“…Shining through all of this was the voice, somewhat reminiscent of Aretha Franklin in her finer earlier years, yet delivered in a style honed and perfected by a very talented performer in her own right…â€
Live Review: STIXHaving released her highly acclaimed, debut album, Virna Sanzone, is emerging as one of Australias most captivating singers. Deeply soulful, yet with the ability to sail effortlessly through the most intricate jazz melodies, her passionate delivery and understated approach have seen her compared to vocal masters from Roberta Flack and KD Lang to Shirley Horne.Though her roots are firmly planted in the fertile ground that resides somewhere between soul and jazz, Virna has been an integral part of projects that have seen her move across a diverse range of genres. Amongst her recent credits, Virna has appeared as a guest vocalist with Lulo Reinhardt, grand-nephew of the great Django Reinhardt, with South African singer and freedom songwriter Vusi Mahlasela, and as part of the recently reformed Australian band, D.I.G. She supported Roy Ayers and Ernest Ranglin on their most recent Australian tours, performed live and for television with Paul Capsis, and recorded for Paul Macs latest release, Panic Room. Virna also spent some years as a regular vocalist with Sydneys godfather of soul, Jackie Orszaczky, working closely with Tina Harrod and Jade Macrae.Highly regarded by her peers, Virna has consistently enjoyed the company, both live and in the studio, of the highest calibre of musician this country has to offer. She has been invited to perform in bands led by jazz luminaries such as Judy Bailey, Jonathan Zwartz, Matthew McMahon at the 2005 Darling Harbour Jazz Festival and most recently with her long-time collaborator, Gerard Masters at the 2006 Jazz:Now Festival, held at the Sydney Opera House.Described as an "uplifting listening experience", Virna's self-titled, independently released album, features a collection of musicians who are truly masters of their craft, including Matthew McMahon, Hamish Stuart, Phil Slater and James Greening. Officially launched at the Basement in May 2005 to a capacity crowd, the recording, originally commissioned by ABC's Jazztrack program, continues to receive considerable airplay.Virna continues to perform regularly with her own band and as a featured guest vocalist and is currently writing material for a second album.
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