This is probably the best CD I've heard in years. Veronica Martell has a voice that's utterly compelling. It's seductive as well as profound.
—Ed Palermo
Veronica Martell (vocals); Kenny Rampton (trumpet); Bob Shepard (tenor & soprano saxophone); David Mann (saxophones); Gary Valente, Bob Magnusson, Bob Hanlon (horns); Ted Brancato, Allen Farnham, Matt King (piano); Tony Viscardo, Herman Romero, Romero Lubambo (guitar); Cliff Schmitt, Jeff Carney, Nilson Matta (bass); Buddy Williams, Tim Horner (drums); Emedin Rivera, Frank Valdes, Eduardo DaFonseca (percussion); Joyce Hammann, Laura Seaton, Carol Pool, Richard Locker (strings)
The cover of Veronica Martell's The Art of Intimacy says it all. A lovely woman indeed, her portrait exudes an air of mystery and seduction. When her voice comes over the speaker, the process is complete. The aptly named CD title is a collection of elegant ballads that exhibit different sides of this brilliant singer.—AllAboutJazz.com
"...a winning combination of traditional stage presence and modern day charisma"—The Danish Times.
"One of the hottest talents in jazz"—Jazz Review
"a remarkable vocal talent with an exquisite four octave range"—All Music Guide
Despite the diversity of the musicians’ backgrounds and the use of several arrangers, Martell’s approach, sultry and still approachable, remains consistent throughout the entire album. On the one hand, Trio da Paz enlivens “Wayfaring Stranger” with Brazilian-influenced percussiveness; on the other, Sheppard’s soprano sax counterbalances the smooth jazz affinities of the trio consisting of pianist Matt King, bassist Jeff Carney and drummer Buddy Williams. Martell resurrects “Dreams,” made famous decades ago by Fleetwood Mac, and combines the familiarity of the song with the faster tempo and rippling movement of the arrangement by Martell, Brancato and guitarist/co-producer Tony Viscardo.—Jazzreview.com