John Minnock
NEW ALBUM SPRING 2024 ON DOT TIME RECORDS
Birdland Review: “The evening was intimate and overflowing with intrigue…Highlights from the evening included poised and witty performances of Minnock’s exclusive new tunes “I Don’t Remember Christmas”, and “Autumn”, both written by none other than the vocalist’s longtime collaborator, EGOT nominee David Shire” - Stephen Sorokoff, Times Square Chronicles
JAZZWEEKLY REVIEW, ‘SIMPLICITY’ - “He has a loose and languid feel with Liebman’s soprano and soulful keys on “Angel Eyes” while showing his modal chops on the elastic “Cape’s End”, even going wordless on an extemporaneous read of Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage”. His vibrato pleads on the desolate “You Don’t Know What Love Is” while he’s intimate on “Everything Reminds Me Of You”. A voice that’s comfortable in its own skin.” - George W. Harris, Jazzweekly
BROADWAYWORLD: John Minnock Makes A Magnificent Return To 54 Below - “Earlier this month, award-winning vocalist John Minnock returned for his annual performance at 54 Below. Accompanied by Grammy-nominated soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman, and a top-notch rhythm section consisting of pianist John Thomas, bassist Mark Lewandowski and drummer Pablo Eluchans, Minnock's delightful show continues to be one of the most sensational parties in town. “
BROADWAYWORLD REVIEW, 54 BELOW - “…But then John opened his mouth to sing, and this fellow can swing! His warm, bari-tenor voice sounds like that of a much younger man, and his phrasing and interpretive skills are excellent. His unique vocal timbre somehow brings to mind a little bit of Michael Feinstein, a pinch of Al Jarreau, and a dash of Lou Rawls, but it is his own sound…The award-winning composer David Shire wrote Simplicity's title song. Taking a stool, John sang this list song as a meditative ballad, with evocative lyrics and John's delivery creating a beautiful painting…But the hottest song of the night was "New York, New York" - not the Kander and Ebb song, but a Jay Brannan song from John's Right Around the Corner album. Pablo Eluchans' long drum solo started the song, and the wild arrangement had a great tension and cacophony that made for a visceral soundscape of New York nightlife. The provocative, colorful lyrics sardonically celebrate the worst things about living in "beautiful, beautiful, crazy, f-cking New York," - Andrew Poretz, BroadwayWorld
MUISCAL MEMOIRS ALBUM REVIEW - “The songs are challenging, with technically difficult melodies, but Minnock sings them easily, fooling the listener into believing they are simple...On both the Matt Dennis tune <Angel Eyes> and Hancock’s composition <Maiden Voyage>, Dave Liebman is given free rein to explore all the nuances of the tunes before John Minnock takes center stage and does his own unique interpretations. On the Herbie Hancock tune, he improvises without lyrics and leaves the soloing to Liebman and Mathis Picard on piano. The voice becomes a human instrument that simply colors the tune at various points. This is art for art’s sake and since jazz reflects freedom and creativity, this is a perfect example of just that.” - Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
HOTHOUSE JAZZ GUIDE ALBUM REVIEW - “…a singer with a great sense of jazz harmony and an inclination toward the storytelling of cabaret…A jazz highlight of the album is Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage,” the band clicking on all cylinders with Dave’s soprano, John’s scat vocal, and Mathis Picard’s piano creating an indelible version of a jazz chestnut.” - George Kanzler, HotHouse Jazz Guide
ALL ABOUT JAZZ ALBUM REVIEW - ”Minnock and Liebman achieve an uncommon artistic synergy approaching a creative singularity…Minnock's voice has muscular confidence capable of both biting regret and tender affection…passionately committed to his equal loves of music and the LGBTQ community, both celebrated robustly on this release” - C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
TALKIN’ BROADWAY ALBUM REVIEW - ”The disarming title song for John Minnock's Simplicity has both melody and words by musical theatre and film veteran David Shire, and the serious-minded, mindful singer eases into the comfort zone of gratitude. The lyric revels in such non-materialistic joys as "the perfume of a new-mown lawn" and spending days contentedly spent "not keeping score, not wanting more."…John Minnock plays pain and perspective well. Feel that unabashed heartache on sustained notes! These two gems <“Angel Eyes”, “You Don’t Know What Love Is”> give the singer’s voice and ability to act a lyric their best showcases…Simplicity…puts guts and grace on display.” - Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway
BROADWAYWORLD: JOHN MINNOCK SHINES IN BIRDLAND DEBUT - On April 10, jazz vocalist John Minnock made his long-awaited debut at Birdland Jazz Club! With jazz saxophone legend Dave Liebman at his side, and a stellar band featuring pianist Mathis Picard, bassist Mark Lewandowski and drummer Pablo Eluchans, Minnock premiered new music from his forthcoming album on Dot Time Records, Simplicity to an attentive and exuberant full house. Following the concert, the fun moved to Hells Kitchen mainstay Arriba Arriba, where John and friends continued to celebrate.
