Jacqui Sutton

Rank #6 Houston, TX Jazz / Bluegrass / Orchestral

About

Members: Jacqui Sutton; Frontier Jazz Orchestra: Henry Darragh, Paul Chester, Max Dyer, Anthony Sapp, Ilya Janos, Dennis Dotson, Eddie Lewis, Gerald Massoud

Label: toyblue typewriter productions, Kari-On Productions

Manager: Jacqui Sutton

Bio: With her 2010 release of "Billie & Dolly" Jacqui has achieved critical acclaim for deftly blending jazz, bluegrass and classical music into her signature sound called Frontier Jazz. Her second CD "Notes from the Frontier" is due out this summer. In the meantime, stay tuned for gig updates!

More Info

Status

Jacqui Sutton has a show on 04/16/2013 at 07:30 PM @ Leon's Lounge in Houston, TX http://www.reverbnation.com/c./poni/193439562 #concert

Press

“Widening her celebration of American musical spirit, and again teaming with the Texas musicians she’s dubbed the Frontier Jazz Orchestra, Sutton opens with a “Summertime” that serves as splendid introduction to the steel of her pipes and the majesty of a voice that marries the earthiness of Cassandra Wilson to the warmth of Dianne Reeves. Jazz, bluegrass and honkytonk slip and slide together in Sutton’s crafty blend of “Hummingbird” and Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” while “Nature Boy” is reinvented as a fiery tango sung in English and Spanish. She unearths a pair of markedly different patriotic pieces from classical composer Lee Hoiby-the uplifting "Lady of the Harbor" and, revitalized as a bolero, the anthemic "Where the Music Comes From"-and dusts the twangy "Blue Mountain" with gentle jazz harmonies. But Sutton also appreciates when dramatic re-imaginings are neither appropriate nor required.”

— Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times

“Notes From The Frontier - A Musical Journey is really centered on the innovative spirit, creative imagination, and driving force that describe this very accomplished song stylist who has paid more than her share of 'dues,' and elicits the exclamation: OMG! She's good! Sutton and her amazing band satisfy, inspire, entertain, and energize over the course of 12 captivating songs starting with (Summertime); one of Gershwin's finest from "Porgy and Bess." The first song she auditioned as a young singer, and Sutton admits "it was a terrifying experience..." Such an experience is never easily forgotten, however Sutton, with time, has built on it, and now without trepidation, delivers the magnificence in Gershwin's classical voicings, while the band's comprehensive instrumentation (piano, cello, bass) earnestly recreates the distinctive Southern jazz feel of the period.”

— C. J. Bond, Jazz Music

“What is American music? Well, jazz. But if you want to know how deep and how far afield jazz goes, listen to Notes from the Frontier. In this piece and in one other, Sutton uses some operatic chops to float some pretty sensational high notes. But hey, Sutton has a great voice with tremendous range and power, so she can pull off anything she desires.”

— Rad Bennett, SoundStageXperience

“Each cut exemplifies Sutton’s varied palette for music. Notes from the Frontier is an amalgam of American heritage, organic authenticity and the spirit of the heartland. Sutton eloquently blends the truest forms of Broadway, Americana, Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz into a lasting embodiment of American essence, a path I hope she continues to follow.”

— Constance Tucker, All About Vocals

“Sutton, a wondrously inventive vocalist, explores "frontier jazz." This musical free spirit effortlessly casts aside boundaries and weaves elements of soul, folk, bluegrass, Latin and more into her uniquely captivating interpretations. Think you've heard every possible take on "Summertime" and "Nature Boy"? Sutton whips ups completely fresh versions, while holding onto the songs' emotional essence. Imaginative, diverse instrumentation complements her expressive voice.”

— Paul Freeman, Pop Culture

“How many possible arrangements of "Summertime" can there possibly be? Sutton answers with her sultry heartfelt version to open the set with support from Paul Chester (banjo), Anthony Sapp (b) and Max Dyer (cello). That sets the tone for a session of richly arranged classics all with a down home southern country twist. Ilya Janos (perc) and Sapp step up on "Freed" before a stirring arrangement of "Nature! Boy" sung in Spanish and English with a tango twist. Jacqui has a wide range and soars on "Hummingbird" while blending into her band. It is not over the top, just warm, soulful and easily embraced.”

— D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Magazine

“Deftly blending a most unique fusion of jazz and bluegrass along with her own personal influences, Sutton has hit upon a sound that will leave most critics scratching their heads and some record executives looking for a length of rope and rickety stool. To slap an arbitrary label on Notes From The Frontier would be like leaving your hat on during the National Anthem. There is something delightfully Americana yet presented in a form and functionality that merges a plethora of influences while never losing the jazz sensibilities that seem to make this release so captivating.”

— Brent Black, Critical Jazz

“These Notes From The Frontier can define any and all frontiers, and whatever the landscape, this is sure to become the soundtrack to many people and their lives. This one is Grammy-worthy, and I hope she (or someone representing her) will consider submitting this one.”

— John Book, This Is Book's Music

“Combining the vocal sensibilities of Holiday and Parton, Sutton provides a charismatic focus ... full of new textures and musical surprises, "Billie & Dolly" offers an enjoyable and moving set of songs.”

