Joe Blake of Victoria Times Colonist: Stirling is a dynamic, skillful improviser on piano, and her fluid playing Tuesday night inspired some conspiratorial grins from a few jazz musicians in attendance. A handful of bold vocals surprised me with their authoritative ease. Sexy readings of Girl Talk and It Had To be You were the icing on the cake.
Carmela, Celebrity Cruise Guest: Hey Jan, just wanted to say how much I and "the gang" appreciated your contribution to the warm, friendly and fun atmosphere in MICHAEL'S CLUB on the Infinity. Know that you have warmed the hearts of people from all over the world. You are a true artist because your music is an accurate reflection of the person you are.
Herb LeRoy, Private Secretary to the Lieutenant-Governor of B.C.: As mentioned to you at the Union Club I was impressed with your talent and in particular your choice of music. I am a great fan of soft jazz, and your styling struck a "chord" with me.
Mark Fiore, Music Director of Infinity Cruise ship: Jan is a proficient jazz pianist with a great repertoire and a very nice voice. She is excellent at interacting with guests and provides the right kind of atmosphere for "Michael's Club". She is a pleasure to work with and well liked by many of the other singers and musicians who love to stop in and perform alongside her. Jan understands how to "work the room". She always manages to find her following on every cruise and the guests genuinely enjoy the atmosphere she creates.
Alison and Tony Bordinez, of London England: In case we didn't say it clearly enough on the day of the wedding gig you did last month, your contribution to the success of the occasion was really appreciated. Everyone commented on how perfectly the music complemented the ceremony and the party. Thank you so much!
Sandy Shand and John Phillips of Holly Ridge Farm: Thank you so much for coming to play the piano so beautifully for Bettina's remembrance party. We hope you will be able to come again to play for us. Vive le Steinway!
Joe Blake of Victoria Times Colonist: Jazz fans packed the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria last Thursday night. Pianist Jan Stirling and saxophonist Roy Reynolds didn't disappoint the big crowd, producing two long sets of innovative improvisations on the standard repertoire. It was an exciting, cross-cultural event and the first in a new series of gallery jazz concerts.
Patty Hervey, bass player and singer extradinaire in Vancouver Province Preview: Playing with the Jan Stirling Trio at the Pan Pacific Hotel is the joy of my life at the moment.
Oliver Gannon, jazz guitarist: As you can hear from the full yet crisp sound Jan gets, she has a great pianistic touch and she always swings - (just listen to those toe-tappin' well-developed solos she plays).
Chompunute Hoontrakul, General Manager of Imperial Hotel, Bangkok: Thank you very much for entertaining our guests at the Jarmjuree Restaurant for three weeks. Our guests and members of our staff all enjoyed your piano music and we look forward to an opportunity to have you with us again during your future visit.
Amanda Lee, bride: A very big thank you to you and your group for the wonderful job you did for our reception. We had lots of comments about how great you sounded. It has been a pleasure dealing with you. You have been great with returning emails and that is crucial when preparing a wedding long distance! Please let us know when you are next playing in Toronto. We would like to hear you again.
The Land Conservancy: Thank you for sharing your considerable talents at our fundraiser at Il Terrazzo. It was a pleasure!
Michelle Richard, Capillano College Weekly: An all-female jazz trio is somewhat rare. After seeing the Jan Stirling Trio at the Pan Pacific's Cascade Lounge, I wish this wasn't the case. With a sound that is incredibly smooth, they are easily one of the best jazz acts I have seen around town. Their music's disarming quality permeates the soul. Radiating competence and self-assurance, Jan goes to extremes with her playing. Bending intensely over the keyboard, hair shrouding her face, she would make forceful statements and then surprise the listeners with light, airy runs that reminded me of Claude Debussy.
