Catherine Bott

“It is hard for modern, classically trained singers to hit off the vaudevillian timing, playing with the rhythms; nevertheless both Bott and Suart demonstrate a natural aptitude for the material. Ronald Corp conducts the New London Orchestra and Light Opera Chorus with obvious affection. Listening to this CD made me feel ridiculously happy. ” Gramophone Magazine, June 2008

“Conductor Ronald Corp knows exactly how this music should go and gives it plenty of verve and dash. Richard Suart brings his Savoyard experience to bear on the words and tells you every number. Catherine Bott, unfortunately, lacks this sense of showbiz and her voice sounds too mature.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2008 ****

“ The Cantigas remain some of the most enticing melodies ever written and the New London Consort do them full justice.”“If there is early polyphony that sounds fresher than the four-part Belial vocatur it has yet to be recorded” The Good CD Guide

“The debut release of Fred Music, Convivencia has all the frontal, immediate sound of pop music, though rendered by engineers with a level of understanding of classical acoustic instruments rarely found in the pop world… The real beneficiary in this approach, however is Bott herself…Sensual and smooth on the surface, her vocalism also digs into the text with a rare commitment worthy of spoken theatre. Rather than merely singing a few old songs, she brings an entire medieval world to life…there should be a better word for this project than crossover …Convivencia…is a well conceived package that borrows the best of both.” Ken Smith (Gramophone)

“This four CD box, released on his own label, is a testament to the extraordinary versatility of this brilliant saxophonist. Not only do we get his jazz work (a tribute to Johnny Hodges), but also a wide variety of classical and experimental tracks” The Independent