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“Butler is a
unique package....Her voice, a smooth, slightly husky alto that
can slide up to thrilling high notes, has a comfortable,
soothing timbre; but she changes attitudes from song to song
with the facility of a trained actor, striking a balance
somewhere between the silken elegance of Norah Jones and the
edginess of Patricia Barber....I marveled at the spell this
singer could weave...recalling similar moments listening to
Billie Holiday, Betty Carter, Laura Nyro and Joni Mitchell. Bett
Butler brought me to that place where music can salve the
deepest wound, mend the heart most broken.”
―John
Swenson, United Press International
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"Don’t expect “lite
jazz” here. The Houston-bred Bett Butler’s voice is sometimes
hoarse and downright growly, but that’s usually the prelude for
an unexpectedly soothing wail or a left-field, smirky stage
whisper. She makes spontaneous, thrilling, but unflashy vocal
choices based on the material, which she has usually written
herself or with her partner Dilley. The snap-happy “Cold Front”
is the fahrenheit-opposite of Peggy Lee’s “Fever.” (“What can I
do to break the ice?” Butler pleads in one luscious soar). The
string-laden “When Love Has Left the Room” is an alcoholic’s
last stand, narrated by her with barfly pleasure. With bawdy
horns set to slow, sauntering beats, “Bubba’s Inconvenience
Store” might be Butler’s own version of a country novelty hit,
in which she riffs splendidly about candy bars, armadillos,
bottled water, hairstylist Jose Eber, and tow trucks – all while
her car is stranded in a South Texas town.
In its most acid moments, Butler’s voice recalls the late-career
performances of jazz great Annie Ross in Robert Altman’s
sprawling flick “Short Cuts.” For the most part, though, Butler
is warmer, fuller, and more agile in her phrasing of a lyric.
Miss this Texas vocal powerhouse at your peril."
—Jimmy Fowler
Fort Worth Weekly
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“Bett Butler is one of my favorite singers...a
beautiful woman with a stunning voice...cool, smooth, and
well-versed in jazz and R&B.”
―Jim Beal Jr., San Antonio Express-News
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“How can such a big voice come from such a tiny
lady?....Watching Bett perform...is a lesson in crowd control.
Her voice, her control of the ivories, and her interplay with
the audience combine to weave a spell that makes you
hers....Bett Butler is a gem.”
―Mike Hood, The Current
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"A sensitive songcrafter and beautiful performer....foxy and
feisty, with a crisp and sometimes seductive voice which is
distinguished by some unusual phrasing....Her keyboard work is
effortless and silk-smooth...."
―Sam Kendrick, Action Magazine
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"In her first
release, Bett Butler...takes us on a jazz journey that blends a
host of styles into a sound that is meticulously constructed,
both musically and lyrically....one of the most exquisite voices
since Minnie Riperton....sparkling vibrato and impressive range
and control....Her poetry and vision, combined with keyboard
prowess and sterling vocalizations, amuse and entertain track
after track....This CD is a sheer joy to listen to."
—Robert Lindquist, Singer Magazine
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Read critic Charlie Ricci's review of Myths & Fables on Bloggerhythms.
Read the review of Short Stories in
All Music Guide.
Read a review of Short Stories in
Rambles, a Cultural Arts Magazine.
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