"2 For The Road" is Deborah Shulman's debut CD, a work of passion and love. It tells the story of her journey through a divorce she never thought would happen; a strength she never knew she had; and a new found love, a new beginning, and a new marriage. Deborah explores these themes through heart-felt ballads and gorgeous arrangements (by Terry Trotter), all sung with her signature warm, classic sound. Deborah's musical life has gone through many incarnations. She studied opera and classical art songs while in college, then moved on to Broadway musicals (starring in CATS in Los Angeles, among many others), and has produced and performed in a myriad of cabaret acts. She toured the world with Ann Jillian, performing their duo act. But it is with this CD of jazz standards where she really shines. Her band consists of the marvelous Terry Trotter on piano; Larry Koonse on guitar; Tom Warrington on bass; and Joe LaBarbera on drums. If you like romantic jazz, this one's for you. “Shulman continues to melt listeners’ hearts on her latest release. With a carefully crafted yet delicate delivery, Shulman extracts every ounce out of a melody. Her accompaniment on this session is first rate. Her selection of songs is impeccable, and well suited to her style of singing. Frank Loesser’s timeless classic, “Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year” is performed with passion and ensitivity. Pay close attention to Shulman’s phrasing and you will notice that she is working inside the melody, enjoying every moment along the way. Another note of interest is her ability to control the lyric without overextending. Trotter’s piano is a joy to the ear and the soul. He follows Shulman’s voice like a gentle breeze on a sunny day. Another tune performed with grace and a candid delivery is “Something Cool.” Trotter continues to impress with his ever so gentle touch. Balance is the key to success here. Shulman and Trotter demonstrate how to achieve this without disturbing the natural ebb and flow. One of the smoothest drummers in jazz is featured on “I Wish I Were In Love Again.” La Barbara’s brushwork is exquisite and timely. Shulman’s nicely rounded lyric and La Barbara’s response gel in a most satisfying manner. Koonse introduces a tender sounding guitar before the groups swings for the rest of the piece. After listening to Sinatra’s version for so many years, it was refreshing to hear a new take on a great tune. With a beautiful melody and a heart-on-your-sleeve lyric, Shulman delivers in spades. Some fine string work from Koonse. There are so many enjoyable moments on this recording. For aspiring vocalists, “2 for the road” serves as a recording deserving repeated listening. Control, passion, fun and a desire to respect the melody and the lyric are just a few descriptive words describing this finely crafted outing.” Randy McElligott, eJazzNews “I just reviewed your CD and it is a truly great listen. It will get a lot of air play on Jazz 88. You are SMOKING.” J. Otis Williams, KSDS Jazz 88.3 FM, San Diego “If ever there was a class act, Deborah is it. In our café society here in New Zealand, this music goes down a treat, and it’s on regular rotation here. Philip Crookes, Primetime Radio, New Zealand “If you like warm, romantic jazz, if you’re a person who appreciates talent, taste and intelligence, then run, do not walk, to nab a copy of Deborah Shulman’s self-produced CD. . . Her voice is free yet disciplined, and her ability to get behind a lyric and wring out every ounce of truth can be heartbreaking. Almost like the cabaret artists of Manhattan glory days, Shulman has the innate talent to make the listener re-think a song, hear an old familiar song as if it were for the first time or, even better, hear a new song as if it was always a part of one’s life. The material traces the arc of pain and happiness (and everything that comes in between) in the race to and from love. Grab some wine, lower the lights and listen to great interpretations of great songs. How lucky we are – or have been – to know love . . . and how this special chanteuse helps us remember it all.” Alan W. Petrucelli, The Entertainment Report “Deborah interpets songs such as ‘All or Nothing at All,’ ‘Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year’ and ‘Route 66' and makes the words come alive. She draws you in with her heartfelt intensity and superb phrasing. Relating the songs to her life, dating again after a painful divorce, and finding love, she sings a Blossom Dearie song: ‘I Like You, You’re Nice.’ “ Beth Temkin, Entertainment Today “Accompanied by the hard-driving and energetic playing of drummer Ralph Humphrey, Larry Koonse on guitar, bass player Kenny Wild, and pianist/music director and arranger Terry Trotter, Shulman consistently underplayed her material, emphasizing the tender and vulnerable aspects of the music. . . Shulman and her band possess excellent chemistry and timing together, further bringing the music alive. It’s obvious they all enjoy performing great music in an intimate setting.” Mary Mallory, The Tolucan Times “Putting part of one’s life story into music and words does not always work. Rest assured, however, that Deborah has released an album full of emotion, strength and great music. Backed by a great quartet, this is an album for those who love sentimentality, jazz and great vocals.” Tony Bates, Victoria, Australia “ ‘Sweet ‘n sensitive’ sums this one up – great for late-night listening curled up on the sofa, but great too in a show which goes out between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The quartet shines through, the voice is terrific – what more can you ask.” Tony Wickham, Radio Maldwyn, United Kingdom “I was intrigued by the cover of the CD which is sometimes the first image of an artist before listening. The beginning song to the CD sets the perfect mood for the whole CD; it flows very gently into the next songs. A very crafted and experienced voice that is quite strong on the FM waves.” Paul Jove, La Paz, Bolivia “Love it, play it all the time.” David McCrory, 2NVR, New South Wales, Australia “This Deborah Shulman record 2 for the road has been a pleasant surprise. The tracks that stand out for me are ‘You Don't Know What Love Is’ and also ‘The Meaning Of The Blues'." Eric Cohen, WAER, Syracuse “A pretty voice and excellent musicians with her. Miss Deborah Shulman sings in the tradition of the real jazz ladies and in her voice her personal touch. She chose a good selection of jazz standards. For me, “four stars” for this first jazz work.” Carlos Fernandez Pacin, Jazz Café FM, Buenos Aires, Argentina “Traditional jazzy sound, great voice, good choice of songs.” Harry Boerman, Radio Putten, Netherlands “Magnificent.” Tony Cabanellas, KDHX 88.1 FM, St. Louis “First album, but I hope not her last. Great. “ Alex Pijnen, BRTO, Netherlands “Good, smooth record.” Mark O’Neill, Koroit, Australia “I am very glad to have received your CD. This is a great album.” Erik Vande Voorde, Radio Beiaard, Belgium “I have liked the CD very much. Shortly I will present it in my program. I have found it a very interesting CD and of much quality.” Josep Palmada, Red Hot Blues Radio, Vilafant, Spain “What a great sound you have. Keep up the good work and please keep me up to date with your progress.” Michael Criddle, Horsham, Australia “A beautifully produced and performed record. Great singing, great song selection, and a great band.” Tad Graham, Noosa Community Radio 101.3 FM, Australia “Deborah Shulman did a terrific job on ‘2 for the road.’ Her sultry renditions of some old-time classics makes this CD a ‘must-have.’" Kathy Llamas, PhilRadio International, Longwood, Florida “Great CD! Deborah has an awesome voice! . . . This CD makes me want to go have a nice romantic night in the club. Bravo! Likes the most: Two For The Road.” Jason (Xu) Marzetti, CJSR 88.5, Alberta, Canada “Thank you so much for recording this album! I just love your beautiful voice, and the musicians on this album are stunning. You have your own fantastic style and it is very clear that you are truly following your bliss.” Helen Jarroe, Cairns FM 89.1, Queensland, Australia “I really enjoyed this CD. I thought that the compositions, musicianship and production were of very high standard. I host jazz shows on two radio stations here in Auckland, New Zealand.” Mark Robinson, GeorgeFM “This is a first-class recording of top quality especially as it is a debut venture. Ms. Shulman sings from the soul with feeling and warmth with superb backing and arranging adding to the overall quality.” John Reid, Keith Community Radio, Scotland “When I heard the samples on the website, I wanted to hear the whole disc. I really enjoy the warm honey of Deborah’s voice, and I’m glad she shared her life journey with us on this disc.” Lynn Wells, 3BBR-FM, Drouin, Australia “You can take pride in the fact that your music will hearten some souls in Belgium during a dreary autumn night.” Ilan Oz, Radio Judaica, Brussels “Mrs. Shulman has put up a nice album where her very classic voice is helped by good musicians, notably the piano and guitar player. The standards have been carefully chosen so as to make the listener slowly but surely enter the world of the singer.” Pascal Dorban, Radio ARA, Luxembourg “I really love this album . . ." Kjell Andreassen, RadioHostebro, Denmark "How many times the word love occurs through the titles of this album. And how many different and rich sides of Deborah Shulman are represented on the photographs through the artwork of the CD. These are different aspects of the same soul: suspended on a repertoire so rich in vocal shadings, chances for Deborah's own instrument to show her own gift and capability. They are enough some simple, wise touches of guitar and piano, a discreet support from bass and drums to pass from bossa to swing, from sun to moon. Up to the whole incredible power of musical art." Scazzola Giovanni Pietro, Radio Gold Popular Network “This singer has a unique sound combined with emotional depth. I received positive listener response when I played tracks from this disc. Hope she continues to record.” Larry Corley, WQNA Radio “A little gem.” Uwe Gotz, Deutschlandradio Kultur