120. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 04.02.2012

"His smooth, silky vocals are reminiscent of a modern day Nat King Cole... I’ve found my Christmas album for 2012!"

Rating: 3.75 out of 4 stars;

Listening to Starry Night by Ike Moriz has me wishing it were Christmas all over again!

The love in the air, spending time with family and friends and celebrating life is what it’s

all about. He’s managed to add all of my favorites on this project. Ike delights with holiday classics from ‘Silent Night’ to ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. His smooth, silky vocals are reminiscent of a modern day Nat King Cole or Fred Astaire’s classic styles.

One of my favorite tracks is the opener, ‘Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. There’s no

better way to express the magic that surrounds the holidays than this song. I enjoy the

fullness and excitement in his voice. The cheer seems to radiate from his lips. Mr. Moriz

gives a pretty snazzy rendition of the classic on this album.

‘Let It Snow’ takes me right back to the warmth of loved ones near, holiday traditions and just full hearts all around. Another favorite is one of his original songs, ‘Peace Dream’. I love the South African drums and instrumentation here. The use of the choir takes it to another level. It has a great message and is the perfect ending for this album. Ike’s flawless vocals and ability to elicit the perfect ambiance on each song is simply

magnificent. I’m very impressed with his body of work. He’s done swing/jazz, pop/rock to jazz standards. I’ve found my Christmas album for 2012!

Review by: Leslie White

119. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 03.02.2012

"Ike is a force to be reckoned with, he has a knack for delivering exceptionally good music!"

Ike Moriz is a force to be reckoned with. He has managed to successf

ully produce several albums in different genres and they are all good! That's a rarity. Many artists like to dabble in different genres on one project, but fail because they are not giving their fans what they expect. Ike seems to have done just that. He displays his passion for music by giving us a variety to choose from. I think that's pretty cool.

This album, Mirrors and Shade was recorded back in 2004 on his label Mosquito

Records. Most tracks were produced with a retro pop sound, although some have a tinge more rock instead of pop. This album showcases Ike's vocal ability to transform each song into something fresh and new each time. This may be due to his superb acting skills. He's multi-talented!

The title track has the bubbly melodies and catchy hook to keep you humming along well after the song is over. I like the mood he creates on Flame Blue. It is simple and mellow with the perfect touch of soft guitar to accompany the raw and emotional vocals. He flows right into the next song, You Could (Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me), with a bit more dismal tone.

This album has more ballads, but he's a crooner so they are nicely done. The one song,

'Visionary' is a little more up-tempo, but the vocals are dark and heavy compared to

other songs on the album. My favorite would probably be 'Drowning (In London Town)

due to the instrumentation and the fact that it's more upbeat. All in all, I recommend

giving him a listen. He has a knack for delivering exceptionally good music!

Review by: Leslie White

118. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 02.02.2012

(Review of “STILL”(EP))

“Glammy sunshine vibes and sing-a-long lyrics tailor made for grown-up AOR radio.”

(Rob F., Leicester, UK)

Ike Moriz - Still (EP) (Mosquito Records London)
Ike Moriz’ latest release is a five-track EP comprising of the title track, taken from his “Breathing Dreams” album, a new song called “Angie Blue”, together with German versions of those two songs, and another of “Not About You”, also originally on the “Breathing Dreams” LP. The South African singer-songwriter is no stranger to performances in languages other than English, having previously sung and recorded in Spanish and French, though these songs mark his debut in German.

“Still” was one of the standout tracks from the fore mentioned long-player, so makes an ideal single. Its lilting rhythm and punchy chorus seem tailor made for grown-up AOR radio. The extremely catchy “Angie Blue”, with its glammy sunshine vibe and sing-a-long lyrics, equals it. Again, radio surely beckons. Of the German versions, it’s difficult to single any track out – I don’t speak or understand the language. I can say that Moriz’ approach is chock-full of confidence and vocally he nails them, in much the same way he usually does.

Rob F.

117. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 02.02.2012

(Review of “Play Me”)

“Good music withstands time. I love the retro pop vibe he has going here. This is feel-good music.”

Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars;

The first song I listened to on Ike's album, Play Me, landed me right smack into some of

my favorite 80's movies! I can hear the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ within the hook sound-tracking a

classic romantic comedy. You know those movies we always remember because the

songs are stuck in our heads? Songs like this require great music, nice vocals and pretty

good songwriting skills. Ike possesses all three.  He gives us smooth vocals and a catchy

melody on this song. I love the retro pop vibe he has going here. This is feel-good music.

Another favorite is 'I Feel Real'. Guitar featured music and strong vocals make you want

to get up and move. This song has a grittier sound and a totally different feel from 'Play

Me', but flows nicely.  I love how he takes us on a ride throughout the album and no two

songs are too much alike. So we really get an exciting and unexpected treat with each

song.

'Everytime the Sun' is another catchy one with rhythmic guitar and drum patterns. It is

more laid back, yet upbeat at the same time. The melody changes throughout and takes

you up and down.  'Light is Dark' and Evacuate Me' are also great songs as well. There

isn't anything bad that I can say about any of them. This is a really good album. I'm not the

biggest fan of sappy ballads, but I appreciate the lyrics and his delivery of the only slow

song aptly titled, 'The Sad Songs'.

Even though this album was recorded in 2005 on Ike's label Mosquito Records, it still has

a fresh, albeit, retro sound. There's no mistaking good music, eh? Good music

withstands time. The whole album is put together well even though each track provides a

completely different experience.

If you're a fan of classic pop/rock, give international sensation Ike Moritz a listen. He

doesn't disappoint.

Review by: Leslie White

116. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 01.02.2012

(Review of “All Around The World”)

“A solid gold alternative pop album”

Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars;

In 2007, Ike Moriz released the solid gold alternative pop album, All Around the World.

The project showcases Ike's other musical talents outside of the jazz genre. More along

the lines of what we call classic rock in America, the recordings on this particular

collective are chock full of cool melodies and Ike's signature tenor vocal.

Ike clearly chose wisely when selecting the right backing musicians to help deliver the

messages on All Around the World well. For Ike's part, he mixes enough sincerity and

strength in his delivery on songs like "All Around The World," "Anything You Want" and

"Bite The Dog" to remind you that he's not ashamed of his British influence. For an album

that is nearly five years old, I still enjoyed it's vivacious yet sensual tone giving any guy

out there plenty of mood music to play when he's alone with that special lady.

One could say that All Around The World wins Ike some cool points for creating a project

that several years later hasn't lost its appeal.  Ike could easily win over a new group of

fans who may not know about this totally awesome classic rock release. I could hear a

re-release of some of these tunes on top of a remixed more up-to-date sound, because it

could do well.

I like Ike Moriz better as jazz artist (mostly becuase I'm a bigger fan of that genre), but this

alternative pop album has made a powerful statement which suggests that he's not done

making great rock inspired pop tunes yet. Check it out today.

Review by: Senseitional

115. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 31.01.2012

(Review of “Angel Eyes”)

"Angel Eyes is a 15 song smooth jazz dream."

Rating: 3.75 out of 4 stars;

The third jazz album in Ike Moriz's 2009 'THE STARDUST TRILOGY', Angel Eyes is a 15

song smooth jazz dream. Again, South Africa's Tony Bennett of the new millenium kisses

the eardrums of his listeners leaving a score of great tunes that force us to sing along.  

This album's greatest strength is the fact that it's so well organized, flowing between each

song so smoothly.

"If I Had You" is a romantic love song dating back to the 1920s and has become a

mainstream jazz standard that continues to be performed and used in movie soundtracks

to this day.  Having been recorded by such greats as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat

King Cole, Ike's rendition of the tune definitely gives a clear understanding of what this

song would sound like with Tony Bennett on it. I really liked this track with Ike singing it.

Another classic that really stood out on this album is, "Cheek to Cheek".  This was first

performed by Fred Astaire in the movie "Top Hat" in 1935 and was inducted in the

Grammy Hall of Fame at the start of the new millenium (2000 AD).  I've heard Astaire's

version of the tune and I must admit that hearing it with Ike's accent on certain words

really added a new dimension to the sound.  My favorite line in this song is, "Heaven, I'm

in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak...", one of the most memorable

song lyrics in the world.

Angel Eyes rounds out Ike's jazz albums in this series of reviews and I can hardly wait to

hear the next release by Ike in this genre.  I'd recommend checking this project out if you

like songs like "It Had To Be You" and "Quando Quando Quando".

Review by: Senseitional

114. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 27.01.2012

(Review of “Stardust”)

"I am officially dubbing Ike's voice "The Crown Jewel of South Africa"

Rating: 4 out of 4 stars;

Streaming audio is a beautiful thing because it gives us the opportunity to listen to new

music from wherever we are and discover great artists like Ike Moriz.  Rarely does a

D.I.Y. artist release 12 albums; seven of them full of amazing jazz songs. But that is what

makes Ike Moriz such a special musician. His appreciation for great music shines through

on the 2009 album release titled, Stardust.

