This is the self-titled debut from singer/composer Joy Mover. It is a combination of tried and true standards and originals that touch many genres. She taps many fine musicians including colleagues from South Florida. Ira Sullivan and brother Bob Mover breathe warm tenor sax into a number of tunes, notably “‘Till There Was You.” Joy has a soft but powerful approach to the music, one that resonates well. You will certainly find something enjoyable in this set.

Originally posted at:  http://osplacejazz.com/reviews

Initially I thought Joy Mover was going to be a group, but I soon discovered that Joy Mover is a very talented female jazz-styled vocalist and also a skilled songwriter. This self-titled debut is impressive, though it’s not the kind of music that I would usually embrace … more the kind that I appreciate from a distance. Joy comes from a musical family, with her musical roots traced back to her great-grandfather and through her maternal and paternal grandparents and uncles followed by her parents, brother and cousin. Her brother, Bob Mover, is a well-known saxophonist and he joins other superb musicians including Ira Sullivan (trumpet, sax, flute), John Paul (guitars, synthesisers), Mike Levine (piano, synthesisers), Jamie Ousley (upright bass), Billy Ross (flute) and drummers Vinny Damaio and Lee and Sammy Levine to provide inspired musical backdrops for Joy’s wonderfully expressive vocals.Alongside highly distinctive renditions of such well-known standards as “Till There Was You,” “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” and “Fever” Joy shines with her own self-penned songs. Opener “Have You Ever Loved?” swings madly with an infectious Latin American vibe, “If I Could Tell You” swings much more gently with a late-night jazz club vibe whilst “Home Sweet Home” has more of a contemporary feel. If you like jazzy-music, quality songs with memorable melodies and mature lyrics, then this could just be the album you’ve been looking for.

Reviewed by Alan Cackett
Originally posted at:  http://www.maverick-country.com/#/joy-mover-cd-review/4570006868

Making a sparkling entrance into the jazz vocal arena on her self-titled debut, Boston native Joy Mover turns a new page in her musical career from years of writing and producing to recording. The music business is a natural environment for the singer, in fact, as she hails from a distinguished musical family that includes her brother, renowned saxophonist Bob Mover—who, incidentally, also appears on the album. For this debut, the singer selects an eleven-song repertoire of originals and standards borrowed from the likes of Eden Ahbez (“Nature Boy”), Antonio Carlos Jobim (“Corcovado”) and others. (more…)

Take a dash of pop, add a little jazz, and stir in some Latin beats and you have the music style of Joy Mover.

Originally from Boston, Mover has been associated with the music industry for years. She has now released her self-titled debut album which combines six original compositions with five covers. A fine group of musicians are in support including trumpet/sax/flute player Ira Sullivan, guitarist John Paul, keyboardist Mike Levine, saxophonist Bob Mover, and an assortment of session players. (more…)

The composition of Mover’s music is amazing. I have to give her credit for all the imaginative, original songs that she created for this album. Joy Mover has a natural ear for music Coming from a family of musicians, Mover has music flowing through her blood. 

The album begins with “Have You Ever Loved?,” which is an interesting opening. Mover is willing to put jazz and a Latin feel together in this salsa-inspired piece. She immediately shifts into “Maria’s Song,” which has a Manheim Steamroller undertone. The filtering of Mover’s voice in “Maria’s Song” works well and wasn’t distracting. She composes her lyrics and melodies to fit her voice perfectly. Going from deep husky tones to airy lilts in “If I Could Tell You” is one great example. (more…)

Note:  This interview is from “Rootstime” a Belgian publication.  We’ve done our best to translate from Dutch to English…

The risk that you are on the wrong foot is put after the first song “Have You Ever Loved?” Of singer and song writer Joy Mover of Miami on her eponymous debut album is quite considerable. It is a swinging bossa nova melody which this song is offered and that the listener would ever do think that this is a new Gloria Estefan has risen. (more…)