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"You are so awesome! Great pitch,
huge clear sound, amazing range, but best of all, you sing WITH THE
BAND. You are a musician, on top of being a singer, which is
the best compliment us guys can give you guys." Gordon Goodwin saxophonist, pianist, composer, arranger, Grammy Award winner, Emmy Award winner |
| "The project sounds wonderful, Bethany. The
band is burning, and your voice takes the whole date over the top! A
great CD full of exciting and beautiful moments. Congrats!" John Fedchock trombonist, composer, arranger, Grammy Award nominee |
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| "It's not often that you'll
find a swinging big band with a vocalist that swings just as hard. You'll
find it here with Bethany Smith Staelens and The Big Band Theory. Bethany's
range, pitch and phrasing propel the outstanding ensemble and arrangements
to another level. Her soli lead on "It Don't Mean a Thing" is
a testament to her deep commitment and connection with the band. She's
not just "fronting" the band, she is truly a part of the
ensemble. Swinging soloists, a tight ensemble, and a vocalist
with a deep groove...this is a CD you'll want to listen to again and
again." Philip M. Burlin Chief Musician, Unit Leader U.S. Navy Band 'Commodores' Jazz Ensemble |
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| "Bethany takes no prisoners,
the band is on fire, and the charts are among the best I've heard!" Scott Whitfield trombonist, singer, arranger |
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"Sounds great! Good writing...Bethany sounds great -
super high chops...really nice solos; the band sounds really good." |
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"What a terrific thing you’ve wrought!
It’s a brilliant showcase for ALL of your voices – the
arrangements swinging and stunning. What do I love best? Hard
to say – although you do impinge buttocks on That’s Life. I
think my own existence will be better if I listen to that every day
before I get out of bed." |
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| "...a great album...an exceptional singer" Phil Kelly composer, arraner, conductor |
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"It is fabulous! Your
voice is great, you swing, and the band is a knockout! It is
truly stunning." |
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| "...I was really taken with
[Bethany Smith Staelens'] complete control at all volumes and her extreme
range. With my forty years of teaching and playing with various
artists in Chicago, I have listened to many vocalists, but I have never
heard a voice of such superb quality as...Bethany. Of course
[the] great arrangements helped to bring out, challenge, and show off
the best of her abilities.
It is such a pleasure to hear a really wonderful singer performing
with a top quality big band." John DeRoule Professor Emeritus Wilbur Wright College, Chicago, IL |
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