On this project, Ike opts to take a more vocally driven approach, allowing his amazing

tenor/baritone voice to shine through.  After going through Stardust, I am officially

dubbing Ike's voice "The Crown Jewel of South Africa", as his silky smooth tone cruises

through songs like "Cry Me A River" (not Justin Timberlake's song), "I've Got The World

On A String", and this amazing cover of "I Only Have Eyes For You".  Songs like these

require a strong and confident voice to sing them, similar to how vital it is for a flower to

gain the right amount of water and sun to survive.  

But it is on the album's title track, "Stardust," that Moriz shines brightest (no pun

intended).  Ike delivers a vocal performance that is both eloquent and mysterious and I

found myself fully engaged in the live performance coming through my headphones. This

is a powerful recording!  

Overall, Stardust is a 15 song treasure chest full of shiny jewels that Ike is sharing with us

all.  Very few artists have the ability to sing jazz music with such power and assurance

and I wouldn't be shocked if Ike became an international superstar. I'd recommend

checking out this Stardust album by Ike Moriz if you have an affinity for this genre.

Review by: Senseitional

113. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 27.01.2012

(Review of “Body & Soul”)

"Body & Soul is a collector's item that... cements Ike Moriz in the same line of prestige as Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble."

Rating: 3.75 out of 4 stars;

Writing album reviews takes a great deal creativity and an appreciation for every genre

of music, but some artists produce albums that make my job a little easier and that's what

Ike Moriz has done with Body & Soul.  Some music is timeless and clearly Ike knows this

is true of jazz.

Ike pays homage to his musical predecessors by not only dubbing himself "South Africa's

Frank Sinatra", but also sharing a similar vocal tone and covering numbers that Ol' Blue

Eyes himself sang. Ike makes nothing but great choices on this, 2009 recording. The

musicians Ike has chosen to create this project are not only top of the line players, but

the perfect backing band for a vocalist like Moriz. Some of the best records on Body &

Soul were those that brought out the smooth sensitivity in this artist's voice.

For instance, the tune, "There Will Never Be Another You”.  This particular track was

perfect for a vocalist with Ike's rich tenor tone.  The song, which was a major bright spot

in Twentieth Century-Fox’s 1942 film, Iceland, was covered by Nat King Cole whose voice

Ike draws comparisons to on this recording.

Songs like "My Funny Valentine" and "Come Fly With Me" gain Ike instant respect for his

exceptional delivery of these classic jazz records, but it is "The Way You Look Tonight"

that cements Ike Moriz in the same line of prestige as Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble,

who both recorded versions of this amazing tune.

When the chips are down, Body & Soul is a collector's item that should be regarded as

such.

Review by: Senseitional

112. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 26.01.2012

(Review of “Blue Moon”)

"Blue Moon is an amazing gaze into the mind of a musical genius whose appreciation for great jazz music seems to know no bounds."

Rating: 3.75 out of 4 stars;

On this album, Blue Moon, Ike Moriz takes a more ‘retro swing’ route that leads straight to

the doorstep of the listener's heart.  Released in 2010, Blue Moon is an amazing gaze

into the mind of a musical genius whose appreciation for great jazz music, seems to know

no bounds.  There is truly strength in numbers when it comes to music, and on this

project Ike gives us 16 great songs to enjoy.

"I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" is just one of the 16 incredible tracks on

this CD just bursting with swing jazz piano and upright bass.  Written by legendary

songwriters, Clarence Gaskill and Jimmy McHugh, this song was one of the many great

tunes sung by great artists of the swing era, like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Billie

Holiday.  Ike Moriz, again, brings another jazz classic to blossom with his signature baritone voice and his powerful and confident delivery. I'd recommend checking it out as Ike really brings this song to life.

The classic "What A Wonderful World" is a longtime favorite of mine and I was very

pleased to hear Ike doing the song a great deal of justice. If you've been around long

enough you know this song and I don't have to tell you how wonderful it is. To hear it

delivered in such a modern and respectable way really made my day.

Blue Moon is a top of the line jazz album that is worthy of all the support in the world. I

can't imagine that Ike just randomly chooses great songs to cover and release. When

you put this many classic tunes on one project it was clearly a well calculated move and

Ike Moriz got the right answer to the equation.

111. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 25.01.2012

(Review of “Charade”)

Songwriting - 3.75 || Music - 4.0 || Vocals - 3.5

Ike Moriz's album, Charade, is yet another incredible compilation of jazz songs that will

resonate with any fan of the Latin Jazz genre.  This is one of two jazz albums released in

2010 by the man I have officially dubbed, 'The Voice of South Africa'.  This project brings

forth a sexy and classy vibe that should be enjoyed in those intimate moments with the

one you love.

"Dance, Ballerina, Dance" is a truly elegant piece of music that oozes with passion and

one that I have listened to a half-dozen times.  Ike did the song justice and really gave it

his own jazzy style.  Previously recorded by greats like the late great Nat King Cole and

Frank Sinatra, this classic jazz tune was revived by Ike Moriz and given a new suit to

wear.  Ike's vocal delivery on this song puts him into that elite category of artists today

who deserve to be heard and appreciated. You don't want to miss this treat to ears; go

check it out.

"Close Your Eyes" is an easy listening gem that fits Ike's amazing baritone voice. This

song gives me this amazing sense of calm, taking my mind off how tough of a day I just

had.  The piano kisses the eardrums softly and adds the perfect backdrop to this

priceless composition. Don't cheat yourself by ignoring this song.

Again, Ike Moriz has chosen some of the most classic songs to cover and put together on

one project.  On Charade you will find classics like: I Just Called To Say I Love You,

Charade (title track), It Might As Well Be Spring, and Taking A Chance On Love. Every

song is a must hear.

Review by: Senseitional

110. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 24.01.2012

(Review of “C’est Si Bon”)

“Any artist who can record and release three very good albums in one year deserves to be given some kind of award.“

Songwriting - 3.5 || Music - 3.75 || Singer - 3.25

Ike Moriz's album, C'est Si Bon, is a defining compilation of songs that place Ike on a

whole new page as a musician.  One of 3 albums released in 2011, C'est Si Bon is an

inside view of Moriz's extensive knowledge and understanding of music.  Any artist who

can record and release three very good albums in one year deserves to be given some

kind of award.

"The Lady Is A Tramp" is a swinging piano driven jazz tune that has been recorded by

greats like the late great Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra; and most recently the duet

was re-cut by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga (very odd duet).  I really like how Ike

delivered this classic song though.  His tone of voice on the song adds a unique twist to

the song and Ike really makes the song his own.  I'd recommend checking this out.

"When I Fall In Love" is another jazz classic that Ike delivers well. The piano ballad is one

of my favorites from the jazz music genre and I was very happy to hear Ike cover this

song. I've gained a lot of respect for Ike's taste in music and this is one reason why.

There are so many great tunes on this particular project by Ike Moriz, including: Fly Me

To The Moon, It Had To Be You (2011), I've Got A Crush On You, and C'est Si Bon. All of

these tunes are eloquently played and delivered.  You must check this album out by Ike

Moriz, even if you're not a big fan of jazz music.

Review by: Senseitional

109. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 18.01.2012

(Review of “Sunday”)

“Ike Moriz is a true musician. Only a handful of artists can switch genres as

effortlessly as Ike does.”

Songwriting - 3.75 || Music - 4.0 || Singer - 3.5

Ike Moriz has again blessed us with another one of his masterpieces. Taken aback by the

amazing sound of his album, SUNDAY, I couldn't help but imagine jazz greats like Tony

Bennett.  As one of Ike's 12 CD releases, this project is my favorite so far.

"How High The Moon" conjures up thoughts of a romantic evening of fancy restaurant

dining with that special someone you love. Ike sings with such passion and his tone is

rich and classy, making it the perfect marriage with the song's music. The piano adds a

great deal of eloquence while the upright bass and drums are masterfully played to suit

the jazzy sound of the tune. No matter what your musical tastes are, if this song doesn't

get your toes tapping and your head nodding, then you don't have a pulse.

"Satin Doll" is another classic jazz song that speaks to the true essence of the genre.

Without sparing a note, the pianist and Ike take you on an amazing musical ferris wheel

ride that will leave you feeling like you're on top of the world.

In addition to How High The Moon and Satin Doll, this album offers up these other great

tunes: Caravan, What Is This Thing Called Love, There Will Never Be Another You, I'm

Beginning To See The Light and I Left My Heart In San Francisco (Tony Bennett's

signature song). Each song showcases Ike's brilliance and could very well be one of the

best classic jazz projects I've had the pleasure of reviewing.

Overall, Ike Moriz is a true musician. Only a handful of artists can switch genres as

effortlessly as Ike does. Check out his previous album review to see what I mean (CLICK

HERE).

108. IAE Magazine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 10.01.2012

(Review of “Breathing Dreams”)

"The music on Breathing Dreams emits a level of classic pop-rock that takes you back to when great songs weren't judged by how many MTV Music Video Awards they were given..."

