Elaine St. George: News & Reviews

News & Reviews

Comments from the Audience

Friday, April 04, 2008 :::

"I've been totally remiss in getting back to you to tell you how much I LOVE your version of "I Only Want to Be with You." As a musical illiterate, I've never completely understood what people meant when they compared one interpretation of a song to another, but you've made it crystal clear. I'm a big fan of Dusty Springfield (and I've watched the biopic more times than I'd care to admit), but after hearing your take on the song, I see how her version is really all about the swing and rhythm of the melody; yours is passionately about the lyric, which makes it a different song entirely. With her, it's a great pop song, with you it's a great love song." -- Jeannie

::: posted at 6:59 AM

Sunday, July 01, 2007 :::

I received this lovely note from columnist and critic Roy Sander after our June 2007 show:

As you know, I've been an admirer of your work since the first time I saw you; however, with this show your artistry reached a new level. There wasn't a single number on which you turned in less than a first-rate rendition, and some were truly extraordinary. Your interpretation of "Thunder Road" was stunning. Throughout, I was impressed by your unfailing focus--a quality that many quite good singers sometimes fall short on. And you sounded (and looked) terrific. Can't wait 'til your next New York gig.

Roy

::: posted at 12:09 PM

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 :::

November 2006:
Note from an audience member:

Elaine,
I didn't know what to expect: perhaps you and a piano? But you staged a jazz quartet, redefining the idea of "backup" to mean fully collaborative musicians alongside yourself, all helping to shape what seems to me a unique style. Guitar and bass added much, but your brilliant keyboard guy was right alongside you in making the show work so well. What music you all made! Though sensuous, I felt as well the presence of highly intelligent imagination coupled with deft ensemble -- for me the high water mark of good chamber music -- and could imagine the delight of your sessions as you fit new material into your special frame.

By Jove, I think he liked it! The remarkable musicians he refers to are David Epstein on piano, Adam Armstrong on bass and Nick Russo on guitar. Fine, fine musicians - it's a pleasure to share the stage with them.

In June 2006, the band and I recorded a demo; one of the songs we recorded was John Margolis and Don Rosler's wonderful ballad "Christine's Refrigerator." I sent what we'd done to John and he wrote back:

Thank you so much for the lovely cd. The other songs were beautiful, but I especially appreciate your version of Christine's Refrigerator. Your emotion was spot on for me in your vocal and the arranging as well. I'm very honored to be a part of your project, and wish you the best. It's a gift to have your interpretation.

We also heard from the great songwriter Lew Spence. We were privileged to do the first-ever recording of his song "That Green Dress":

What a surprise! No, what a wonderful surprise.
Elaine, how sweet and generous of you. I was swamped when the CD arrived but I took the time to listen. It's not usually my language but I feel like saying "It's a hoot! BTW, the guitar solo is wonderful.

::: posted at 3:13 PM