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| Comments from: John Hoglund |
| "Autumn In New York," 9/20/04, Back Stage Magazine |
"...exceptional arrangements by Musical Director Sheldon Forrest..."
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| Comments from: Barbara and Scott Siegel |
| "The Two of Clubs," 5/12/05, www.talkinbroadway.com |
"Even more encouraging are the people (the featured singer) has behind her. Her musical director is legend Sheldon Forrest..."
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| Comments from: Maude Maggart |
| Cabaret singer, recording artist |
Superb musical talent...Sheldon has left a lasting impression.
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| Comments from: Ronny Whyte |
| Jazz pianist, singer, recording artist (winner Mabel Mercer Foundation's 2006 Dick Gallagher Award) |
Mr. Forrest's playing is refreshing, inventive and sensitive, reminiscent of Bill Evans at his best.
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| Comments from: Raissa Katona Bennett |
| Broadway actress (5 years as Christine in "Phantom of the Opera"), concert/cabaret artist |
Sheldon Forrest can follow a singer to the ends of the earth! He infuses every accompaniment with life, energy, and beauty, and supports the artist so they feel like they can go anywhere. What a joy it is to perform with him.
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| Comments from: Michael Feinstein |
| Grammy-winning singer & pianist |
"I enjoy hearing you play--you're clean and precise."
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| Comments from: Michael Dale |
| director, chief theater critic for www.BroadwayWorld.com |
Sheldon Forrest is an outstanding collaborator and partner in creating cabaret shows. He can take a director's dramatic vision for a song and translate it musically into an arrangement that fulfills every need. He's also great guy to have at the keyboards when you want to just relax at a piano bar.
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| Comments from: Madooo (Madhu Dhas) |
| recording artist: "To the Fab Four From Liverpool...A Tribute From India" |
I am amazed at Sheldon's repertoire and flawless renditions of such a vast array of songs. He has absolutely floored me with his backing that sometimes really sounds like a carnival. A true-life "piano man."
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| Comments from: Lua Hadar |
| Jazz and cabaret singer |
It has been a joy to work with Sheldon Forrest since 1998, when we made our first CD together in San Francisco. Since then, we've performed frequently in New York clubs and also on tour with The Kitchenettes, in the Italian National Festival of Comic Songs & Songwriters, where Sheldon impressed many music professionals. You could not hope for a more supportive or hard-working musical colleague than Sheldon. (He learned 2 shows in 4 days in preparation for the tour!!) Sheldon gives of his musical gift so generously, with focus, commitment, sensitivity and unflagging good humor. He is a true ensemble player and it is always a pleasure to collaborate with him.
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| Comments from: Marc Heller |
| Operatic tenor. Metropolitan Opera debut as Gao Jianli in Tan Dun's "The First Emperor" |
If only I could sing the way Sheldon plays. Without question, one of the finest musicians I've met--he's like Irving Berlin at the keys, except that he can transpose.
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| Comments from: Linda Kosut |
| vocalist and member of The Kitchenettes |
Sheldon is one of those rare accompanists who singers adore. He is without "attitude." is goal is to accompany, to support, to make you, the singer, shine, which he does with grace, ease, and above all, humor. And to make things even better, he is a wonderful musician who listens to my voice and makes the music to partner it.
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| Comments from: John McWhorter |
| author of "Winning The Race," columnist for The New York Sun |
Sheldon Forrest and I go way back -- I used to play back-up piano for an opera class he accompanied, and he accompanied my own singing often. Lately he and I have been cooking up cabaret shows where I do, basically, ancient songs almost nobody knows but that I like, and I could not ask for a more professional and more fun partner in crime. Eleven fingers and a human being to boot.
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| Comments from: Shannah Timms |
| Soprano, New York City Opera |
Musical savant Sheldon Forrest possesses vast gifts at the keyboard ranging both style and repertoire. His innovative and tasteful renditions of jazz and popular music evoke such aural pleasures for the listener and singer alike.