Rating: 3.25 out of 4 stars; Location: Cape Town, WC, ZA ; Genre: Classic Rock ; Key Tracks: Breathing Dreams

Ike Moriz must have liquid music flowing from his heart to his guitar.  Having released 12

CD's, Ike has managed to maintain a successful music career that spans more than a

decade of recording, writing and touring. His latest project, BREATHING DREAMS, is a 16

track album that shows off the experience this musician has gained; something many

rock artists have not managed to stick around long enough to do.

"Breathing Dreams", the title track to Ike's latest release on Mosquito Records London, is

a song that needs no bragging. This song toots its own horn (no pun intended) with a

brilliant sound that stirs up the listener's emotions and almost makes you feel like you're

in a dream.  The music on Breathing Dreams emits a level of classic pop-rock that takes

you back to when great songs weren't judged by how many MTV Video Music Awards or

Top 40 radio spins it was given. This is a great song that will be enjoyed by the true fans

of the pop-rock genre.  

In addition to Breathing Dreams, this South African musician offers up more great rock

songs, including: "Apollo", "Whatever", "In Every Place", and "Peace Dream" (has a great

message).  Each one of these tracks embodies the creative genius that only a seasoned

musician and songwriter could give us.

This is a note to other rock artists and bands who don't quite understand what it means

to have a career...not just a record deal.  Ike Moriz is the perfect example of what

happens when you stay focused and determined, but more importantly, when you make

good music for people to enjoy for many years.  You should check this guy out, I'm sure

you'll hear several songs that will make you an Ike fan.

Review by: Senseitional

107. LEICESTER BANGS REVIEW (Breathing Dreams), Leicester, UK, 29.09.2011

106. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 30.12.2011

“A collection of infectious melodies, sing-a-long choruses and enough hooks to fill a fisherman’s tackle box.”

Ike Moriz - Play Me (Mosquito Records London)

Recorded in London in April 2005, Ike Moriz’ second album release on his own Mosquito Records London imprint continued the work he’d done on “Mirrors and Shade”. Though many of his recent recordings have found Moriz immersed in the songs and easy style of the 1950s and ‘60s, his early recordings were very much rooted in the English alternative pop style, pioneered by David Bowie, and enthusiastically sustained by later groups like Suede. As with all Moriz’ releases from this period, the songs were written and produced by the artist.

He’s a skilled pop songwriter, and has indicated in subsequent interviews that because of the rise in popularity of the download, his approach to writing albums was to treat every track as a standalone single. It’s a system that obviously works, as the listener is enveloped in a collection of infectious melodies, sing-a-long choruses and enough hooks to fill a fisherman’s tackle box. It’s no surprise that radio picked up on these songs and they were much played throughout Europe and Moriz’ South African homeland. Some six years after their original release, they retain much of their freshness. Many fans of grown-up pop will find a great deal to enjoy, whether it’s the all-out sunshine buzz of the title track or the wistful lament of “The Sad Songs”.

105. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 16.12.2011

“The title track is just a perfect slice of retro indie pop with abundant hooks, a lively melody and a chorus that sticks like glue.”

Ike Moriz - Mirrors And Shade (Mosquito Records London)

South African recording artist Ike Moriz is something of a rarity insofar that he maintains a recording career in two completely separate genres. For the most part he’s a crooner, singing songs from the Great American Songbook, wowing Capetown supper club audiences and releasing a steady flow of albums that have drawn comparisons to Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole. On the other hand he’s a singer-songwriter of a decidedly English, alternative bent.

“Mirrors And Shade” was originally released in 2004 when Moriz was based in London, and listening to its 11 songs I’m reminded of groups like Be-Bop Deluxe, Suede and Gene, and of course, David Bowie, who was later to declare himself a fan. On the strength of the material presented here, it’s an easy position to take. In particular, the title track is just a perfect slice of retro indie pop with abundant hooks, a lively melody and a chorus that sticks like glue. Others of a similar ilk follow suit. “You Could (thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me)” is plaintive and drips melancholy but not at the expense of pop thrills, “Fall Into the Sun” is a soundtrack in waiting for a decent summer and “Drowning (in London Town)” encapsulates the experience of many groups who come to the capital, with bonus nods to Oasis and early Blur along the way.

http://www.ikemoriz.com

Rob F.

104. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 13.12.2011

“Everything from "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" - Moriz does a sterling job!”

Ike Moriz is a star of the South African lounge scene, with a dozen albums under his belt, and like all the finest practitioners of what we like to call "the croon", a Christmas album is nigh on compulsory. "Starry Night" is his 2009 holiday record and it doesn't disappoint. Most of the classics are covered, from "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", and Moriz does a sterling job with all of them.

A special mention for the one of the two original songs in the collection, "Peace Dream" sung with the exceptional Brothers With Voices choir, and one for the fact fans - it is possible to "Let It Snow" and have a "White Christmas" in South Africa's "Winter Wonderland", but you've got to be in the Maluti Mountains. So there!

103. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 03.12.2011

"Moriz approaches all his recordings with utter professionalism, whether it’s big band balladeering, upbeat indie-pop and glam, or the easy swinging jazz of “Angel Eyes””

(Rob F., Leicester, UK)

Ike Moriz - Angel Eyes (Mosquito Records London)

The final album in the “Stardust” trilogy; a trio of albums released by Ike Moriz in 2009 that highlighted his love of the American songwriters of the middle decades of the 20th Century. Based in Capetown, SA, where I imagine he’s a regular attraction at the more sophisticated end of the nightclub scene, Moriz approaches all his recordings with utter professionalism, whether it’s big band balladeering, upbeat indie-pop and glam, or the easy swinging jazz of “Angel Eyes”.

As with “Body And Soul” and “Stardust”, the two companion records to “Angel Eyes”, Willie van Zyl leads the band, British pianist A. McPike provides the majority of the instrumental flare, and Moriz produces. They’re a formidable team, and as with previous recordings it’s easy to be impressed by both Moriz’s performance and the lean, piano-based arrangements. As always there’s plenty of material to rave about, and individual songs that sound perfectly suited to the classic BBC Radio 2 format. Three tracks in, their take on Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh’s “Witchcraft” is outstanding, with Moriz in fine vocal form and McPike expertly dancing around the keys. “Come Rain Or Come Shine” is lazy and languid, with the piano taking on an almost ‘swampy’ mood. “Try A Little Tenderness” became a soul standard in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but it was originally recorded by the Ray Noble Orchestra back in 1932. Here Moriz joins the dots with a nod to both camps, and it’s undoubtedly one of the highlights here.

www.ikemoriz.com

102. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 24.11.2011

In 2009, Ike Moriz released his Stardust trilogy, three albums of swing and jazz songs. The “Stardust” album gave the trilogy its name, and featured perhaps his strongest set of tunes. Without doubt most of the titles will be recognizable to fans of the genre, and the famous interpreters of the Great American Songbook, from Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald to the ratpack stars who reigned over the Vegas casinos in the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Vocally, it’s Cole that Moriz most resembles. He has the same gentle burr to his voice, which makes for some very easy listening. He certainly makes short work of Fats Waller’s “Ain't Misbehavin'”, with pianist A. McPike on his usual fine form. The pair are just as impressive on “I've Got the World On a String”, a song that’s been covered by just about everyone, and Moriz’s take stands tall alongside contemporary versions by Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart.

He leaves some of his strongest work for the final third. His “These Foolish Things” reclaims the song for the Riviera crowd after Bryan Ferry’s ‘70s re-invention. “For Once in My Life” is slowed down and we get to feel every word, and the George Shearing / George David Weiss classic “Lullaby of Birdland” gets a subtle new arrangement, I assume courtesy of bandleader Willie van Zyl.

www.ikemoriz.com

101. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 19.11.2011

Ike Moriz - Body And Soul (Mosquito Records London)

Ike Moriz maintains multiple careers in the entertainment arts; actor, songwriter, performer, producer, etc., and as a singer, he's perfectly adept at taking on different genres and styles. For an artist so prolific, he maintains a remarkable level of quality, and I'm sure that the variety of his projects helps keep things fresh. In 2009 Moriz released three albums of swing and jazz that became known as the "Stardust Trilogy". "Body & Soul" is often listed as the first of the three, though I believe they were released almost simultaneously.

It begins with a serene reading of Eden Ahbez's "Nature Boy", a popular song in the 1950s - Nat King Cole had the biggest hit with it - though these days it's rare to hear a new version. Moriz keeps it simple with a piano arrangement and unhurried percussion, and allows himself plenty of room to tell the story. There are some brave song selections here, but with the help of bandleader Willie van Zyl and pianist A. McPike, he brings something original to some well-worn tunes. His "Autumn Leaves" is just exquisite; "My Funny Valentine" is equally good with McPike weaving magic around the vocal. "Girl From Ipanema" shouldn't work, but it does, and as for the trio of Sinatra standards ("Come Fly With Me", "Moonlight in Vermont", "I Get a Kick Out of You"), he avoids direct comparison by stripping back the instrumentation and holding back on the swagger.

www.ikemoriz.com

100. Leicester Bangs Magazine, Leicester, UK, 11.11.2011

"Moriz sounds like a star... huge pop arrangements and songs with giant gold hooks."

