Lost in the Stars - Deborah Shulman

Produced by Ted Howe

Lost in the Stars is a classy little jewel of an album. It takes a couple of listens for the sheer quality and uncluttered lustre of Deborah Shulman’s vocals to take hold, so understated and subtle are they. But once they have you in their thrall, they yield refined treasure. – The Art of the Torch Singer (England)

Studio aces like guitarist Larry Koonse and drummer Joe La Barbera deserve some credit for helping to shape and mold these songs into their final state, but this is really the Shulman and Zalkind show. Shulman’s clear diction and artful interpretations of these songs, and Zalkind’s fine and focused trombone work make for a winning combination. – Dan Bilawsky, AllAboutJazz.com

What stands out here is the way the evocatively sultry-voiced Deborah Shulman and the masterful musicians share the responsibilities and spotlight in telling the stories and setting moods…It’s as if the parties here have created their own time zone, allowing the songs’ many thoughts and details to be presented at the pace they choose. – Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway

Lost in the Stars is an album of finely tuned music presented with flair by musicians of the highest order. Shulman’s tones are elegant but sometimes cutting, a perfect match for Zalkind’s straight-shooting trombone and the rest of the outfit’s poise. – Jordan Richardson, Blinded By Sound

This is a welcome reworking of three renowned stage composers…Larry Zalkind had a specific discipline in classical orchestral brass instrumentation. Together with vocalist Deborah Shulman, he was committed to interpreting these composers in an unusual jazz setting that started with trombone and voice. The result of this collaboration is Lost In The Stars. With an all-star ensemble, the songs are rendered with fresh atypical versions. – Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition

This music on Lost In The Stars is very daring, challenging, inventive–highly inventive–and original in more ways than one. No, they do not push the envelope in musical experimentation with distortions, challenging tempos and the like. They give us something more…Deborah’s voice is articulate and to the point; free of gimmicks and gymnastics. A word of warning: she will make you feel the lyrics with her sensibilities and sensitivities behind the words–oh yes she will. – Peter La Barbera, The Jazzine.com

Dripping with a mature, sophisticated edge, this is cabaret/martini music that you would go somewhere to hear, not to just talk over as the glasses clink. A top shelf effort throughout, these indelible composers have a new set of champions to spread their word. Well done. – Chris Spector, Midwest Record

The performance contained here much like the composers they represent cross genre barriers with ease and a deceptively subtle sophistication rarely heard from in the day of the digital download. A unique hybrid release broken down into jazz, musical theatre and the more modern classical. If your school is lucky enough to still have music appreciation then this release should be required listening! An exquisite experience to be savored! – Brent Black, Critical Jazz

Vocalist Deborah Shulman and brother-in-law and trombonist Larry Zalkind give an almost classical reading of the Bernstein-Sondheim-Weill songbooks…He provides a brass backbone to these carefree pieces as Shulman sings them with sensitivity and insight. – Michael Bailey

The best part of album is the song presentation of Shulman, who has a fine mezzo voice and a great grasp of songs. Her versions of Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen” and “Not While I’m Around” have all the heart needed in those pieces. Her “The Ladies Who Lunch” has a sense of swing and cynicism. The most original version, though, is her slow version of “Mack the Knife” with a string trio and accordion. Besides fine accompaniment throughout, an overdubbed Zalkind also is a one-man section on “My Ship.” Simply put, this is fine music. – Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review