxedo, fronting a 1940s/1950s big band in New York, Chicago or Kansas City.”
Jim Beal’s “Night Lights”
San Antonio Express-News
“He’s affable, sincere and has a terrific voice . . . a young throwback to the days of romantic songs...He evokes images of slow dancing with Veronica Lake in a sophisticated New York nightclub.”
Mike Hood’s “Street Beat”
“Ken Slavin’s annual AIDS concert ... has made a giant leap—from labor of love to labor of love/don’t-miss jazz event.....superb musicianship....(He) put together a program that balanced standards with musical surprises....The only problem Slavin has now is figuring out how he’s going to top this concert.”
Jim Beal, “Arts in Review”
San Antonio Express-News
“’The Song is You’ is a blend of comfortable jazz and pop standards right out of the Great American Songbook…it would be hard for the casual observer not to compare Slavin to a modern-day Frank Sinatra.”
Kimberly James
North San Antonio Times
“Tender is the Night evokes moon-lit dinners, smooth cocktails and slow dances…Slavin breathes new life into a stagnant art form…”
Richard Skanse
The San Antonio Current
“...the album shows just how far the singer has come. (It evokes) an era of sharkskin suits, filterless cigarettes and scotches poured neat.”
Steve Bennett
San Antonio Express-News
“(H)e brings to bear passion and commitment and makes the songs come alive. Ken Slavin has only been singing for about a decade, but the jazz crooner/classic saloon singer has done his homework while working hard to improve his art and his craft.”
Jim Beal
San Antonio Express-News
(Liner notes from “The Song is You”)
“We must surely tip our hats to Ken Slavin ..... this album is really fabulous.
Fresh Beats by Jimmy Smith (Review of "Tender is the Night")
This Week in Texas