Ike Moriz - All Around The World (Mosquito Records London)

With the exception of this year's "Breathing Dreams" Ike Moriz' recent album releases have been easy listening affairs, as he's made a name for himself as a gifted interpreter of the Great American Songbook. 2007's "All Around The World" appears to be a precursor to "Breathing Dreams" and showcases Moriz' songwriting is a contemporary setting, and incidentally betrays a welcome appreciation of British pop and rock from the `70s to now.

Bowie, Suede, Felt and Neil Hannon emerge as influences, though Moriz is very much his own man and his songs (and tunes) stand up to comparison. It helps considerably that he has a voice that sounds like no-one else, and there's a sophistication to the recording which strips away any hint of indie budgetary constraints. Moriz sounds like a star and "All Around The World" drips pop glam.

The album begins with "Whereof One Cannot Speak", written by guitarist Jim Barnes (The Darkness), it sets the scene with a planet-worrying bass rhythm, an ambitious arrangement and a lyric that mentions Sartre. "All Your Heroes Are Dead" is much subtler and spacier, though just as grand, and features a hook that in a fair world would guarantee abundant daytime radio play. "Killing Games" repeats the trick and "Anything You Want" confirms Moriz' ear for a classic melody. A top album, and thoroughly recommended to those who enjoy huge pop arrangements and songs with giant gold hooks.
www.ikemoriz.com

99. Amazon - review, UK, 22.10.2011, Ike Moriz – “C’EST SI BON”

Leicester Bangs Review (2011), October 22, 2011

Ike Moriz - C'est Si Bon (Mosquito Records London)

"C'est Si Bon" is just one of three Ike Moriz album releases in 2011, and the first of two that explores the jazz vocal style of the 1950s, `60s and `70s. Moriz isn't the only singer out there recreating the classic orchestral pop of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, et al, but I bet he's the only one in South Africa. The fact that it's just one string to a musical bow that takes in indie pop, London glam and triple-A rock makes these records all the more impressive.

On "C'est Si Bon" Moriz makes inroads into the French language tradition of easy listening and swing - think Charles Aznavour and Sacha Distel. The title track (music: Henri Betti, lyric: Andre Hornez) was originally made famous by Eartha Kitt, though it's Dean Martin's 1962 version than many will recognize. Here Moriz accompanies the song with little more than a jazzy piano, which allows his voice and phrasing to shine through - while the keys fill the gaps with some panache. Of the other three French language songs, Charles Trenet's chanson classic "La Mer" is the standout, though there are plenty of fine performances to enjoy amongst the remaining 11 standards. His take on Robert Wells and Jack Segal's "When Joanna Loved Me" adds a certain breezy lightness to the song, and the Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer composition, "The Days Of Wine And Roses", gets treated equally kindly with the barest of accompaniments.

98. Amazon - review, UK, 13.10.2011

This review is from: Sunday (MP3 Download)

Ike Moriz - Sunday (Mosquito Records London)

It would be wonderfully neat and tidy to state that `Ike Moriz is South Africa's answer to...'. Unfortunately, that's too difficult a sentence to finish. I don't think there's another artist in the world that's so adaptable to different styles and sounds in the way Moriz is. His "Breathing Dreams" album (also released this year) was a pop/rock album that touched on everything from indie pop to Bowie inspired glam. It could've (perhaps should've) been a mess, but it wasn't, it was focused and inspired, and always entertaining. "Sunday" (just one of three albums released in 2011) is a completely different sort of record. Here he takes inspiration from the great easy-listening singers of the `50s, `60s and `70s, and for the most part, the Great American Songbook provides the material.

"Sunday" opens with a Broadway number, written back in 1940 by Nancy Hamilton and Morgan Lewis. "How High The Moon" has been famously covered by Les Paul and Mary Ford, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, and there are countless instrumental versions on offer, but Moriz does the song credit, performing the words with a smile on his lips, and his band keep it upbeat, though instrumentally sparse. Piano is often the lead instrument, and Moriz plays it jazzy and light. It perfectly suits his voice. Other standout tracks on this 16-track collection include Johnny Mercer's "Satin Doll" and the absolutely charming version of Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?". Fans of contemporary jazz singers, as well as the old guard, would do well to keep an eye on Moriz. I, for one, am already looking forward to his next record.

97. Amazon - review, UK, 29.10.2011

Ike Moriz - Charade (Mosquito Records London):

“As always, Moriz is in good voice”

Inspired by Stanley Donen's 1963 movie "Charade" (with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant), Ike Moriz' 2010 release employs Latin arrangements to a collection of jazz vocal standards, as well as a smattering of latter-day pop songs. As always Moriz is in good voice, and with pianist A. McPike on exceptionally fine form, "Charade" is an album to cherish. Although, there is a question mark regarding one song selected, namely Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You", a composition widely regarded as the artistic and critical nadir of Wonder's illustrious career. Having said that, Moriz' arrangement makes the most of it, though when compared with his takes on the Mancini / Mercer title track, or Joseph LaCalle's "Amapola" it feels decidedly pedestrian - as it always was.

But let's not worry about that. CD players are programmable for a reason, and there are 14 other tracks to be enjoyed. One of the real pleasures of hearing Moriz apply himself to the easy listening songbook is the particular timbre of his voice. So when he sings incredibly well known songs such as Irving Berlin's "Let's Face The Music And Dance" or Norman Gimbel's "Sway", we feel no need to draw comparisons with other versions by Nat King Cole or Dean Martin, simply because they sound so different. The album ends with a refined version of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars", a fitting conclusion to a fine, mellow album.

96. Amazon - review, UK, 05.11.2011

Ike Moriz - Blue Moon (Mosquito Records London)

A genuine all-round entertainer, Moriz has acted in various feature films ("Love Actually", "Alfie", "Shanghai Knights", etc.), became a regular on TV screens ("Eastenders", "The Bill", etc.) and has released a series of albums in various genres. David Bowie is a fan.

Blue Moon was his eighth studio album, originally released in 2010, and it's an intriguing collection of easy listening styles, with attention-grabbing arrangements and a fascinating selection on songs. It's an advantage Moriz holds over great singers of the `40s, `50s and `60s, there's been an awful lot of great pop music written since their heyday, and there's no reason why some of those songs can't be adapted to swing and jazz. Which isn't to say that Moriz ignores the classics, but it does allow for fine versions of The Beatles "Nowhere Man" or Rodgers and Hart's "Blue Moon", a song which dates back to the first half of the century, but was made famous by Elvis.

He sings a cluster of songs many will know from movies; "What A Wonderful World" is measured and unhurried, and floats gently from the speakers. "Blue Velvet" becomes a love song again, with pianist / arranger A.McPike doing some sterling work. "From Russia With Love" was the theme to the Bond film of the same name (written by Lionel Bart and sung on the soundtrack by Matt Monro), and here Moriz sticks close to the source while band-leader Willie van Zyl does some wonderful stuff with strings and things.

www.ikemoriz.com

95. Bergedorfer Zeitung, Hamburg, Germany, 26th July 2011

Bergedorfs Stern in Südafrika

(Indie-Rocker kommt fuer Konzerte in die Heimat)

Dienstag, 26. Juli 2011 04:00

Bergedorf (tv). Ein Bergedorfer Jung kommt für kurze Zeit zurück in die Heimat.

Juwelierssohn Eike (Ike) Moriz, in Südafrika seit Jahren ein Indie-Rockstar und Jazzmusiker, gibt in den kommenden Wochen insgesamt vier Konzerte in Bergedorf. Das erste beginnt am Donnerstag, 28.Juli, um 20.30 Uhr im BeLaMi an der Holtenklinker Straße 26. Der Eintritt ist frei.

Nach dem Abitur in Wentorf studierte Eike Moriz in Hamburg, Dresden, Rotterdam und Kapstadt Popularmusik und Schauspiel. Danach verbrachte er sechs Jahre in London, wo er sich zunächst als Sänger und Komponist verschiedener Rockbands einen Namen machte sowie in Musicals, TV-Serien und auch kleinere Rollen in bekannten Spielfilmen spielte. 2005 entschied sich Ike, nach Südafrika umzusiedeln, wo seine Songs schnell viele Fans fanden.

Nach dem Konzert im BeLaMi gibt es drei weitere Auftritte auf der Open-Air-Bühne der "vision sternwARTe": am Sonntag, 7. August, um 17.30 Uhr mit Indie-Rock und Pop, am Freitag, 12. August, um 21.30 Uhr mit Jazz und am Sonnabend, 13. August, um 18.30 Uhr wieder mit Indie-Rock und Pop. Die Hamburger Sternwarte kennt der Künstler schon gut. Hier wurde vor zwei Jahren von Mike Hoffmann und Mike Weil (Bergedorf-TV) das Musikvideo zu seinem Song "Starry Night" (Sternennacht) produziert. Das Video kann man auf www.youtube und www.bergedorf-tv.de finden. Auf Bergedorf-TV ist auch ein langes Interview mit dem Musiker zu sehen. In ihm spricht der bescheidene Künstler über seine Karriere, das Leben in Südafrika, die Unterschiede zu Europa und vieles mehr.

