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Donna Byrne can take her listeners on a journey down new musical avenues by using a wide range of deep, soulful vocal talents and a true artist's feel for interpretation and improvisation. Experimenting with her emotions and playing her versatile voice like an instrument, Donna's performances are always an example of a true seasoned professional. She is a perfect mix of talent and grace.
With
sultry good looks and a quick wit, Donna is not only a masterful singer, but
also a true entertainer at the top of her game. This is why she has been consistently
invited back to the top venues on the East and West coasts. Her unforgettable
performances have entertained audiences at: Los Angeles' Jazz Bakery; New
York's Tavern on the Green, Blue Note, and Rainbow and Stars; Washington
D.C.'s The Willard Hotel and Blues Alley, The Baltimore-Washington Jazz Festival,
and Annapolis' King of France Tavern, as well
as several tours in Hawaii with the Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra.
She has also warranted high praise from numerous publications such as:
Jazz Times: "Donna Byrne (is) one of the best singers currently on the scene, one who approaches her lyrics with both intelligence and swinging time, and without distorting syllabic emphasis or resorting to stagy histrionics to get her meaning across."
And Cadence: "Peoples! Heads up! Pay attention! This is one fine Jazz Vocalist!!"
Jazz Journal International, London, wrote: "An American singer with class and commitment . . . a very good example of the genre."
Jersey Jazz said: "Donna Byrne has everything a good singer needs . . . the voice, the control, the comprehension. . . . She travels comfortably through a wide vocal range, with phrasing and inflection that extract all the meaning from the lyrics."
Donna has also gained the respect of the true legends of music, such as:
Ruby Braff: "Artistry that will always appear fresh . . . No phony affections . . . Beautiful and completely believable. What more can you ask for?"
And Tony Bennett: "It doesn't get any better than this . . . One of the best young jazz singers in the country today. She's the Real McCoy."
This is why Donna keeps company with such talented musicians as Dave McKenna, Scott Hamilton, Ruby Braff, and Dave Frishberg.
Donna grew up with music in her blood. Encouraged by her father to sing and perform at the age of two, she first emerged as a professional singer on Cape Cod 25 years ago, where her talents caught the eye and encouragement of famed pianist Dave McKenna. After a hiatus to raise her three children, Donna exploded back onto the scene with four critically-acclaimed CDs. Donna's powerful voice, energetic personality, and life experiences give her music an almost spiritual feel, a soft and subtle charge which has brought admiration from the most novice of jazz fans to Tony Bennett.
Notes and Quotes"Donna was simply enchanting.......fiery and tender by turns. Latin, swing, ballads....... this gal does it all and has few if any peers. She is unquestionably a very great singer........ My hat is definitely off! "-- Barbara Lea Jack Wolf, one of the composers of the song "I'm a Fool to Want You" contacted Donna and took her out to lunch to show his appreciation because her version of "Fool" was his favorite in thirty years! Donna has been the opening act for both Lou Rawls and Bob Newhart. When Donna performed at Tavern on the Green in New York, her audience was filled with luminaries, among them, the legendary Margaret Whiting, who thoroughly enjoyed Donna's performance. Tony Bennett dropped in on the evening of his birthday to hear Donna sing one of his songs, "It Was Me." Mr. Bennett was also present at the Blue Note (he flew home early from the Superbowl to catch Donna and Dave McKenna) and at Sculler's Jazz Club to catch their show there. What a delightful surprise!!! Donna has performed with Frank Wess, Stanley Turrentine and Dave Frishberg - to name just a few. Donna was voted by Boston Magazine "Best of Boston" for jazz vocals. Donna has been nominated multiple times for Boston Music Awards' best jazz vocalist. |