Dr. Doreen Thompson, singing teacher: Jan's approach to music making as a channel for creative expression that is beneficial to both the performer and the listener, is in agreement with my own philosophical views. Moreover, as an innovative composer, she has written songs that are sensitive and contemporary and are sure to find universal appeal. The jazz idiom, with which she is so conversant, makes them easily accessible to the average listener, yet they are remarkably original in content.
Dr. Gail Schultz, Director, Victoria Centre for Self-Awareness: Janet Stirling is a talented artist who has composed music and lyrics and performed them for our Sunday Celebrations. She takes a holistic approach and creates a powerful, warm, open and relaxed atmosphere. Her performance touches people's hearts and minds. We want her to continue sharing her talents with us. There is a need for the healing quality of her music in our society today.
Guy Le Monnier of Island gourmet catering recommends Jan Stirling for catered events on his web page.
Joe Blake, Times Colonist, Victoria: Stirling is an absolute delight - a polished pro with a nice blues touch and enough chops to keep the town humming for months. What a player!
Janet Simpson, Victoria: Superb performance on Saturday! You have some EXCELLENT patter. Very relaxed and warm. I want to hear more Blossom Dearie. "Lies of Handsome Men" was wonderful. Everyone had a great time. Lots of variety, exciting improvising, and great audience contact.
Katherine and Terry Moser, bride and groom: Thank you very much Jan for making our day more special. If ever you need references, please do not hesitate to use us.
Comments on CD Prisms of Light.
The CD Prisms of Light was Recorded at Inception Sound in Toronto with engineer Chad Irschick, Kieran Overs on bass, and Davide DiRenzo on percussion.
Al Brooks of Monday Magazine, Victoria: Looking for some top-quality background music for your next dinner/cocktail party? Try the local Jan Stirling Trio. Nicely led by Stirling's jaunty and swinging piano stylings and subtly backed by Kieran Overs (bass) and Davide Di Renzo (percussion), Prisms of Light is a lyrical jazz offering that entertains but never overwhelms. A strong mix of covers and originals makes it a good find.
Marnie Olchowecki, Victoria: I played your CD all afternoon - it's just great! I hope it gets a very wide audience.
Bob Birkett, Ontario: I'm not a real jazz fan but I really enjoy listening to your CD. It isn't self indulgent or rambling, like some. I like the way it swings. I have it in the car and if I'm going any distance I'll put it on.
Joanna Zoltowska: Just loving your CD - especially your own compositions.
Jean Guy Fortier, Quebec: I heard on CBC Disc Drive "The Very Thought of You" played beautifully by the Jan Stirling Jazz Trio. Can you give me more info on that musician and how to get the recording.
Walter and Jean Manning, Woodstock, Ont.: Congratulations on your CD Prisms of Light. It is a wonderful sound to hear. I have listened to it several times. Good luck on your future endeavors. I hope you make more CD's in the future.
Ralph Roberts, Victoria: My wife and I are both enjoying listening to your CD. Wonderful stuff!
Joe Blake of Times Colonist, Victoria: Jan Stirling has been a fixture on the local jazz scene and I've been a fan for years but Prisms of Light still surprised me. The lyrical, local pianist teamed up with ace Toronto bassist Kieran Overs and Davide DiRenzo on drums to produce a stellar collection of beautiful versions of jazz standards and a trio of clever originals. Stirling underplays thoughtfully, and with Milesian insight she reinvents some of the jazz canon's greatest, most moving melodies. There's soul and deep feeling carved into Stirling's phrasing. With the impeccable rhythm team of Overs and DiRenzo propelling the changes, the pianist reshapes classics like My Heart Stood Still and Drop Me Off in Harlem with a grounded in-the-tradition confidence and sophisticated sense of dynamics and harmonics. The trio makes it sound easy, but there is a lot of depth here. Listen closely to Stirling and company's reading of Bud Powell's Duid Deed. It's a swinging, minimalist gem. Put the earphones on for the majestic, Bill Evans tribute, You Must Believe in Spring and the trio's earthy, seductive Nature Boy.
