“In all, the disc is like a lustrous collection of linked short stories — an artistic effort, years in the making, that’s breathtaking in its diversity and soulfulness.”
“[Sienna’s] pure, ravishing voice really inhabits Rud’s lyrics, delivering his words with nuance and spot-on emotion.”
-Ottawa Citizen Jazzblog, review by Peter Hum (see full review here)
...
“…if this disc doesn’t melt away your winter blahs, nothing will…Rud’s lyrics are particularly evocative…
“Not only an incredibly ambitious undertaking, but the result is a soothing, soulful 14-track compilation, enhanced by an eight-piece ensemble, including the deft guitar work of Rud and a string quartet, and the angelic honey vocals of Toronto jazz crooner Sienna Dahlen…”
-Montreal Gazette, Bill Brownstein, (see full profile/review here)
“Après plusieurs écoutes et pas toujours jazz au sens strict du terme, nous comprenons parfaitement ce Juno, bien mérité.”
–SortiesJAZZnights, Christophe Rodriguez, (See full review here)
“Rud’s guitar shines.”
-Edmonton Journal, Roger Levesque (see full review here)
“…Mike Rud’s 2014 Juno-winning Notes on Montreal is no ordinary undertaking. To begin with, it’s a jazz-vocal album, featuring singer Sienna Dahlen, that’s full of high-quality original compositions rather than offcuts from the Great American Songbook. On top of that, Rud has found a creative way to use a string quartet in addition to an all-star cast of Quebec jazz musicians. Most intriguing, though, is that every song references the rich body of literature that has grown up around the great city on the St. Lawrence.”
-The Georgia Straight, Alexander Varty (see full review here)
-The Victoria Times-Colonist, Mike Devlin (see full review here)
-CULT Magazine’s “Best of Montreal”–voted one of the Best Jazz Acts of 201
.“What a great album, and a fabulous taster of the sights, the sounds and the soft side of a fascinating and unique city.”
“Rud does step in as a fluent and melodic jazz guitar soloist…Chad Linsley is a discreet and delicate pianist. Bassist Adrian Vedady anchors time sonorously and impeccably. There is also a very classy string quartet indeed, led by Mélanie Bélair.”
-London Jazz News, UK,Sebastian Scotney, (see full review here)
“…Rud may have turned to the work of well-known authors to get his mind going, but he writes stories that can stand apart, creating vivid portraits of the lives we lead (“Bags, Clothes, Bottles”). Vocalist Sienna Dahlen brings Rud’s tales to life in brilliant fashion, creating tangible scenarios with her every sentence.”
“Notes On Montreal took home a 2014 Juno award in the category of “Vocal Jazz Album Of The Year,” and that comes as no surprise. Rud created a praiseworthy project that resonates on so many levels. “
–All About Jazz, USA, Dan Bilawski
“There have been songs about Montreal, but this exquisite record is the first I know that celebrates the city in words and music in such a complete way. It’s the city of its smaller parts—alleyways, corner stores, restaurants where they know your name. It is our city, heart and soul, beautifully drawn in these 14 compositions.”
-Senior Times, Montreal, QC, Irwin Block review
-Winnipeg’s Classic 107, radio interview with Neil Coligan
-Montreal Gazette Urban Expressions, interview with Stephanie O’Hanley
-Four on the Floor Blog, interview with Jon McCaslin
-“Five Questions” Interview with Peter Hum for Ottawa Citizen
