articles : australia
Sinatra's heir apparent
By Katherine Feeney, Brisbane Times
Oct 22, 2008
There's something special about being labelled Frank Sinatra's heir apparent - particularly when that successor is a woman. ...barely thirty, [she] has already attracted acclaim from the upper echelons of jazz world royalty.
Speaking with the singer, it becomes clear she won't be drawn on questions surrounding her much-publicised brilliance. To say that Parlato is modest is an understatement. She says a highly creative upbringing in Los Angeles cultivated her talent and that her ambition is merely a quest to remain "honest, open and venerable" about her art.
Wang's jazz rhythms in good health
The Age, Jessica Nicholas
Nov 5, 2008
"featured US singer Gretchen Parlato, whose hushed vocals floated over Mike Moreno's acoustic guitar with a gossamer lightness that belied its rhythmic sophistication."
Diminutive Parlato shows how jazz music
should be sung
TODAY | ARTS
by Ron Banks, West Australian
Feb 12, 2008
"Gretchen Parlato is what you might call the jazz singer's jazz singer. In other words, there is a purity about her style, an ease, charm, confidence and poise that make her the exemplar of how jazz music should be sung."
Sultry Gretchen sizzles
The Courier-Mail
Brisbane, Australia
Feb 1, 2008
"THE phone rings three times before voicemail picks up. A piano sounds in the background, introducing the sultry voice of American jazz artist Gretchen Parlato, crooning: "Please leave a message and I'll call you back, and l'll call you back . . ."
» read interview
Jazzed up - Gretchen Parlato
OurBrisbane.com
by Justin Grey
Jan 30, 2008
"it was really just realising how to be a better musician – how to drop my own ego and not let it get in the way of me growing. When you come out of it [Thelonious Monk Institute] you realise this was a heavy, heavy thing, and the greatest part is it makes you realise what you want and don’t want in music and even in life... To me, what I do has always been very pure, natural and simple in its approach. Sometimes you’re not even aware of the steps that you’re making, but it’s a wonderful thing that, in turn, by just expressing what I love myself, other people have loved it too. "
» read interview
Critically Acclaimed Jazz Prodigy Visits Australia for the First Time
Brisbane Powerhouse
Dec 2007
"Hailed by critics as a female Frank Sinatra, winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition... Gretchen is renowned for her ethereal sound and fusion of jazz, Brazilian and African elements."
» read article