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| Comments from: Ron Passalacqua |
| Singing pianist, Carnival Cruise Lines |
Simply put, Sheldon is a master of the keys. His voicings ooze warmth, color, and a comfortable complexity. As a fellow pianist, I can't help but feel a bit humbled when hearing Sheldon play. As a singer, I couldn't ask for a better accompanist. He not only supports the singer, he enhances the vocal performance. He's as comfortable with Bach and Beethoven as he is with Broadway and Billy Joel.
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| Comments from: Leopoldo Mucci |
| Founder, Caffe Taci Opera Nights |
This guy can play for hours without a note in front of his face. This guy's a genius.
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| Comments from: Michael "Kats" Katsobashvili |
| Bon Vivant Extraordinaire |
Maestro Forrest is creme de la creme of piano players.
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| Comments from: Jana Robbins |
| Broadway actress, producer, cabaret and concert artist |
Forrest is one of the best! Sensitive, inventive, and supportive--any singer would be lucky to have him at their side.
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| Comments from: Eric Comstock |
| pop/jazz vocalist and pianist |
I so enjoyed hearing Sheldon Forrest at La Rivista the other evening- he has terrific taste, and plays tunes from all decades, which is very refreshing. We in New York are lucky to have you, Sheldon--long may you wave!
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| Comments from: Susan McBrien |
| Actress, Cabaret Singer |
It's always a pleasure to sing with Sheldon. His musical knowledge covers a remarkably wide range. He can play ANYTHING from classical to the Beatles ... Broadway, jazz, ragtime, blues, pop, etc., etc., etc. ... he's comfortable in any genre. He's also got an amazing memory ... he can play a remarkable number of songs right off the the top of his head. And as for those songs he doesn't already know ... put a piece of music in front of him and even if he's never heard it before he can somehow manage to make it sound like he's known it for years. Not only is he musically talented, but he's also one of the nicest people you'll find in the business.
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| Comments from: Brad Cresswell |
| Classical Music Host, WNYC Radio; Operatic Tenor and Composer |
I've worked with many well-known musicians throughout the years and Sheldon ranks in the top pantheon. His musicality, technique and ability are truly astounding - I'd recommend him to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
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| Comments from: Jenna Augen |
| actress/singer |
Sheldon's natural ability in music is infinitely astounding. While he
is totally versatile and well-versed in every style, he posesses an
elegance and grace in his playing (and manner) that is uniquely his. He
is able to work musical miracles at the piano without looking at a note.
He is also able to add a new twinkle to an old, much-loved tune in a
way that is exceptionally exciting. He not only restores the classics to
their original luster, but puts his own magical musicianship to work to
give these standards a sleek and chic new sound: their composers would
be pleased, proud, and grateful.
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| Comments from: Jay D. Meetze |
| Founder and Artistic Director, Opera Company of Brooklyn |
What Sheldon does is amazing: he makes music out of air. His chord progressions are so smooth, so natural, and create such color...and when he accompanies a singer, his ear is so with the singer's voice in each minute moment of time, that they radiate together. No preparation could allow you to do what he does; what he has is a gift and it is a treat for anyone to listen to.
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| Comments from: Nicole "Rochelle" Leach |
| Singer, actor |
One magical evening, I met with a few dear friends of mine for my very first Bryant Park Picnic here in New York City. We sat around one of the green park tables enjoying the atmosphere when almost immediately, we were struck by the sound of a driving jazz and blues sound, a mesmorizing piano pulse. Sure enough, I looked to my right and there it was, "it" rather being a "he," there was Sheldon Forrest creating this wonderful music for me! Then it only took a few seconds for me to know that he should be my right-hand-(piano)man and that I must join forces with the talent and energy I was both hearing and feeling. Now only weeks later, having recorded and starred in a commercial/jingle together, and with a Francais/Anglais Cabaret on the way, I can't wait to see what other great things this awesome man can do!
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| Comments from: Stephen Randolph |
| Singer in San Francisco |
Some people play Classical really nice, but can't play Jazz; some play Jazz but not Folk or Country; some play Rock but not Soul, Funk, or Latin; some people play great by themselves but can't blend with vocal styles or other instruments well. Sheldon Forrest plays it all the way you like to hear it.