— Mark Hayes, Passing Notes

“And now for something completely different.”

— Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“Sutton's confidence and certainty are almost palpable in every selection from this beautiful and unusual recital.”

— C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

“More than just a CD, "Billie & Dolly" is like listening to a play, with each cut having its own story.”

— Harriet Goldsmith, All Vocals

“Her interpretation of jazz fusion is unlike her predecessors as she handles it with a woman's touch.”

— Susan Frances, Jazz Times Online

“Every once in awhile a star emerges that makes them hard to categorize.”

— Llewellyn Adams, Cashbox Magazine

“Transcending standard jazz idioms”

— Susan Frances, Yahoo!

“Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times describes Jacqui Sutton as a “riveting songstress,” with “a distinct sound that is often constructed of equal parts staccato falsetto and bluesy growl.””

— Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times

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Recent Blogs

"Notes From the Frontier"
Sep 5, 2012
Can't believe I have to wait another week for the physical CDs to come from dupl... [more]

Frontier Jazz on ReverbNation
Dec 16, 2010
16 December 2010 Learning how to use new tools is the order of the day, and tod... [more]

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Songs

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Summertime

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Lady of the Harbor

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Hummingbird/Blue Ro…

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Jenny Rebecca

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Freed

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Videos

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Shows

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Tue
Apr 16

Leon's Lounge
Houston, TX, US | 7:30pm
Leon's Lounge
Houston, TX, US
Tue Apr 16 7:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Hi Y'all! If you're in town, we'd love y'all to come over to Leon's for our Google Hangout and Livestream club date. HOWEVER, if you live afar, help is on the way. You can saunter over to my YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/jazzgrasschic) at 7:30pm CST (8:30pm EST), and there you can watch our Google Hangout, as I answer questions. THEN, at 8pm CST (9pm EST), we will live stream the Frontier Jazz string trio plus Yours Truly (aka the FJQ) right there from Leon's Lounge! So, near or far, you can join in on the action! Appearing: Paul Chester (banjo/guitars); Anthony Sapp (basses); Max Dyer (cello). Tickets: 5.00 18+
Thu
Apr 4

Private Event
Midland, TEXAS, US | 8:00pm
Private Show: Private Event
Midland, TEXAS, US
Thu Apr 04 8:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Private Show: The FJO appears at a corporate groundbreaking ceremony!
Tue
Feb 26

Leon's Lounge
Houston, TX, US | 8:00pm
Leon's Lounge
Houston, TX, US
Tue Feb 26 8:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Jacqui Sutton and the Frontier Jazz Orchestra, featuring Anthony Sapp on the bass, Paul Chester on the banjo/guitars, and Max Dyer on the cello!
2012
Nov 16

The Capitol at St. Germ…
Houston, TX, US | 8:30pm
The Capitol at St. Germain
Houston, TX, US
Fri Nov 16, 2012 8:30pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Return engagement of the FJO just a month after the release of "Notes From the Frontier"! Appearing: Paul Chester (banjo, guitars), Anthony Sapp (basses), Max Dyer (cello), Ilya Janos (percussion), Henry Darragh (piano, trombone), and welcoming back Dennis Dotson (trumpet)! $10 COVER. Make it a date night: dinner guests get premium seating! And if you bring 2 or more dinner guests, you get a FREE DOWNLOAD card of the entire CD with your reservation!
2012
Oct 12

CoInside
Houston, TX, US | 8:00pm
CoInside
Houston, TX, US
Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

Justin Cronin's new vampire book "The Twelve" is coming out in October: He'll be signing books, and I'll be SINGING with the Frontier Jazz Quartet, bringing Texas style since "The Twelve" is set here. Join us at CoInside for a fun time! Appearing: Anthony Sapp (bass), Paul Chester (banjo/guitar); Max Dyer (cello).

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Comments

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MeetThe Seavers
Greetings from Nashville TN. Pure, pure elegant voice. Much love :-))
Russell Warren Mayes
The arrangement on Summertime is really GREAT!!!!
Jacquescoley®
Bonjour de Jacquescoley. We're really digging the arrangement on "Summertime." Very Cassandra Wilson. Cheers. J
Kenny LaMar
Very unique! Love it!!
619shepard
You took one of my favorite songs and made it an order of magnitude more awesome. You are awesome!
SWINGBOOTY
Great voice Jacqui and a wonderful band behind you too.

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Questions

Ask Jacqui Sutton anything...

Q: It seems as if you put your latest CD together much quicker than your last. If this is so, how were you able to do this with all the other work you have on your plate?

A: Hello Veronica, and thanks for your question! The biggest thing that has helped me record this CD in less time is the fact that the FJO has already been performing most of this new music for over a year. I sprang 3 new songs on them that they had to learn in the last couple of months, so that kept things fresh. And I think you'll hear that freshness when "Notes From the Frontier" releases later this summer. Stay tuned and thanks for being a fan of me and the FJO! Yours in Music, Jacqui

Asked by Veronica Wilson. Answered on Tue Jun 05 2012

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