“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“And now for something completely different.”

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

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

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

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

“Transcending standard jazz idioms”

“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.””