When I met Sheldon he was accompaning the Saturday Afternoon Concert at San Francisco's Cafe Trieste, with the house band where the Giotta family and friends weekly sing all these varities of music from Opera, Country Western, Jazz and Swing to Broadway, Rock n Roll, Funk and European folk songs. Sheldon's playing is always fresh and vibrant, his solos creative and enjoyable. Being a singer who has worked live, and recorded with him, find him a rarity and a joy to work with. Solo or backing a singer, or with a band, when Sheldon Forrest's at the piano you are in for a TREAT.
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| Comments from: Paul Liberti |
| Actor, pianist |
Sheldon Forrest is one of the most exciting pianists I have ever heard
playing cabaret and Broadway piano. Sheldon has great musicality and can
play just about anything by ear. After hearing Sheldon play... I consider
myself merely a piano owner.
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| Comments from: Sunny Leigh |
| Soprano, dancer, artist |
When Sheldon Forrest accompanies me on the piano, he's like Alexander's Ragtime Band itself. Through his music, he amplifies fullness and richness of body and soul -- as if he were one with the piano. He can play anything from Broadway showtunes to Chopin Nocturnes with heartfelt ease, style and charisma.
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| Comments from: Anderson Lim |
| Singer, actor, dancer |
It's an honor to work with Sheldon -- his soul STEAMS with jazz: when jazz was dangerous.
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| Comments from: Sonya Ledanski |
| Cabaret/jazz singer |
I have had the pleasure of working with Sheldon for over three years now, and I have yet to run across another pianist of his caliber. He has a very special gift for knowing how to accompany singers in a most innovative and stellar way. I've watched him play for three hours in a row without a break, and play some of the most volatile jazz sets imaginable. He truly is a wonderfully creative, and daring pianist.
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| Comments from: John Butchko |
| Pianist, businessman, retired Lieutenant Colonel |
The best accompanist I have EVER heard.
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| Comments from: Keith Outlaw |
| jazz & gospel singer, recording artist |
I have heard Sheldon play for cabaret singers, piano bars and formal functions, and each time I am more impressed by his awesome talent. His vast repertoire and his ability to bring out the best in a vocalist are incredible. I look forward to working with him for years to come.
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| Comments from: Nora Layne Fuqua |
| OgilvyOne Worldwide executive |
To hear him play the piano, you'd think he sold his soul...He can switch seamlessly from Verdi to Tori Amos and back to Ella Fitzgerald with some B'way on the side for flava. What's not to love?
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| Comments from: Khadijah |
| jazz singer |
From the first time I worked with musician Sheldon Forrest in San Francisco in the early 1990's, I had a deep musical and spiritual connection. As a singer-stylist I appreciate having a patient piano player who truly listens and accompanies a vocalist in an unselfish manner - indeed a rare quality in piano players. Sheldon not only has this unequivocal quality to step aside and allow the vocalist to have center stage but also finds it as natural and soothing as breathing in and breathing out. He says that I was such an important collaborator in his San Francisco years, but I must say he was the most important collaborator in my San Francisco jazz years. I’d like to thank him so very much for being a part of my musical growth as a vocalist.
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| Comments from: Richard "Anton" Diaz |
| Guitarist, dancer, teacher |
Sheldon Forrest is one of the most natural and coolest painists I know. This guy feels out notes and their infinite combinations within nanoseconds and makes every investigation he explores a dance in itself. It's great to see when a musician's mind is totally coincident with the music that flows through his fingers onto the keyboard.
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| Comments from: Melissa Seitelman |
| Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Performance Coach |
Professional. Organized. Visionary. Creative and talented beyond his own knowledge.
I’ve had the pleasure of his accompaniment and the joy of his solos, and especially his friendship. He is a solid, consistent pianist you can lean your live performance or recording on. If he can pencil you in, make him use a pen!
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| Comments from: Topaz |
| Singer, Edith Piaf/Marlene Dietrich interpreter |
Sheldon has accompanied me at many private events and was my pianist for over a year at the Cafe Elysee in SoHo, where I sang two complete shows each night. He is a pianist of extraordinary skill, professionalism and depth of feeling; and his repertoire and knowledge of music/theatre is encyclopedic. Beyond all this, and perhaps more importantly, Sheldon is a generous and compassionate person, and soon becomes a friend to those with whom he interacts.
