EXCERPTS FROM REVIEWS
"Irish-Canadian
vocalist Theresia Bothe grew up in Mexico. Guitarist/vocalist Peter Croton
is a U.S. native who was trained at the
Oberlin Conservatory, and has won awards all over North America during his travels. Both live in Switzerland, and while all of these facts may
account for the folk/pop/jazz mix you hear on this recording, it does not tell
the complete story. While heavier on the folk/pop component, there's a
sweetness and light to the original material heard throughout. Bothe is
distinctively Irish in her vocal style, rolling r's and brandishing the
clipped, bold and bright bonnie tones associated with Celtic singing. Croton is
similar to Gordon Lightfoot vocally, while on the guitar his approach is fairly
basic within the folk tradition, though at times it's clear he's heard his
share of the mellower side of Kenny Burrell. The most surprising ideas, though
much less traditionally mainstream jazz than one might think, are the tributes
to Langston Hughes and Billie Holiday. The duo play an homage to the legendary
poet "On The Death Of Langston Hughes," while the sad "Song For
Billie Holiday" is in 3/4 time. A New Orleans shuffle in a quartet setting
shows the best improvisation and swing during "Life Is Fine" as sung
by Croton, Bothe's feature on the lullaby "Song To A Sleeping Child"
is the most tender tune of the date, and during the rock oriented song of
departure "You're Running Away Again," both sing in harmony. The
remainder of the program leans to folk, especially Croton's impressive acoustic
guitar finger style triplet forms on "Land Of Dreams" with a more
ethereal Bothe, while "Just Another Shoulder To Lean On" markedly
molds the swing and pop shells into a unified whole. "
All Music Guide, Michael G. Nastos
"Bothe
sings from her heart with a strong rich voice that will excite folk music
lovers as they expand their envelope. Our favorite was "Another day in
life with you" with a cool guitar intro by Peter."
O’s Place Jazz Newsletter,
D. Oscar Groomes
"This band
creates a unique blend of folk pop and jazz. Bothe and Croton's music is formed
from the stylings of Billy Holiday and Kenny Burrell. The voice of Theresia
Bothe is a bit like Judie Collins and Joan Baez, so that definitely fits with
the theme of folk jazz.
There also seems to be a dose of poetry-laced lyrics infused in some of these
songs. "On the death of Langston Hughes" has a slow melodic sound
that is more folk than jazz, but incorporates both styles. "Song for
Billie Holiday" has impressive guitar accompaniment with strong lyrics.
The chordings chosen by Croton fit this song to a tee. A subtle echo effect
lends merit to this track. The guitar tone is good and a slight tremolo sound
is present. "I'll Sing a Song for You" has an intro with jazz chords.
It moves into a faster ballad sung by Bothe and has cool jazz drumming and
upright bass on the track.
The CD
"I'll Sing a Song for You" has impressive vocals and jazz guitar
playing, which will make it appeal to fans of folk-laden jazz."
Metro Spirit, Rich McCracken II
"Two
talented pros travel the singer/songwriter route, with a little genre splicing
for flavor, and deliver a nice set of originals that goes down well and never
comes across as over reaching. Tackling life’s big questions in song,
this is the kind of under the radar, neo-folk that gives you the easy kind of
music you can kick back with but isn’t fluff."
MIDWEST RECORD, Chris Spector
"I really
like Croton's guitar work, very much in the tradition of many jazz guitarists
throughout the years."
The Run-Off Groove, John Book