Victoria’s classy, classically-trained jazz chanteuse, Miranda Sage, performs a gentle, airy collection of ballads and bossa novas that registers as her most intimate-sounding record yet. Sage, who in the past has sought out lesser-known gems for her collections of standards, this time offers up a program of favourites, including a timeless-sounding rendition of “That Old Black Magic,” an elegant cover of “Charade,” a dreamy version of “Alone Together,” and a wistful interpretation of “Both Sides Now.” Sage credits last year’s Olympic opening ceremonies with reintroducing her to Joni Mitchell’s signature, a song she used to sing in her 20s, when she toured Europe with an American performing arts ensemble. But the real inspiration for the album came from Sage’s Order of Canada-winning pianist Don Thompson, who proposed creating a softer-edged collection featuring guitarist Pat Coleman. Thompson also served as Sage’s producer for the first time and further expanded the album’s sonic palette by playing vibes on several tracks. In addition, he invited drummer Hans Verhoeven into the mix, whose soft, sensitive contributions compliment the album’s warm sound. The other two musicians on Both Sides Now are both stellar players that Sage has recorded or toured with previously. Roy Styffe’s tender sax is a centerpiece. And Ken Lister’s tasteful bass holds down the rhythm section and occasionally rises to the forefront, such as on “Slow Boat to China,” where his groovy walking bass line trips along under Sage’s playful vocals. Both Sides Now is Sage’s fifth album since returning to music in the 1990’s after leaving to raise a family. The charming, British-born vocalist first began her musical studies at age four, learning piano, guitar, lute, harp, sax and clarinet - though she now concentrates on voice and guitar. She did extensive classical studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Victoria and followed it up with jazz studies with Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton and Louise Rose. Her most influential teacher, however, was the beguiling British jazz vocalist Norma Winstone. Sage was championed upon her return to music by B.C. jazz icon Hugh Fraser, and she released her first two CDs on Fraser’s Boathouse label. She also performed with his Hugh Fraser Big Band and with the Port Townsend Jazz Festival Big Band. Other performance highlights include the Isle of Wight Jazz Divas Festival and Scotland's Mid Argyle Annual Gala. Sage performs regularly around Victoria with the Swiftsure Big Band and smaller ensembles. She's also performed several times at the Victoria International Jazz Fest. Quotes: “Cole Porter's 'Dream Dancing', one of his (my) favourite songs with a wonderful new approach from Victoria vocalist, Miranda Sage, from her new album, called 'Both Sides Now', and yes she does a version of Joni Mitchell's standard with an outstanding band of Don Thompson, Pat Coleman, Ken Lister, Hans Verhoeven and Roy Styffe.” – Jim Wilke, Jazz After Hours and KPLU Jazz Northwest “The singing and musicianship are outstanding. Kudos to all concerned.” - Bob Collins, WRHU, Jazz Café "Il CD "Both Sides Now" di Miranda Sage è un progetto che esprime al meglio la grande professionalità di questa artista, che ci ha abituato a performances di valore, sia sul piano tecnico che su quello espressivo. Miranda è una cantante capace di vivere le sue canzoni con partecipazione emotiva e passione, mettendo in evidenza una particolare sensibilità. Bruno Pollacci "Animajazz" -http://www.animajazz.it- Pisa - Italy" Miranda Sage's latest album called "Both Sides Now" is in my estimation, her very best so far. All the songs are from The Great American Songbook and are given the respect they deserve. Some are maybe less familiar than others but Miranda treats them all with love, meaning and craft. Do not expect histrionics and needless scatting here but a strong lyrical sense, great phrasing, and a lovely tone enveloped by finely crafted arrangements by one of the great Jazz masters, pianist/vibist Don Thompson. The rest of the band measures up to Thompson's standards but the kudos must ultimately go to Ms. Sage. Listen and enjoy! Gavin Walker "The Jazz Show" CITR Victoria vocalist Miranda Sage's latest CD release Both Sides Now features some of Canada's finest musicians from across Canada. Produced by Order of Canada Toronto multi -instrumentalist musician Don Thompson and Nanaimo guitarist Pat Coleman, the recording features Roy Styffe on alto and soprano saxophone, Don Thompson on piano and vibes, Pat Coleman on guitars, Ken Lister on bass and Hans Verhoeven on drums. The recording was engineered and recorded  by Rick Salt in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, and is a wonderful example of the excellent work that Salt does regularly in Nanaimo with the city's best musicians. Both Sides Now  features pretty jazz compositions and gentle ballads and bossa novas that evoke a warm, relaxing and gorgeous lyricism . Victoria vocalist Miranda Sage sings  with laid back elegance and ease. Sage delivers a lush, sensual and relaxing vocal jazz approach and it is sure to please. Highlights include  Don Thompson on piano in a wonderful elegant duo with Miranda on That Ole Devil Called Love  followed by  the band joining in and a featured melodious Roy Styffe saxophone solo. Sage brings life to the old Brooks Bowman tune East of the Sun (West of the Moon) with a lovely Bossa Nova feel and some beautifully melodic piano and vibraphone playing from Don Thompson.   Composer Frank Loesser's On A Slow Boat to China pairs up nicely both Miranda and  bassist Ken Lister and then features fine improvisation from BC greats saxophonist  Roy Styffe and guitarist Pat Coleman.   All of the musicians deliver the melodic and harmonic excellence we have come to expect from them. Drummer Hans Verhoeven does an excellent job throughout  the session and the feel is just right.   The combination of ballads and bossa nova with a few swing tracks makes for  pleasurable listening and won't disappoint. The accompanying musicians are some  of Canada's best and most accomplished players in the tradition. Miranda Sage's fourth album with the legendary pianist and vibraphonist Don Thompson truly shines. If you love jazz standards then this album is for you.   Kerilie McDowall, host and producer of Rhythmaning, CHLY 101.7 FM