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| Comments from: Christina "Christine Leigh" Malina |
| Singer, recording artist, actor, model |
I have enjoyed Sheldon's beautiful playing for years. An intuitive accompanist, he has helped me prepare for many an audition and performance. I am one of Sheldon's many faithful admirers who follow him wherever he performs.
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| Comments from: Jerry Parisella |
| Singer, Sinatra interpreter |
While Sheldon's skill, versatility and repertoire make him a pleasure
to listen to, it's his professionalism and "cool" under pressure that
have earned him "favorite accompanist" status among many of the city's
vocalists.
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| Comments from: Lavinia Ivanoff |
| Friend |
Sheldon's playing - as whimsical as the wind - carrying his notes in a magician's hat; he is able to transport anyone through time, space and beyond. By the way, he takes requests...
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| Comments from: Charla Blevins |
| Songwriter, vocalist |
Coming up with the right words in one short paragraph to express how fortunate it is to walk into a fine restaurant on West 46th street one night and suddenly be able to experience and enjoy working with an awesome talent as Sheldon may be difficult. I may not be able to give him all the justice he and his talent deserves. Sheldon is an outstanding performer, artist and musician. He plays so beautifully with great technique and soulfulness. Sheldon is the type of player everyone wants to work with - positive, friendly, flexible, spontaneous and very musical, having great knowledge of repertoire and keys. He is an outstanding performer and remarkable talent. He's absolutely superb and anyone would be fortunate to work with him.
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| Comments from: Elliane Oxman-Archer |
| singer, alumna Mozarteum Salzburg |
I really love the way Sheldon plays--it's beautiful, lyrical, accurate, but free and singing. He has a gorgeous tone, he's a great sight reader, and a great colleague. What he brings more than most to his music is that special secret: fun tempered with elegance. Like Claude Bolling, he has bounce!
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| Comments from: Noelle Barbera |
| Soprano: Caffe Taci, Amato Opera, etc. |
I always feel at ease with Sheldon at the piano. Like I can do anything with my voice or the song and I know he'll be there, and yet he contributes so much of himself to the song as well.
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| Comments from: Judy Hubbell |
| Music Faculty, City College of San Francisco |
Sheldon started playing for my students as a young pianist about to become a linguistics major, and it was obvious that with his piano talent there was only one road ahead: MUSIC. Amazingly gifted musically, a quick study, with an ear for style and a curiosity about life and culture; he quickly had many fans in San Francisco. As Sheldon went on to become the professional pianist that he is today, I also came to admire him for his passion about almost anything: hiking, good food and company, as well his heart for social justice. Sheldon has a love affair with life.
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| Comments from: Eva Swan |
| singer, founder & director Vocal Ease, Inc. |
Sheldon is a skillful, versatile pianist who plays with great warmth. His swing is among my favorites--easy and smooth.
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| Comments from: Joyce Colton |
| singer, songwriter |
Sheldon Forrest is amazing. There wasn't any song in any key he didn't know
how to play. I loved working with Sheldon.
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| Comments from: Judy "Rose" Piovesan |
| Jazz and blues singer |
Sheldon Forrest is a wonderful musician and human on all levels.
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| Comments from: Danny Banks |
| audience member, visiting NYC from Huntsville, Alabama |
He's "the Tiger Woods of piano."
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| Comments from: Paul McClure |
| director, Artists Who Care |
Sheldon is a wonderful respectful companion to any artist singing in a cabaret scene; he has also enriched Artists Who Care's many events over the years.
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| Comments from: Arnold "Arnoldino" Trogman |
| Singer, teacher, activist, Dean Martin interpreter |
He can play almost anything with amazing passion and precision. Sheldon provides the kind of piano accompaniment that every good singer appreciates.
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| Comments from: Jeffrey Todd Fernandez |
| Composer/producer |
Sheldon is a consummate musician and accompanist whose enjoyment of his work translates clearly into his playing. More personally, he's a total pleasure to work with!
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| Comments from: Lilyane Glamben |
| friend, admirer |
Everything everyone is saying about Sheldon here is true! And more, he is noble, courageous, and soulful. Sheldon is masterful...and, dare I say, sexy, too?
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