San Diego Reader

Sophie Milman was born in Russia, is Jewish, was raised in Israel, emigrated to Toronto. Yet she is best described by her mastery of a very American musical genre, as an interpreter of the great American songbook. With smoke-smooth vocals, Milman takes on the classics: "I Concentrate on You," "Day in Day Out," "Love for Sale," and "My One and Only Love."

But what sets Milman apart from wannabe cocktail-lounge singers is her jazzy treatment of familiar tunes not associated with easy-listening vocalists. Her interpretation of Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" is unique, yet relevant to the lyrics -- it's like hearing it for the first time. She also puts her vocal spin on Springsteen's "I'm on Fire," Joni Mitchell's "Be Cool," and a emotional version of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me".

Ms Milman's vocal stylings not only have a high "cool" factor, but she's easy on the eyes as well. When I listen to this record, I pour myself a glass of scotch -- two ice cubes -- dim the lights, and settle down in my recliner. Take Love Easy just perfect for that kind of timeout.

• Album title: Take Love Easy (2009)
• Artist: Sophie Milman
• Label: Koch Records
• Songs: Beautiful Love, Take Love easy, I concentrate on You, Day in Day Out, Be Cool, My One and Only Love, I Can't Make You Love Me, That Is love, Love for Sale, I'm on fire, Triste, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Where Do You Start