94. 94.Bille Wochenblatt, Hamburg, Germany, 21st July 2011
    

AUF STIPPVISITE IN SEINER HEIMAT

Eigentlich wollte Ike Moriz nur seine Eltern in Bergedorf besuchen. Jetzt entschloss sich der Wahl-Suedafrikaner kurzfristig zu einem Auftritt im Belami. Am Donnerstag, 28. Juli, gibt der Musiker ab 20.30 Uhr mal wieder eine Kostprobe seines Koennens in der Bille-Stadt, in der er geboren wurde, aufgewachsen und zunaechst auch zur Schule gegangen ist.

Dann allerdings startete Moriz seine Weltreise. Nach dem Abitur studierte er in Hamburg, Dresden, Rotterdam und Kapstadt Popularmusik und Schauspiel. Danach verbrachte er sechs Jahre in London, wo er sich zunaechst als Saenger und Komponist verschiedener Rockbands einen Namen machte sowie in Musicals, TV-Serien und Spielfilmen mitspielte.

Seine erste Single erschien 2002 - "Fall Into The Sun", die in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Produzenten von george Michael entstanden war. Ein Jahr spaeter folgte dann sein erstes Album "Mirrors and Shade", das auch international Beachtung fand. David Bowie empfahl seinerzeit 2 der Songs als "sehr hoehrenswert". 2005 enschied sich Ike, nach Suedafrika umzusiedeln. Dort ist er schon seit mehreren Jahren ein richtiger Star. Seine Lieder werden in 17 Laendern regelmaessig im Radio gespielt. Mittlerweile ist sein zwoelftes Album in Arbeit.

Im Belami wird Ike Moriz solo unplugged Indie-Rock, Pop und Jazz zelebrieren - und das bei freiem Eintritt. Einen weiteren Auftritt gibt es auf der Open-Air Buehne der 'vision sternwARTe' vom 5.-7. und vom 12.-14. August.

93. Bay Magazine, Romy Gordon, Cape Town, South Africa, September 2010

Ike Moriz – “Finely Tuned”

I recently caught up with international recording artist Ike Moriz at one of his favourite local restaurants, La Cuccina in Hout Bay, to find out a little more about the man behind the voice. Cosmopolitan magazine had recently described his rock/indie sound as ‘acoustic and edgy but still made for easy listening.’  I had read about ‘the distinctly Scandinavian-looking’ blue eyed, blonde haired, Jagadi Haute Couture wearing vocalist - but meeting him in person was a real treat. He’s notably laid back and hasn’t allowed his widely acclaimed success get to his head. I would describe him as someone who is very comfortable in their own skin, with no airs and graces, who at the age of thirty seven has found himself doing exactly what he has always wanted to do.

Music has always resonated with him, “it’s always just about the music. I’ve got to be true to who I am. Music is my religion. My way of communicating. When I write a song I feel like the music is coming through me. It’s a beautiful experience to write a song that becomes something that has an influence on other peoples’ lives.” I found it difficult to imagine the seriously shy child he described himself as, especially having seen him perform, but he made a decision to turn music into his profession many years ago and says that he always tended to focus on things he found extremely challenging. He’s a serious individualist – explaining how his decision to write his own music stemmed from the plastic, superficial and predictable trend of new age chart toppers. Anything different and out of the ordinary inspires him. His highest hope is that his music ‘would touch a person in a way that transforms them.’

His accolades speak for themselves: A degree in music teaching and jazz performance from The Carl Maria von Weber College of Music in Germany – during which he enrolled in an international exchange programme which took him to Rotterdam and SA. For the next six years he lived in London, teaching and playing in a hard-rock outfit called Stunt Double. He also began busking for extra cash. In conjunction with Steve Kent (George Michael’s producer) he released his first single ‘Fall into the Sun’ in 2002 which went to number one on several radio stations in SA, England and Europe. In 2003 he released an album called ‘Mirrors and Shade’ which went to number one in England, Holland and Australia among others. He also did some work on movie’s you may have seen - playing small parts in Alfie, Bridget Jones’s Diary 2, Shanghai Knights, Love Actually and Wimbledon. In 2005 Ike released his next album called ‘Play Me’, and he moved to Cape Town for a better quality of life. 2006 saw him voted one of the top five singers in SA. In 2007 Ike released his third album ‘All Around the World’ whose track ‘Starry Night’, a duet with Elana Afrika, still receives regular airtime on local radio stations. In 2009 came another 4 albums; Body & Soul, Stardust, Angel Eyes and Starry Night. His latest album Blue Moon released this year features a Hout Bay cover.

But like I said there a lot more to the pop star, singer, producer, photographer & actor than meets the eye. He’s a fierce environmentalist, has a special interest in personal development and if he wasn’t singing he’d be a life coach. ‘Seeing people shift, step into their power and what a profound impact that has on the world’ has always fascinated him.

Well our lunch had come to an end and it was time to wrap it up. Be sure to check him out on a Wednesday night, at the Twelve Apostles or on September 10th, where he’s hosting a Latin Night at La Cuccina (you may even get to check out some of his original photography!) In the words of FHM, “This cat writes a fine tune. Listen to it when wearing velvet and drinking martinis!"

92. FRESHEST AND BEST, CHANNEL 24, SOUTH AFRICA, December 2009: IKE MORIZ - LET IT SNOW  (single off “STARRY NIGHT’)

Classy SA crooner eases us into the festive season with this swinging Vegas lounge finger snapper off his new album 'Starry Night', which contains 15 beautifully arranged jazzy adaptions of popular Christmas songs.

91. NADINE MEYER, BERGEDORFER ZEITUNG, GERMANY, 24.09.2009

Ike Moriz füllt in Afrika Konzerthallen

Samstag, 26. September 2009

Der Juweliers-Sohn ist in Südafrika ein gefeierter Sänger, hat bereits sechs Alben herausgebracht.

SO ENTSPANNT KOENNTE IKE MORIZ IN KAPSTADT NICHT AUF EINEM KIRCHEN-

VORPLATZ SITZEN. DENN IN SUEDAFRIKA IST DER BERGEDORFER EIN STAR. MUSIK-, KLATSCHZEITUNGEN UND DAS FERNSEHEN BERICHTEN REGELMAESSIG UEBER IHN. AUF DER STRASSE WIRD ER ANGESPROCHEN UND MUSS AUTOGRAMME GEBEN.

FOTO: MEYER

Ob er in seiner Musiker-Laufbahn jemals den Durchbruch hatte, weiß Ike Moriz nicht. Vielleicht kann man ihn nicht vergleichen mit Stars wie Tokio Hotel oder Nena, deren Musik auf Radiosender rauf und runter läuft. Tatsache ist aber: Ike Moriz hat sechs Alben veröffentlicht, zwei weitere folgen in Kürze. Seine Lieder werden in 17 Ländern gespielt, und in Südafrika kommen um die 5000 Menschen zu seinen Konzerten.

Erlebt man den smarten, blonden, großen Mann heute, meint man, er sei für die Bühne geboren. Doch das war nicht immer so. Erst nach Bundeswehr und einem Jahr leidenschaftslosem BWL-Studium in Hamburg, begriff Ike Moriz, wo seine tatsächlichen Talente liegen. Er bewarb sich an drei Musikhochschulen und wurde überall angenommen. Er ging nach Dresden und studierte Jazz und Rock/Pop.

"Mit meiner Vorliebe für eckigen Brit-Pop war ich dort kurz nach der Wende ein Außerirdischer", erinnert sich der heute 37-Jährige. Deshalb zog es ihn nach seinem Abschluss nach London. "Meine Vorbilder waren damals David Bowie, Blur oder John Lennon. Ich wollte wissen, was sie inspiriert hat." Jobs als Kellner und Aushilfslehrer, aber auch kleine Filmrollen, zum Beispiel in "Tatsächlich Liebe" oder in englischen Serien, hielten ihn über Wasser. Doch auch mit Straßenmusik verdiente er einiges dazu. "Ich bin sogar mal mit einer Freundin durch Europa getourt. Wir haben an touristischen Plätzen gespielt und bis zu 100 Euro am Tag eingenommen", sagt Moriz, der diese Zeit als sehr lehrreich empfand. "Man erhält sehr viel unmittelbare Kritik."

Einen richtigen musikalischen Schub brachte allerdings schließlich eine einzige Begegnung - und zwar mit Steve Kent, dem Produzenten von George Michael. Aufnahmen im Tin Pan Ally Studio, in dem schon Jimmy Hendrix spielte, und Konzerte zusammen mit Session-Musikern von George Michael lieferten die ersten Erfolge. "Ich schickte auch eine CD nach Südafrika, dort leben viele Verwandte von mir und ich liebe das Land." Zur Überraschung des Sängers schnellte seine erste Single dort in den Charts auf Platz eins. Es sollte aber noch ein paar Jahre dauern, bis er 2005 England endgültig den Rücken kehrte und nach Südafrika zog. Heute lebt er in Kapstadt, spielt drei bis vier Konzerte pro Woche - von Jazz bis Indie-Pop.

