This beautifully-judged collaboration finds Trudy Kerr sharing the limelight with pianist and composer Michael Garrick to splendid effect.
Andrew Vine, Yorkshire Post
Overall this is a delightful and impressive performance
Brian Priestly, Jazz UK
Kerr is a fine singer, with good phrasing, spot-on intonation and an ability to serve the lyrics with sensitivity and taste. The nine Ellington-associated songs she chose for this eloquent recital with Michael Garrick (piano) were a labour of love for both, particularly Garrick, whose backing is beautiful.
Ray Comiskey, Irish Times
Trudy Kerr, a singer of wit, intelligence and versatility.
Reg Brace, Yorkshire Evening Post
Although most of Like Minds features introspective ballads, there's an individual craftsmanship in each phrase that makes this a surprisingly satisfying listen.
Katherine Shackleton, BBC reviews site
London-based jazz singer Trudy Kerr gives the classic Ellington songbook a contemporary twist on this sophisticated CD.
Alison Kerr, Scotland on Sunday
Trudy and Michael's sensitive approach pays dividends and brings a freshness to the form which deserves both credit and a wider audience. A superb example of British-based, vocal-led jazz.
Keith Ames, The Musician Magazine.
...Presenting a five minute study in desolation, the beautifully crafted opener 'Don't get around much anymore' exudes a communicative power which shapes the entire collection. 'I'm beginning to see the light' showcases the duo's feel for space and texture, while an enchanting intimate "Mood Indigo" illustrates Kerr's great control of the melodic line.
Peter Quinn, Jazzwise Magazine.
The like minds here are Trudy and pianist Michael Garrick (with a little assist from bass player Paul Moylan on five tracks). Together they explore with remarkable sensitivity some of Duke Ellington’s finest songs such as Prelude to a kiss, Mood Indigo and Sophisticated Lady, interspersed with some of Michael’s lovely compositions. There is a quite remarkable empathy between singer and accompanist and I think its Trudy’s finest achievement to date and also reveals Michael’s outstanding talent as an accompanist.
Peter Bevan, Northern Echo
Like Minds is a sophisticated album that quickly establishes a mood and gives a fresh look at the Ellington repertoire. Kerr and Garrick’s approach focuses on the words and brings out the true meaning of the lyrics. The interplay between voice and piano is excellent, Moylan’s contributions judicious and the Jazzizit production values typically high.
Ian Mann, The Jazzman
There are countless hundreds of competent female jazz singers, then there are the scant few that evidence the self-possession, depth, fire, and sense of risk necessary to finding the emotional layers in exceptional songs. Trudy Kerr, in England, belongs to the latter special group, and her recordings aren't to be missed.
Frank-John Hadley, longtime DownBeat critic