Staelens, Bethany Smith
Kotteb Records, 2009, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 15.2
Jazz Ruler Type: BigBand
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score:
O’s Notes: This is a refreshing combination of a powerful large ensemble behind a singer with a strong voice. Staelens absorbs the spotlight without breaking a sweat. She is enthusiastic, confident and polished on thirteen of her favorite songs, all popular jazz tunes arranged to optimize her performance with the large ensemble. Bethany puts her heart into ” I Got It Bad”, swings with the band on “Love is Here To Stay” and gives us a taste I bossa nova with “Jobim Medley”. Her passion and integration with the band are differentiators that make this collection of covers shine.
Publicist: Kari-On Productions