Wer Ike Moriz live erleben will, kommt am Dienstag um 20 Uhr ins BeLaMi an der Holtenklinker Straße 26. Eintritt: fünf Euro. Zum 25-jährigen Jubiläum des Juweliergeschäfts seiner Eltern an der Bergedorfer Schloßstraße spielt er am heutigen Sonnabend von 16 bis 19 Uhr. Hörproben gibt's im Netz: www.ikemoriz.com oder www.myspace.com/morizike

90. SEAN HOUGHTON, 'THE FULL CIRCLE' MAGAZINE, CAPE TOWN, 01.08.2009

Ike Moriz was born in Hamburg, Germany but the presence of extended family members living in South Africa meant he first visited the country as a four-year-old and he grew up loving the country and considering it his home. He studied at the Hamburg College of Music earning a degree in music-teaching and jazz-performance. While at the college he joined an international exchange programme that allowed him to study under different teachers at the Rotterdam Conservatory of Music, the Southafrican College of Music (at the University of Cape Town) and the College of Music Carl Maria von Weber Dresden, broadening his musical vision. Ike had long been a David Bowie fan and also enjoyed the glam rock scene of the ‘70s. In the late ’90s he was into Brit pop and alternative rock bands such as Pulp and Blur and went to live in London. For the next six years Ike taught music to help pay the bills and played in a hard-rock outfit called Stunt Double which was “a kind of Spinal Tap thing.”
“It was always about the music for me,” recalls Ike, “not fame.”  But as their popularity grew various members would either give up or want to move on to bigger and better things. To make ends meet Ike began busking in London.“I made really good money busking,” Ike reveals. “A lot of buskers are untrained, self-taught 'wannabe rock stars', so when people came across me they were pleasantly surprised that I could play and sing so well. My musical training really helped!”
Ike performed his own compositions on the hard London streets and tube stations and loved it. “You can really judge how people react to and receive your music when you’re busking. The immediate response is an amazing experience. If they’re not hooked in seconds, they’ll just keep walking. But if you can get them to stop and listen, and then to throw money down for you, you know you’re doing something right!” The busking experience made Ike realise that he should become a solo performer. He met Steve Kent who had produced several of George Michael’s hits and the two worked together and released Ike first single Fall into the Sun which went to number one of several radio stations in England and Europe. The song is about suicide so its popularity surprised but pleased Ike. He sent a copy to South Africa and proved equally popular here. The single was flowed in 2002 by an album called Mirrors and Shade which was released in 17 countries and went to number one England, Holland and Australia among others.
At this time Ike appeared in several major movies such as Alfie with Jude Law; Shanghai Knights with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson; and Love Actually with Bill Nighy. He also appeared in UK television series such as Eastenders, Family Affairs and Holby City. In 2003 Ike released his next album called Play Me which similarly to Mirrors and Shade garnered favourable comparisons to David Bowie, including from David Bowie himself who listed Ike’s cover of Starman as Bowie’s “Song of the Week” for three months! Ike is fiercely original and insists on playing and recording his own music but the Bowie influence is very apparent in his first two albums. The Sad Songs from Play Me could have been lifted directly from Ziggy Stardust (okay,if you insist on the full title: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars) and although Ike may not be entirely happy with the comparison it is a huge compliment because the song is certainly good enough to have been included on Bowie’s iconic record.
In 2005 Ike visited Cape Town and played a few gigs at the erstwhile Acoustic Café in Muizenberg. He was blown away by the reaction of the Cape Town public. He had become disillusioned with the superficial London scene so thought to himself, “you only live once” so he should spend it doing what he loved in a place that he loved and moved to Cape Town permanently. By his own admission, Ike went a bit overboard when he settled in South Africa. He spent big money making videos with super-models and appeared on local TV shows and in leading magazines.
In 2007 Ike released his third album All Around the World. This album was an accessible mixture of pop-rock and easy-listening radio friendly songs. What sets this album apart is that the David Bowie influence is less obvious and Ike has established his own sound and persona. Although he does pay tribute to Bowie in Watching the Sun by including ‘Station to Station’ in the lyrics and in the bonus track Still uses the familiar David Bowie pronunciations and inflections. Again, the comparison should be seen as positive because the song is a good one. The stand-out track on the album is Starry Night, a duet with effervescent, bouncing-off-the-walls personality Elana Afrika, which still receives regular airtime on local radio stations. Any number of other songs on the album such as All Your Heroes Are Dead, Killing Games, Anything You Want, Bite the Dog and I’ll Be Your Man could (and should) have also been hit singles. All Around the World really is a solid collection of songs. A great album.
Ike grew disillusioned with the Joburg scene. “It was just another London, very chicy and snobby,” so Ike decided to forgo Jozi and settle in Cape Town. One of Ike’s earliest loves was jazz which is why he studied it at college. To challenge himself artistically he began experimenting with jazz again and had no intention of making anything for public consumption. When he played his new jazz/swing styled songs for his friends though, their reaction was unanimous, he should record and release this music which all agreed sounded very cool. So Ike decided to change everything and reinvent himself as a jazz/swing performer.
Over the last two years he has been recording no less than three albums to be released as the Stardust Trilogy towards the end of this year. Parts 1 and 2, titled Stardust and Body & Soul respectively are already available on iTunes and Part 3 called Angle Eyes has just been completed. The albums are a collection of swing standards and some original Ike Moriz songs. In pop/rock mode Ike’s voice ranges from a hard gravelly rasp to a soft and gentle whisper. In swing mode the rich resonance of his voice makes Michael Bublè’s seem rather thin by comparison. Indeed, comparisons with the great Tony Bennett are inevitable, Ike Moriz performing swing is that good. Ike is busy recording another rock album to be called Breathing Dreams to be released in early 2010. If this new collection continues the same growth Ike demonstrated on All Around the World, it is bound to be a huge success all around the world!
When Ike is not recording in Paris Studios in Fish Hoek he is performing at gigs around the Southern Suburbs such as Deli Delish and La Cuccina in Hout Bay, and the Constantia Nek Restaurant, or at corporate functions for people who know that Ike Moriz is perhaps, alongside Jesse Clegg and the Parlotones (whom he rates very highly), South Africa’s most accomplished musician and performer. People may ask, if Ike is that good, why isn’t he an international superstar? “It’s never been about the fame,” explains Ike, “it’s always just about the music. I’ve got to be true to who I am. Music is my religion. My way of communicating. When I write a song I feel like the music is coming through me. It’s a beautiful experience to write a song that becomes something that has an influence on other peoples’ lives.”
Ike is assisting a vocal group from Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay called Brothers with Voices (BWV - who Full Circle will feature in our next issue) and who have an abundance of vocal talent but little business acumen to take it further. Ike has paid for studio time and helped them record a CD called Peace Dream, after one of the songs they covered in isiXhosa from his All Around the World album. Ike loves Hout Bay and Cape Town. “I’ve always felt this was my true home,” he says with absolute conviction. He spends as much time as he can walking up Chapman’s Peak and around Hout Bay.
Although he has enormous talent and the supermodel looks that makes the ladies gaga, Ike is a very humble, deep-thinking and caring man who is seriously involved in community and environmental concerns. A very refreshing change from people who grab their 15 minutes and believe that entitles them to behave obnoxiously and treat ‘lesser mortals’ as just that. Ike couldn’t be further removed from that ugly stereotype. He really is a sincere, down-to-earth good guy who would no sooner be rude or disrespectful to anyone than he would stop writing and performing. For more info about Ike and where he is gigging visit his website: www.ikemoriz.com.

89. ETIENNE BUYS, CAPE TOWN UNDERGROUND, CAPE TOWN, SA, 31.10.2008

Ike Moriz "All Around the World" -
October 2008

The launch of the new album by Ike Moriz took place at Fashion TV in Cape Town,
and was attended by the kind of crowd you would expect at such a venue: Plenty of
good looking people and people that thoughtthey were really, really good looking.
Unfortunately, Derek Zoolander did not makean appearance... The evening kicked off
with a few drinks at the bar for media and other guests while a few of Ike’s music
videos played on the screens in the club. The band took to the stage at about 10.30
after a sizeable crowd had arrived. The crowd seemed somewhat subdued in the
beginning; I think this was partly to do with the blinding stage apparatus that spelt out
“IKE” for all to see. The first half of theperformance was pretty much taken over
by the incredible lighting which I think took away from the actual band but made
for some pretty cool photography and some small talk around the bar during the break.

