Roberta Donnay

Roberta Donnay was dynamite! A “Woman of Jazz” to check out! Her voice was sultry, sexy and silky all in one. She sang some tunes from the classic era in Jazz. Including Bessie Smith standards like “You're A Good Ol' Wagon But You Done Broke Down” and “I Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl” (she's not talkin' cereal bowl here folks!).

She was backed by a top shelf band that included piano, upright bass, drums, and a happenin' horn section that was tight and focused. All the cats really swung together well. Her trumpet man, Rich Armstrong, in particular was outstanding with a muting technique that made his horn not only talk, but stand up and testify!

Solos from the instrumentalists were tastefully crafted and well delivered. The band really worked together to help Roberta's voice soar when it needed to and get down when it had to. The crowd was really digging her sound with loud applause and cheers after each song.

Well, you can’t say that producer Orrin Keepnews is resting on his laurels. Though he’s personally responsible for jump starting the careers of guys like Monk, Adderley and Montgomery, he’s still on the hunt for talent. He’s found it in this jewel-toned vocalist, Roberta Donnay. This, her 5th release is a real treasure..This is a fresh and lively disc; when’s she coming to town?
- George Harris

Dan Hicks has been working as a deadpan hipster for more than 40 years, and he has the scars to prove it. Making records since 1969, usually accompanied by various configurations of Hot Licks, Hicks shrewdly melds hot gypsy jazz, country swing, folk, blues, beat and bluegrass, all without ever breaking a sweat. On his latest collection, Hicks balances solid original compositions against a few well-chosen covers. His droll vocal delivery is smooth, fast and confident (he even scats), and the backing voices of Lick-ettes Roberta Donnay and the surname-free Daria never leave him too exposed.

It's jazz and country swing, it's Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (courtesy of chipper chirpers Roberta Donnay and Daria); it's Grappelli and Django, plus jingles, along with witty lyrics, lovely harmonies, tight playing and some bebop scatting that would do Ella Fitzgerald proud.

Really fun / funny interview w/Dan the Man about the recording, writing, playing and working w/The Hot Licks!

Her version of “Put It Where You Want It” could stop a war! At least warriors might put down their weapons for a few minutes while they listen to this cool, funky version of the classic!

Review of What’s Your Story

Review of What's Your Story

..this new CD is a very convincing straight ahead vocal session. Ms. Donnay has a pleadingly relaxed soprano voice into which she injects a sort of sexy slouch at all the right moments. And likewise, she implies a certain well controlled experiential angst, whenever she sees fit to detail the drama. Add to all that a rhythmic audacity, at times reminiscent of young Anita O'Day, and you have a Jazz singer fully formed.

As Jazz debuts go, this one so far surpasses the average that it's not even worth considering "average" as a fitting baseline measure.

Review of What's Your Story

Review of What's Your Story

Review of What's Your Story