The Canadian-born, New York-based singer, alto saxophonist, composer and arranger is -- as saxophone star Lee Konitz notes -- "a singer on her horn and with her voice, and that's the best playing for me." Sheila Cooper has created imaginative and elegant renderings of popular standards that showcase her fresh, sexy voice and crisp, swinging alto sax playing. Also featured is the world-class rhythm section of Renee Rosnes on piano, Scott Colley on acoustic bass, and Billy Drummond on drums. QUOTATIONS and PRESS "Since You Were Mine" is the best jazz vocal debut I've heard in three or four years. A tasteful mix of familiar and seldom heard songs matched with a first class rhythm section. Ms Cooper is not just another pretty face on the cover, we're talking about a talented, highly accomplished musician. I'll be playing this disc over and over. DOUG MOODY, "Moody's Mood" KMFB-FM, California Based on "Since You Were Mine", Cooper can play with anyone, without excuses. . . . Her alto playing is crisped and assured; she isn't afraid to enter dark musical places when the mood calls for it. STEVE STARGER, HARTFORD ADVOCATE Sheila Cooper's "Since You Were Mine" is a revelation. When was the last time you heard a singer who also played the saxophone, and did both with consummate skill and grace? I particularly enjoy Cooper's approach to standards: She handles these easily bruised treasures with the utmost delicacy. This collection is one that rewards repeated listening. JIM MOTAVALLI, WPKN-FM, Connecticut It has perhaps become cliché to say of a young lion(ness), but this cat can swing. And she does it with a beguiling lilt, both in her vocal and her alto renderings, that makes her treatment of familiar songs impact on the listener like sinking a thirty-foot putt -- you feel triumphant, but at the same time you're surprised and humbled by the rarity and chance of it -- and you remember the experience. Sheila Cooper's "Since You Were Mine" is well worth your time. STEVE KRAWITZ, "Jazz For The Common Man", WESS-FM & WVAI-FM, Pennsylvania Sheila Cooper's "Since You Were Mine" is a revelation. When was the last time you heard a singer who also played the saxophone, and did both with consummate skill and grace? I particularly enjoy Cooper's approach to standards: She handles these easily bruised treasures with the utmost delicacy. This collection is one that rewards repeated listening. JIM MOTAVALLI, WPKN-FM, Connecticut Sheila Cooper has a fresh- sounding voice and a clear, intelligent, expressive way with lyrics. ... Her fresh ideas on alto bring new life to old tunes . . . she moves with grace from vocal choruses to alto saxophone solos. Never sounding the least bit gimmicky, she creates a smooth, one-person dialogue between voice and saxophone. OWEN McNALLY, HARTFORD COURANT TRIPLE THREAT! In the flood of new talent surging about us, Ms. Sheila Cooper deserves your attention. BOB DOROUGH, Pianist, Singer, Composer In addition to playing outstanding solos and interesting arrangements, Sheila Cooper has genuine charm onstage . . . performing a flawless show that came directly from her heart. FRANKISCHER TAG, Bamberg, Germany (translated from German) It's a great pleasure to hear Sheila Cooper's fresh voice and true jazz stylings. From the minute she starts singing she has the audience in the palm of her hand . . . A jazz performance full of ease, professionalism and artistry. LESLIE GOURSE, Jazz Critic, Author of MADAME JAZZ Sheila Cooper is a mainstay on my program. Anyone with ears will hear she plays alto like she sings . . . great. RON PITTNER,"Out to Lunch Avec Jazz", Radio RDL, France Her voice is warm and elegant; her playing swings with candid self-assurance. On "Since You Were Mine", Sheila Cooper does her ambitious repertoire proud. KATIE MALLOCH, CBC Radio Canada Sheila Cooper has a fresh, unique sound which combines a sense of cool with humor and passion. It's an intriguing and irresistable mix which she is able to convey in both her vocals and her alto sax. It's serious musicianship with no pretensions, and a sly sense of fun. Sheila Cooper is a musician you want to see and hear again. LAURIE GYPSON, WHCN-FM, Connecticut