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TRAGIC HERO - Official 2008 Grammy Ballot
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences
"Tragic Hero" - Album of the Year
"Personal Addict" - Record of the Year
Jason Yudoff - Best New Artist
Ron Thaler - Producer of the Year
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"Rock' n' roll piano is very much alive in the capable hands of New York's Jason Yudoff. Jason shows a remarkably consistent concept of songwriting, singing, performance, and 'tude. A very tight rhythm section complements Jason's blend of arrangement precision and satisfying looseness of groove. But the emphasis is squarely on party music of the highest order."
- Keyboard Magazine

"Great voice, killer keys, interesting grooves... Soulful songs, old school - as they should be!"
- Carmine Appice, Legendary Drummer for Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogart & Appice, Rod Stewart Band, King Cobra, Blue Murder, Edgar Winter Group and many more,

"Singer/songwriter/keyboardist Yudoff has forged an oh-so-commercially accessible brand of funked-up piano-man pop that shows the influence of Billy Preston and is, accordingly, quite Seventies-derived. Yudoff is a more than able singer and player, and has a sound and spirited delivery that can please audiences..."
- Music Connection

"If Justin Timberlake fronted for Jamiroquai you might get a sound similar to Jason Yudoff & The New Hotness. Jason Yudoff’s second album Tragic Hero opens with Good Enough as the sounds of a toy organ mute into a nice funk soul groove a la Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald. This song is definitely more than good enough for an opening track. But is there more? Yes, Personal Addict and Too Late Janie are more of that retro electronic organ sound, sometimes with a jazzy horn section. 5 more Minutes was nice as it really evoked the feel of living in New York, with lyrical reference to the subway and accordion sounds that conjured up images of street musicians.

It is very noteworthy that this album was mastered by [Scott] Hull who worked with Steely Dan. This caught my attention because like Steely Dan, The New Hotness is also utilizing multiple instruments in a very salsa jazz fusion style. The overall arrangements are really impressive, as is the use of silence on Dirty Deed. Breaks in the sonic space are an important element of production, which is unfortunately often forgotten. Get Up features some very interesting calypso elements in a soul mix with rapid fire percussion, horns and even traffic cop whistles. The jazz philosophy merges the genres remarkably well."
- Brooke Mason, BITCHIN' ENTERTAINMENT

"Yudoff is at once a true and talented musician, whose lyrics expose a man whose art is born from an analytical mind and the heart of an eternal romantic. The bluesy-rock melodies swim alongside powerful keyboard riffs, and Yudoff's growl adds a lethal injection of blue-eyed soul that, in its hottest moments, leaps right out of the speakers and demands nothing short of the listener's undying attention."
- Good Times Magazine

"Oh so funky and cool! Nice vocals, great production values, good songs. Listen!"
- Indie-music.com

"In the tradition of our time-honored keyboard player/singers - Jason lends his humor, his voice, groove and passion to a great set of original songs. Smart and funky, catchy and compelling - a great listen!"
- Songwriters Hall of Fame

"With clear, easy vocals and a keyboard style that falls somewhere between Ben Folds, Andy Creeggan and early Dennis DeYoung, Jason Yudoff paints a musical landscape that is unusually complex and diverse in popular music - the charged narration of man caught up in an obsession he can neither obtain nor relinquish. Jason Yudoff has a sound that will appeal to the masses if things break his way."
- Wildy's World

"Personal Addict, nominated for "Record of the Year", best represents Jason Yudoff: a little funk and jam! Even his funky voice on this song sounds a little like Jamiroquai... I also really liked the frantic piano-driven song Locked In The Box, which really shows off Yudoff's piano-playing skill. And Too Late Janie, which originally appeared on his live album, LIVE at The Cutting Room, sounds even better in the studio!"
- We Heart Music

"If you are into Piano Rock 'n' Roll the likes of Billy Joel, Gavin DeGraw or even Traffic then you have come to the right CD. Track 11 Locked in the Box is a piano jam that cooks… All in all the CD is a great demonstration of what you will hear in a live performance. Audiences have raved about the charisma, raw energy and passionate performances that Mr. Yudoff puts across in each and every show."
- CASHBOX Magazine

"Give this disc a spin and you'll immediately discover why Yudoff has been able to generate buzz without the backing of a major record label. Offering a great mix of funk, rock, and even a little blues Tragic Hero could easily be one of my favorite releases of its style for 2008.

The reason the Jason Yudoff stands above many of the solo artists currently out there is due to his sheer amount of variety. Some of the songs on Tragic Hero sound like a mix of more recent jam band material mixed with the older funk of classic artists such as Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Other tracks are of the pop rock variety, but every song on this album fit together extremely well and is extremely polished. Tragic Hero is also sure to stand out thanks to an impressive performance from Yudoff. His voice is extremely melodic, the singing is very strong and has the power to attract listeners. This album also boasts enjoyable and heartfelt lyrics, something that some listeners take for granted these days. This is definitely a potential album of the year candidate.

Only two albums in, Jason Yudoff appears to be at a level that some unsigned singer/songwriters strive to achieve for their entire career. Don't be surprised if you see Yudoff's name on a major label in the near future, as his music is certainly worthy of that level of attention."
- Cosmos Gaming

"Just terrific!"
- Joey Reynolds, WOR Radio and Television Personality,

"There is an honesty to Jason's songwriting that I see translating well to a live show. Each song has a piano driven backbone, and the Funk/Jazz element brings a freshness to each song. There is an underlying groove to the up-tempo songs that can get your head bobbing no matter how cynical of a listener you may be. Jason Yudoff is an artist worth checking out, and Tragic Hero is a better choice than most of your choices."
- Indie Uprising

"Tragic Hero stands out as a soulful, relationship-themed album. It contains smooth artistry in hybridizing lyrics about love and heartbreak alongside jazzy and buoyant blends of drums, acoustic and rhythm guitars, and keyboards, ultimately creating fierce vibes of jazz and rock. But what makes Yudoff stand out amongst a crowd of Amy Winehouses is that he's a genius-cat when it comes to the piano. When you hear him play piano intermissions in songs like Good Enough and You Should Be My Girl, you'll feel like you're inside a suave jazz house, watching the pianist quick-step his fingers along the keyboard..."
- Feminist Review

"JASON YUDOFF plays piano funk rock that can't be experienced sitting down. With a vocal delivery like Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and a live intensity like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yudoff always leaves crowds wanting more. A 'first-take' songwriter, Yudoff crafts songs that are raw and from the heart with no editing, 'do-overs' or approximations. His songs describe an incompleteness, a wanting to be better and fill in the gaps between love and loss."
- Ida Langham, ISL Public Relations,

"He's one of the best keyboard players that I've ever seen."
- Rob Gordon, President, What Are Records?

"Jason Yudoff is one hellacious Rock & Roll piano playing vocalist who commands your attention and applause at each and every performance. Absolutely smokin'!"
- Larry Oakes, Keys/Guitarist for Foreigner, Bad Company, Derek Trucks,

"A nice selection of self-penned songs with a jazz feel, Tragic Hero will appeal to the mainstream buyers who are just hip enough to try something new."
- Here Comes The Flood

"Catchy, singable, memorable. Lyrically, Jason gives a fresh take to a familiar concept. Great emotion and personality; soulfulness as well. Kind of like Maroon 5 with a touch of Robin Thicke. Nicely done!"
- Taxi A & R Company

"Mixing Funk, Pop and Jazz we might have another Billy Joel here! It just comes across as real music. Probably the most powerful aspect of the recording is, despite its studio polishing, it still reminds the listener of the 'live' club or bar performance that would suit the music so well. Belly up to the musical bar for a taste of Jason Yudoff."
- Rock Record Collectors Association

"Jason Yudoff performs music like a race car driver. There are no stop and yield signs. Yudoff puts the pedal to the medal on his rhythmic high-energy keyboard playing and singing as he takes audiences on a rock and roll musical journey through the 60s, 70s and right on up to his own unique style."
- Music-Tech.Net

"Yudoff is clearly a talented, hard-working musician who gives a glimpse of genuine vulnerability."
- Americana UK

"Jason Yudoff is surprisingly soulful with natural God-given talent. I am talking real music here, people! As sad as it sounds, it seems as if we don't have much of that going on today... Artists like Jason Yudoff are keeping music alive!"
- DJ Damiano, WXXP 105.3 NY

"Old school funk! New school hip! Authentic rock & roll played with taste and energy...Jason Yudoff is the real deal!"
- Michael Packer, Blues Artist and NYC Promoter,

"Yudoff's songs are never uninteresting, due to his choppy piano playing and fluid melodies. Yudoff feels the groove with a strong voice and above average lyrics. There is a lot to like on this CD..."
- Southbound Beat Magazine

"It sounds like a funkier version of Ben Folds Five, Black Crowes and Santana. Very well produced - which equals very commercial sounding..."
- Shmat Records

"Where the pop is passionate, the funk frisky, and the vibe unmistakable... Jason Yudoff is one of the most talented artists I have had the privilege of working with!"
- Ron Thaler, Producer, RT Type Music

"New York City artist Jason Yudoff is doing the funk/rock thing as well as anyone today. Performing his Dr. John/Dave Mason-like originals, Yudoff turned a room full of strangers into life-long fans in 45 minutes."
- Aural Fix

"I checked out a jazzy funk band called Jason Yudoff & The New Hotness after hearing their song Happiness on Z100's Radio Star Contest. The song was so well-written that I was more than curious and had to check out their website!"
- East Coast Rocker/Aquarian Weekly

"Jason Yudoff and his band hit you hard with the funk. Cool keyboards, thumping bass and Jason's vocals take you on a smooth-alicious ride to cool-ville."
- PODCASTNYC.NET

"Great entertainer, great songs. I think we can soon expect Jason's music to be heard in many households throughout the world."
- G. Neal Merrick, Merrick Music Productions, Nashville, TN

"Bro - that was sick! Yo - I think you broke that thing..!!"
- Bouncer, The Bitter End, NYC

SMOKE SEX WATER - Official 2005 Grammy Ballot
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences
"All Day" - Record Of the Year
"Smoke Sex Water" - Album Of the Year
"All Day" - Song Of the Year
Jason Yudoff - Best New Artist
"Before" - Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
"Mother" - Best Pop Instrumental Performance
"Smoke Sex Water" - Best Pop Vocal Album
"Happiness" - Best Rock Song
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