88. KIRSTEN SMART, THE NEXT 48 HOURS, CAPE TOWN, SA, 31.10.2008

Ike Let's It All Hang Out At Fashion Tv Bar

I once had a choir teacher who looked just like David Bowie. Unfortunately for her she was a
woman and unfortunately for me she didn’t like me at all. I was always the one at the
back who would crack inappropriate jokes and make up crude lyrics to sing to the
“Carmina Burana”, much to the annoyance of Mrs David Bowie. Nevertheless, being in
choir (as well as being in detention- courtesy of Mrs David Bowie), as my dad would say;
“built character” and was, I feel, an important part of who I am today (which is rather low
on musical ability and high on cynicism). So when I heard that Ike Moriz’s music is
inspired by David Bowie (the original,  not my choir teacher) I couldn’t pass
up the opportunity to attend his new CDlaunch, “All Around the World” at Fashion
TV Bar. After getting off to a rather late start (which, I have come to
realise, is expected of the Capetonian “artsy” crowd), the band struck up a
surprisingly upbeat, yet unique tune.I was quite relieved, however, to see that
Moriz didn’t also adopt the British popicon’s sense of fashion and, is in
fact rather ruggedly handsome =>

87. MARETTA BELLINGAN, SUNDAY RAPPORT, TYDSKRIF, SA, 26.10.2008

Neem kennis: Ike Moriz het geland
deur Maretta Bellingan
 
Die wit baadjie gooi jou bietjie van koers af. Ike Moriz lyk inderdaad meer na 'n
binneversierder of 'n modeontwerper as 'n rock-sanger. En wanneer die voormalige
hoofseun later verklap dat hy as kind baie skaam was en eintlik nog
steeds is,  lig jou wenkbroue nog verder.  Maar kyk na die telling, sê die
sportentoesiaste as hulle span gewen het.  En Moriz se "telling" verklap dat hy gewis
nie 'n wannabe of 'n maybe is nie. Hy's  klaar daar. Een van sy liedjies is in
sewentien verskillende lande op die radio gespeel. Snitte van sy eerste twee CD's
het die eerste plek op verskeie radiostasies in Brittanje, Suid-Afrika en Holland, behaal.
Ike is ook op ZA Zone as een van  Suid-Afrika se vyf top solo-kunstenaars in
2006 gekies. En so gaan dit aan. In een van Smokie se bekendste liedjies
vra hulle, wie de dinges is Alice? Mens wil amper vra wie de dinges is die kunstenaar
wat onlangs die meeste stemme vir die Oppikoppi Wildcard-fees gekry het? Al het
hy nie daar opgetree nie, "want hulle het  verwag dat ek in die vroeë oggendure
wanneer almal skuinsdronk moet sing."  Moriz het ook gehoop dat hulle ten minste
sy vervoerkoste van Kaapstad sou betaal. "Wat maak hulle met al daai hekgeld,"
wonder hy terloops. Maak kom ons begin by die begin. Wie de dinges is Ike Moriz wat
op sy CV beskryf word as 'n internasionale Suid-Afrikaanse Indie-popster en akteur? 
En hoekom hoor ons nou eers van hom? Die 35-jarige sanger het "oraloor
grootgeword, my pa was in die advertensiewese." Duitse pa, Suid-
Afrikaanse ma en 'n ouer suster wat 'n  juwelier in Duitsland is. "Ek het op skool
begin toneelspeel omdat ek so skaam was.  Ek speel klavier vandat ek sewe is, maar
was beslis nie 'n tiener wat sy eie  garage-band gehad en gedroom het daarvan
om eendag beroemd te wees nie." Tog is daar musiek in sy gene. "Oupa was
'n operasanger en ouma was 'n suksesvolle klavierpianiste." Die jong Ike was egter 'n
diep seun, 'n Kafka-aanhanger, wat 'n  skrywer van ingewikkelde boeke wou word,
maar uiteindelik musiek en toneelspel in  Suid-Afrika, Duitsland en Holland
bestudeer het. Vandag spog hy met  diplomas in musiek-afrigting sowel as
uitvoering. Aanvanklik speel Ike in verskeie bands in Brittanje, maar besluit later om
die solo-pad te loop. "Dis makliker. Jy  skryf die liedjies en jy maak die besluite."
'n Jaar later ontmoet hy George Michael se musikale vervaardiger en neem in 2002
sy eerste kort CD met vier liedjies op.

Sy besluit in 2005 om Londen en 'n groeiende Europese loopbaan vir 'n huisie in Houtbaai te verruil, verduidelik hy, gaan doodeenvoudig oor lewensstyl. "In Londen kan jy nie die son sien ondergaan of opkom nie. Die lewe is baie intens daar en ek 'n hengse klomp geld bestee om myself te bemark. Toe ek tydens 'n vakansie in Suid-Afrika in Muizenberg optree en die mense is so warm en vriendelik, het ek geweet dis tyd om huis toe te kom."Ike is nog besig om sy stempel op die plaaslike mark af te druk.'n Verskyning op Top Billing het gehelp, terwyl sy musiek-video's op die DSTV-kanaal MK89 die lenige blonde man met die babablou oë verder bekendstel. Hy het ook al op verskeie plekke opgetree, maar hoop beslis dat All Around The World hom na groter verhoë sal neem.
"Nee, ek gaan nie ryk word in Suid-Afrika nie. Die mark is eenvoudig te klein, maar ek is reeds besig om CD-vrystellings in Duitsland, Londen en Holland te reël. Hopelik het my aanhangers daar nog nie van my vergeet nie." Ike is ook plaaslik betrokke by 'n township-koor Brothers with Voices en het hulle gehelp om 'n borgskap te kry sodat hulle hul eerste CD, Peace Dream kon vrystel. Hy lag (half skaam, ja) oor sy loopbaan as akteur. "Hoofrollein musiekblyspele, maar die res is maar kleinerig." Hiermee verwys hy na rolle in verskeie Britse sepies en rolprente soos Love Actually en Alfie. "Ek het intussen ook 'n rolletjie in Backstage gehad en sal beslis nie soortgelyke geleenthede van
die hand wys nie."Nou ja, nou weet jy ook wie de dinges Ike Moriz, dieinternasionaal bekende Suid-Afrikaanse Indie-popster is.Meer persoonlike detail sluit in: mal oor die natuur; baie lief vir katte; doen graag yoga en grootse vrees is om Alzheimers te kry.Slegte gewoontes? Die man met die wit baadjie dink diep. "Ek het regtig lank probeer om te rook, maar kon dit nie regkry nie."
Meer oor Ike: www.ikemoriz.com

86. CAPE ARGUS, EVAN MILTON, SA, 16.10.2008

IKE MORIZ:
All Around the World - Mosquito Records

Ike Moriz brings glam back to indie-pop, launching All Around The World with dancers, international link-ups and models. (Friday, FTV, cnr Buitengracht and Hout sts, 8pm, R30).

85. SUNDAY RAPPORT, TYDSKRIF, SA, 05.10.2008

IKE MORIZ:
All Around the World - Mosquito Records

Soos'n mens nou al kan verwag van die Indie-popsterIke Moriz is sy nuwe album, All Around the World, van hoe gehalte en byna foutloos. Hy het byna al die musiek self geskryf vir die CD wat deels in Londen opgeneem is. Hy gaan deur'n wye reeks emosies en stilistiese elemente terwyl hy geanker bly in sy oorspronklike kleurryke musiek. Aanhangers van Britse pop/rock kan gerus die album aanskaf. Hulle sal nie teleurgesteld wees nie.

84. OVERTONE, WWW.OVERTONE.CO.ZA, SA, 19.09.2008

"The big question: is Ike Moriz really South Africa’s answer to David Bowie? Well, if

All Around The World is anything to go by, perhaps. Some Ike Moriz die-hards might find this shameful – and there are many of them – but prior to receiving the task of writing a review of the tall blonde, starlit singer-songwriter, I had never before heard of Ike Moriz. Maybe being a fully-fledged indie rock girl has something to do with it…

Overtone | Ike Moriz - All Around The World

As with any carefully crafted pop album, the majority of the tracks share an aural aura. A couple of gems that should be kept in your radio-friendly archives include All Your Heroes Are Dead and the title track. Still (Bravo Mix 2007) is a good indication to go by when curious to find out more about Ike’s music. Whereof One Cannot Speak may be the only song not written by Ike himself, it opens the album on a strong note, and suddenly you’re at the front row of the

outdoor festival listening to your new favourite solo artist from the South."

"... on a second and third listen, you can actually invoke the spirit of David Bowie.

Seriously. Put the album in a circle of candles, play the title track and chant

‘Ziggy’ three times while snorting a line of uncut cocaine. You’ll be amazed.

The self-titled indie-pop star is no stranger to the global music industry. He’s recorded all around the world (no pun intended), making a name for himself in Germany and London. But Moriz has traded in some of the glamour of being a musician for film. He himself has also graced the silver screen, featuring in

major motion pictures like Shanghai Knights [view] and Love Actually [view]. You

can understand why. Tracks such as Killing Games and Always You (Samsara)

are just screaming for a part in the next Hugh Grant/Colin Firth hit.

A definitive Ike Moriz hit mixes a blend of synth-pop with acoustic guitar-driven

melodic rock. If you were an 80s kid, listening to a vinyl by Talking Heads, The Cure, Gary Numan or Soft Cell vinyl, give this album a listen."

83. WHAT'S ON SA, WWW.WHATSONSA.CO.ZA, DEX, 16.9.2008

Ike Moriz - All Around the World
Written by Dex, on 16-09-2008 14:45
Ike Moriz's latest offering "All Around the World" is a mixing pot of
great catchy lyrics,sweet melodies, some of the finest musicians SA has to
offer and the warm voice of Ike Moriz.Starry Night featuring Elana Afrika
adds a touch of spice to the album, with a sort of Rocky
Horror duo feel to it. Each track leaves an aftertaste of sweet familiarity.
This album could be the one that puts SA pop music on the global map.
I expect we will be hearing a lot of it on the airwaves.
If you are into POP music, this is definitely one for your collection.
 

82. SUNDAY TRIBUNE, 'THE BUZZ', DURBAN, SA, 07.09.2008

IKE MORIZ: SOUND OF THE WEEK!!

Ike Moriz, local indie pop star and actor, has just released his third album, All Around the World. The album was recorded in London and Ike got to work with George Michael's producer, Steve Kent. Indiepop Spinzone describes his sound as 'Bowie without the glam meets Oasis without the self-importance, teamed with UK chart 'alternative' without the boredom'.

81. Cape Concierge, issue 1757, SA, 08.09.2008

ZIMFEST 2008
6 September - 7 September
An humanitarian fundraising music
event with some of South Africa's best loved bands including Freshlyground, The
Dirty Skirts, The Rudimentals, Ike Moriz and Coda.  All proceeds from ticket sales
will go to refugees and asylum seekers from Zimbabwe.
 

80. BEELD, JIP, Johannesburg, SA, 05.09.2008

CD RESENSIE: Pragtige Ike reis deur indie-pop
All around the world deur die gorgeous Ike Moriz is
’n lekkerluister-CD wat beslis deel van jou versameling
moet wees.

Die 12-snit-album sluit ’n remix-weergawe van “Still”
in, terwyl The Darkness se guitarist, Jim Barnes,
die opening song vir Ike se album geskryf het.

Die verrassing op die CD is dat die superceleb Elana
Afrika Ike vir die snit “Starry night” join.
Dit klink nogal goed.

Ike, wat al voorheen as Suid-Afrika se eie indie-pop-idol
gedoop is, ondersoek ’n wye verskeidenheid emosies
en stilistiese elemente om hierdie album kleur te gee.
Die luisteraars kan verseker wees dat hulle wel die
enigmatiese Britse Pop/Rock gaan kry.

79. OVERTONE, PRESS RELEASE, www.overtone.co.za, SA, 22.07.08

ZIMFEST 08 | Ike Moriz, Coda, New Altum Confirmed!

International indie-pop star and actor Ike Moriz has
returned from the UK, where he received wide
acclaim for his two albums ‘Mirrors & Shade’ and
‘Play Me’. In the US, Ike was described as
‘Bowie without the glam meets Oasis without the
self-importance teamed with UK chart alternative without the boredom.’

78. KARIN BURGER, KAAP RAPPORT, CAPE TOWN, SA, 13.05.2008

77. MADELEIN OOSTHUIZEN, 24.COM, JIP, SA, 08.02.2007

Wat om te verwag: Sy musiek wod beskryf as Indie-pop wat duidelik is uit sy alternatiewe rock-aanslag en sterk ritmes. Ná die depressiwiteit van die eerste twee songs was ek amper oorgehaal om die CD af te sit . . . maar hoe bly is ek ek het
nie voor hierdie impulsiwiteit geswig nie. Van daar af tel die musiek beslis op en dit word al hoe duideliker hoekom hy soveel internasionale sukses behaal het. Die lirieke raak meer opgewek, maar verloor nie hul wortels wat diep in die soet
en bitter van die lewe geplant is nie. Hoogte- en laagtepunte: Die songs wat veral aan my hartsnare gepluk het, is Always you, Starry Night, wat hy saam met Elana Afrika sing, en die titelsnit All around the world, wat dominerende kitaarklanke en ’n wonderlike beat het. Minder mooi en heeltemal te hardcore vir my sensitiewe
ore was, is Bite the dog. Gevolgtrekking: Koop die album en luister dit ten
minste een keer van voor tot agter deur. Daarna het jy my toestemming om net jou gunstelingevan die mure te laat bons. – madelein oosthuizen

76. ARNOLD RAS, DIE BURGER, JIP, SA, 09.12.2007

75. EMILE BUTLER, TV PLUS MAGAZINE, SA, 28.11.-06.12.2007 issue

"Ike recently released his 3rd CD and it's contagious! This 12 track CD surprises you with a variety of emotions and music styles which resemble the British Pop/Rock genre. The track 'Starry Night' is hot

Also try: George Michael, Oasis.

74. CLARISSA GROBLER, "VOLKSBLAD / JIP", BLOEMFONTEIN, SA, 26.11.2007

Ike se album spog met wêreldklanke
IKE MORIZ het in wat ’n mens sou kon beskryf as ’n kort tyd in ateljee-terme
sy nuutste album, All Around the World, uitgereik. Dié album volg kort op die
hakke van sy vorige album, Play Me. Soos met sy vorige album is daardie
Bowie-agtige klank steeds daar, hoewel ’n mens ook ’n klein tikkie andersheid
kan bespeur. Dié musikant-akteur het met CLARISSA GROBLER gesels oor
die nuwe album.Daar was Mirrors and Shade (wat omtrent vier jaar geneem het
om te ontwikkel), toe Play Me en nou All Around the World wat gou in sy
voorloper se spore gevolg het. Hoe het die maak van jou derde ateljee-album
verskil van die maak van Play Me? My hoofdoel was om ’n album te skep wat ’n
baie melodic, warm en natuurlike vibe het. Daar is al vir my gesê dit klink steeds
baie internasionaal, maar dat mense sekere klanke, ritmes en melodieë herken het
wat meer aan Suid-Afrikaanse musiek herinner as te vore. Ek het ook saam met
meer musikante as te vore gewerk. Dit is ’n baie internasionale mix van mense
van Malawi, Suid-Afrika, Noorweë, Duitsland, Italië, Skotland en Engeland.
Ek het saam met vier kitaarspelers, vier tromspelers en vyf baskitaarspelers tydens
die opname in die ateljee gewerk. Al my vorige albums en singles is oorsee geskryf
en opgeneem, maar dié keer is die meeste van die songs hier geskep terwyl ek
in Kaapstad en Johannesburg gebly het. Baie het gebeur sedert my terugkeer
van Londen twee jaar gelede, en ek het probeer om hierdie “nuwe lewe” terug in
Suid-Afrika te reflekteer in die songs.

Hou die titel van die CD verband met jou eie reise? Die titelsnit, All around the world, staan vir die idee van “volg jou hart?.?.?. maak nie saak wat nie”. Ek het agtergekom mense reis of verhuis om verskillende redes. Ek het gevind die belangrikste deel van om na ’n plek te reis nie soseer die eindbestemming is nie, maar die werklike reis om daar te kom. Ek het die reis om All around the world te skep baie geniet! Ons doen die dinge waarin ons glo en ons leer deur dit te doen. Dit is daardie ervaringe wat ons gehelp het om te word wat ons is. All around the world sê basies: Doen dit – wat ook al dit is wat jy droom om te doen! Die lewe is gereelde verandering. As ons ophou verander, is ons dood. Gunsteling-track op die nuwe album? Dit is altyd moeilik om
te sê. My gunsteling is gewoonlik die een wat ek laaste geskryf het. In hierdie geval All your heroes are dead. Maar dit verander heeltyd en wissel tussen Killing Games, All around the world, All your heroes are dead en Whereof one cannot speak. Daar is ’n onbetwisbare charm in jou musiek, ’n sekere sin van styl. Wat is vir jou die belangrikste in jou musiek? Ek was nog altyd veral gefassineer deur die ideaal om “tydlose musiek” te skep?.?.?. maar dis ’n heel anderste storie. Essensieel wil ek my persoonlike gevoelens en gedagtes met ander deur my musiek en lirieke deel. Ek het gevind dat ek dit die beste doen deur ’n baie eerlike benadering totliedjieskryf: Ek probeer om na my hart te luister tydens die liedjieskryfproses.

Hoe hanteer jy kritiek? Dit hang af van die omstandighede, maar ek is altyd bereid om waar te neem hoe menseop my musiek reageer: Ek vind dit fassinerend om te sien hoe verskillende mense reageer. Wat lê nog vir Ike Moriz voor om te bereik? Ek het so baie idees vir toekomstige albumprojekte dat ek hoop ek lewe lank genoeg om te sien hoe hulle geskep word. Ek wil electronic pop, tradisionele Afrika-musiek, jazz en heavy rock verder verken in die toekoms. Ek speel nou ook weer toneel en wil aanhou om verskillende karakters en toneel scenario’s te verken. Het jy ander musiekprojekte op die spyskaart? Ek bestuur tans ’n tradisionele Afrikavocal ensemble van ’n township in Kaapstad en ek werk live op die verhoog en in die ateljee saam met hulle. As jy nou, ná drie albums en ander ervaringe, terugkyk, het jy toe jy met jou musiekloopbaan begin het, gedink jy sou dit wat jy reeds bereik het, bereik? Ek het altyd in my vermoëns geglo om goed te wees met dit wat ek doen, maar ek sou nooit geraai het hoe alles in plek geval het in die afgelope jare nie. Ek sou nooit in ’n miloen jaar geraai het nie,