WHAT THE MEDIA SAY ...
Review of Brenda's Latest JAZZ CD Release "FAR & NEAR" (November, 2015):
With her second jazz-inspired CD release (and fifth as a leader), rich and sonorous vocalist Brenda Lewis has presented an exceptional and intriguing recording. Co-produced by Lewis and longtime collaborator, guitarist/keyboardist Margaret Stowe, she has created a compellingly stripped-down performance and recording unit, which harkens back not only to Neolithic and contemporary jazz, but also embraces timeless roots, blues, gospel and Afrocentric folk musics. All of the arrangements here involve a Spartan but potent instrumentation of voice, electric guitar, keyboards and the contributions of multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird on harmonica, mandolin, bass and percussion. Lewis fires her opening salvo with an appealing and no-nonsense take on Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans (featuring Bird on a soulful harmonica solo). Her adept jazz sensibility (as well as her variegated alto voice) is beautifully displayed on the classic jazz standard A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. Lewis wisely includes a tip of the hat to her folk-ish/Western swing roots with the old warhorse, Cow Cow Boogie(which also features hearty solos from Bird and Stowe). Of special note is the jaunty He Surprises Me and the lovely I Wave Bye-Bye, in which Lewis evokes an almost Celtic aura of heartbreak and longing. Very few vocalists would have the courage to present themselves in such an exposing, bare-bones way, but Lewis is refreshingly fearless, committed and transparent in her approach and taste; her consummate vocal skill shines throughout. (Lesley Mitchell-Clarke, The WHOLENOTE Magazine, Toronto)
"The term "high wire act" is often used to describe recordings where a singer is backed by only the most minimal number of players. That's the premise behind Far & Near, but between Lewis's always strong singing, expert choice of material, and a small group that delivers big, the thrill in this case comes entirely from the music."
(MARK RHEAUME, CBC RADIO CANADA)
"Her rich full-bodied voice is an elastic instrument, especially in songs that speak to the heart. Whether choosing a jazz standard or a song from a contemporary songwriter, Lewis has impeccable taste."
(ROBERT REID - THE WATERLOO RECORD (Senior Arts Reporter)
"Jazz singer Brenda Lewis is the rare type of musician whose best instrument is herself. The woman has a voice that is both powerful
and controlled and confirms that the best days of jazz are not over. What makes Brenda Lewis so impressive isn’t only her natural talent but her years of experience. She has been singing professionally for twenty years - in gospel, funk, R&B, and country/blues. Last weekend, Lewis played three slots at the Waterloo Jazz Festival, an incredible success." (Amy Heimpel - Velvet Rope Magazine)
"A jumping jazz album that should satisfy anyone who’s been missing Rosemary Clooney. And torch singing of the highest standard."
(David Kidney - Green Man Reviews (Sleeping Hedgehog)
Brenda Lewis possesses one of those voices that never become tiresome. Her eclectic repertoire spans the Big Band era as well as the many differing segments of jazz. Each piece is given a personality and never becomes a tribute version to whoever made the composition a standard. No wonder her newest CD was scooped up by last night’s departing guests.”
(Danny Gaisin - Ontario Arts Review )
"She softly intoned a realm of yesterday's duets with greats that are now on The Big Gig in The Sky and I was inspired."
(GRANGE "LADY HAIG" RUTAN - AUTHOR: DEATH OF A BEBOP WIFE)
Review of Brenda's Latest JAZZ CD Release "FAR & NEAR" (November, 2015):
With her second jazz-inspired CD release (and fifth as a leader), rich and sonorous vocalist Brenda Lewis has presented an exceptional and intriguing recording. Co-produced by Lewis and longtime collaborator, guitarist/keyboardist Margaret Stowe, she has created a compellingly stripped-down performance and recording unit, which harkens back not only to Neolithic and contemporary jazz, but also embraces timeless roots, blues, gospel and Afrocentric folk musics. All of the arrangements here involve a Spartan but potent instrumentation of voice, electric guitar, keyboards and the contributions of multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird on harmonica, mandolin, bass and percussion. Lewis fires her opening salvo with an appealing and no-nonsense take on Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans (featuring Bird on a soulful harmonica solo). Her adept jazz sensibility (as well as her variegated alto voice) is beautifully displayed on the classic jazz standard A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. Lewis wisely includes a tip of the hat to her folk-ish/Western swing roots with the old warhorse, Cow Cow Boogie(which also features hearty solos from Bird and Stowe). Of special note is the jaunty He Surprises Me and the lovely I Wave Bye-Bye, in which Lewis evokes an almost Celtic aura of heartbreak and longing. Very few vocalists would have the courage to present themselves in such an exposing, bare-bones way, but Lewis is refreshingly fearless, committed and transparent in her approach and taste; her consummate vocal skill shines throughout. (Lesley Mitchell-Clarke, The WHOLENOTE Magazine, Toronto)
"The term "high wire act" is often used to describe recordings where a singer is backed by only the most minimal number of players. That's the premise behind Far & Near, but between Lewis's always strong singing, expert choice of material, and a small group that delivers big, the thrill in this case comes entirely from the music."
(MARK RHEAUME, CBC RADIO CANADA)
"Her rich full-bodied voice is an elastic instrument, especially in songs that speak to the heart. Whether choosing a jazz standard or a song from a contemporary songwriter, Lewis has impeccable taste."
(ROBERT REID - THE WATERLOO RECORD (Senior Arts Reporter)
"Jazz singer Brenda Lewis is the rare type of musician whose best instrument is herself. The woman has a voice that is both powerful
and controlled and confirms that the best days of jazz are not over. What makes Brenda Lewis so impressive isn’t only her natural talent but her years of experience. She has been singing professionally for twenty years - in gospel, funk, R&B, and country/blues. Last weekend, Lewis played three slots at the Waterloo Jazz Festival, an incredible success." (Amy Heimpel - Velvet Rope Magazine)
"A jumping jazz album that should satisfy anyone who’s been missing Rosemary Clooney. And torch singing of the highest standard."
(David Kidney - Green Man Reviews (Sleeping Hedgehog)
Brenda Lewis possesses one of those voices that never become tiresome. Her eclectic repertoire spans the Big Band era as well as the many differing segments of jazz. Each piece is given a personality and never becomes a tribute version to whoever made the composition a standard. No wonder her newest CD was scooped up by last night’s departing guests.”
(Danny Gaisin - Ontario Arts Review )
"She softly intoned a realm of yesterday's duets with greats that are now on The Big Gig in The Sky and I was inspired."
(GRANGE "LADY HAIG" RUTAN - AUTHOR: DEATH OF A BEBOP WIFE)
WHAT THE CLIENTS SAY ...
"Thank you so much for being with us this evening! The music you made sure brought a lot of smiles and joy. The vocals were so smooth and rich, and John - the orchestra that flowed from what we thought was a piano, tremendous!! Loved having you!
(Guelph Lake Commons, Re: Valentines Concert 2014)
"Enjoyed live musical entertainment from the very talented female jazz group, Brenda & Margaret, that had everyone up on their feet dancing!" (Delmanor Prince Edward, Toronto, New Year's 2015)
WHAT THE FANS SAY ...
"Canada's hidden jazz gem." (Beverley Miranda, Zola's Ottawa 2015)
"This transported me back to when I was 16 and saw Ella Fitzgerald sing at the Imperial Room in the Royal York Hotel, Toronto. Dreamy."
(T. McKenzie, Midland Cultural Centre 2014)
*All quotes used ONLY with the permission of those who have made them.