BROADWAYWORLD REVIEW, FEINSTEIN’S / 54 BELOW - “..a pleasure, from start to finish…a musical wave created by a killer band…unblemished vocals that impressed and entertained…Mr. Minnock remained in the pocket for one full hour, languishing in skilled vocals that were rather deliciously deceptive - at times raspy, suggesting he might not make it to the end of the song, and then, like a surprise, the full power of his instrument filled the room…Storytelling is, apparently, John Minnock's secret weapon. With so distinct and succinct an instrument, clearly studied and properly trained, he places full faith in himself as a vocalist, permitting him the luxury of a deep dive into the lyrics, as well, a luxury that doesn't come with every jazz vocalist…outstanding rendition of the Peggy Lee classic "I Love Being Here With You" that shows off his scat-singing skills in ways beyond compare. Also worthy of mention is the David Shire composition "After All These Years" which is John Minnock's money number. Perfect in every way, this song from the Herring Cove album belongs in every John Minnock show, on every John Minnock playlist, and just on every playlist anyone creates to listen to while entertaining or just relaxing at home when work is through. This song, alone, is worth purchasing a copy of the CD or a ticket to a John Minnock show - if it isn't destined to become a classic, it should be.” - Stephen Mosher, BroadwayWorld
DOWNBEAT - “Courageous storytelling…Minnock’s phrasing seamlessly veers from romantic to lighthearted and acerbic alongside an accomplished crew that includes saxophonist/producer Dave Liebman…consistently uses his dramatic inflections to serve the songs contrasting tones.” - Aaron Cohen, DownBeat
BROADWAYWORLD - “Minnock is a leader with an empowered vision…a sophisticated yet interestingly base musical offering - sophisticated because of the artistry, base because of the skillful way that the lyrics touch the most honest, raw, and sympathetic emotions we all feel, everyone, though especially the gay men who will find their own stories here. Particularly special to the success of Herring Cove is the contribution of Academy Award winner David Shire, providing two songs for Minnock, who skillfully embodies the Maestro's mood. Minnock's performance is articulate and emotionally in contact with Mr. Shire's artistry. With "It Goes Like It Goes" …Minnock makes the song his own without taking away the much needed gentle breathing, rolling flow essential to the emotional and musical movement of the piece, restoring to it its age-old anthem of activism, even in its quieter qualities, Liebman's sax acting as an outstanding beacon-like battle cry, in all its mournful, hopeful, determined intention.” - Stephen Mosher, BroadwayWorld
MUSICAL MEMOIRS - “Minnock’s vocals move from jazz to cabaret in the wink of an eye. He is expressive, honest and emotional, whatever the genre. His original compositions are well-written and he gives himself and his musical ensemble permission to wring the last drops of sincerity from his lyrics. Minnock’s voice leaps and dances between baritone and tenor, as he attempts to perorate his feelings. The musicians he uses on this project are all outstanding.” - Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
JAZZ WEEKLY- “Vocalist John Minnock sings with a flavor sprinkled by the shaker of Mark Murphy or Kurt Elling” - George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly