Reviews | Lunar Octave

AllMusic, Scott Yanow
“On this gem of a record, Borla transfers all kinds of jazz instrumentalists into vocal pieces, including such unlikely devices as John Abercrombie’s “Arcade” and Bill Evans’ “Five” (for which she wrote the lyrics) and “Very Early.” Her improvising is adventurous, yet she also pays respect to each song’s original mood and theme. Borla has a beautiful voice and one that is flexible enough to deal with such songs as “Café,” Wayne Shorter’s “Beauty and the Beast,” and Abbey Lincoln’s “Bird Alone.” A memorable effort.”​

Chicago Reader, Neil Tesser
"Borla takes risks with her material and with her approach to jazz singing in general…focusing attention on her intelligence and her musicianship, which eclipse even her formidable technical skills – her translucent timbre, her relaxed contol of tempo, the surge of power at both extremes of her range – and distinguish her from many of her contemporaries.”

Jazz Times, Owen Cordle
“…A case of talent deserving wider recognition…adept at using her voice like an instrument…”


Jazz Quarterly, Josef Woodard

“Ambitious and happy to take on a challenge, Janice Borla takes an adventurous little trip on this album, burrowing into the tradition of jazz singing while circling around cliches…(and) delivers a happily unorthodox collection of tunes, sung with cool understatement.”


JAM Magazine, Bill O-Connor
“If you enjoy jazz vocalists who use the human voice as an ‘instrument,’ then this album is for you… All vocal solos are rendered as instrumental expressions. That, mixed with her attraction to angular melodies, an interest in odd rhythms and meters, and a skill for recruiting outstanding accompaniment, add up to a very enjoyable recording… A moody, mystical, magical recording that showcases the horn-like vocal skills of a recording artist/teacher on a mission. It is a definite must hear/must have CD.”​

Midwest Jazz, Tom Surowicz
“A most modern singer…She’s got all the tools one looks for in a post-bop ssiren – great tone, time and taste, plus an admirable adventurousness.”​