 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Theatre Reviews |
| Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill |
| Lady Day Star Trumps Script |
Story of courage by Judy Otto
Staff Writer -
Thursday, February 24, 2005
|
|
CD Reviews
|
If Only… Billie Unsung
Hold on to your jaw because Thomasina is the closest thing to Billie Holiday since Billie herself. If Billie could have made just one more record, if she had been able to give us a little more of her unique, legendary style, this could very well be the album. With all the elegance, the class, the charm and that distinctive delivery, "If Only" carries the torch, pays respect and offers tribute to one of the greatest vocalists in all jazz history.
- CD Baby |
I can¹t say when I have enjoyed a performance more than I did this evening at the Rochester Civic Theater. You are absolutely wonderful. I wish you
only the best in the endeavors of your profession. I believe if there could
have been other performances, we could have filled the house again and
again. What a talent!
-
Joyce G. |
Thomasina, I truly applaud you, and know that you soon will be the next to
"blow up". Your voice is absolutely beautiful! May doors open for you.
Godspeed.
-
Kat |
HI Thomasina, I love your CD and I love Billie too. This makes me think of
so many songs I'd like to hear her do! Off the top of my head ³Take 5² was
my favorite on your CD.
-
Melissa |
I just got through reading the biography of Lady Day and also finding your
LP on the internet, Thomasina. I just love the version of Strange Fruit. I
am writing from Spain. A strong hello, kisses. Some life, that of Lady Day.
-
Aitor Guenaga, Spain |
Its just like Billie is right there, it's the first CD I put on in the
morning and it starts my day off on a positive foot. I never knew Billie but
Thomasina allows me to feel what Billie meant to jazz and to the community.
Thomasina brings the quality and the in-depth feeling of the struggles our
musicians back then had to face - but its wonderful to see that New
Millennium jazz artists like Thomasina can have a place in music without all
the destructive coping mechanisms that destroyed so many other artists
before their time. Thomasina pays her dues by putting Billie in her rightful
place - on a pedestal with love.
-
Michael Wright, Founder and Organizer,
Selby Ave Jazz Fest |
Thomasina Petrus cut a wonderful recording, If Only...Billie Unsung,
following her acclaimed performance in ³Lady Day at Emerson¹s Bar & Grill',
by Lanie Robertson, which had Billie Holiday aficionados traveling from as
far away as Chicago to Minneapolis¹ Old Arizona Theatre. The concept finds
Petrus delivering, in an uncanny depiction of the timeless legend, such
songs as "The Look of Love," "Our Day Will Come," "More" and "The Boy from
Impanema" might sound had Lady Day lived long enough to record them.
Accompanied by the fine pianist Brian Nielson, she applies a world of
finesse with such authenticity, you have to keep reminding yourself it's
not actually Billie at the mike. There are also two Holiday classics, "Don't
Explain" and the haunting "Strange Fruit." Dwight Hobbs Contributing.
- Writer, Insight News |
It¹s a voice that best serves the marriage of tradition and innovation,
which is the essence of jazz vocals and that is the element of surprise.
She makes everything old new again.
- Mahmoud El-Kati |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
© 2008 Thomasina Productions. All rights reserved. |
