Reviews:

"Raquel Bitton - Boleros"

Raquel Bitton's voice immediately brings Edith Piaf to mind, and that's no coincidence. Henri Contet, who wrote many of Piaf's most popular songs, has said, "…your talent would have pleased her so much…." Bitton's admiration for the legendary "Little Sparrow" led her to write and star in the award-winning documentary concert-film Piaf—Her Story Her Songs. Both performers sing passionately of love in strong, assured voices with heavy and wide vibratos.

Bitton in this release has moved away from her usual French repertoire to pay tribute to the bolero and its most revered composers. Her intense, sultry approach to these romantic classics will make you wonder why she didn't record them sooner.

Ron Bierman, JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE

 

"Raquel Bitton - Boleros"

Raquel Bitton and the bolero share similar heritages, mixing French and Spanish influences to create a fiery romanticism of soaring intensity. And Bitton, who suggests a spicier Edith Piaf (and, indeed, has earned substantial success investigating the Piaf songbook), seems an ideal choice for exploring, in French and Spanish, the work of the greatest Cuban, Mexican and Spanish bolero composers of the 20th century.

Of these dozen classics, only one, Consuelo Velàzquez’s scorching “Besame Mucho,” will likely be familiar. But there is a spectrum of quixotic delights to be discovered here, ranging from the light shimmer of “Guitare d’amour” and swinging, horn-fueled bounce of “J’attendrai” to the august passion of “Aranjuez, mon amour” and soul-deep fervor of “Adoro.” Consider it a first-class ticket to alluringly piquant musical vistas.

Christopher Loudon, JAZZ REVIEW

"We are high on playing BOLEROS!"

Gregg Hunter Niteside show (reaches a national audience in excess of 5 Million people.)

" Listener response is out of this world!"

WKNY, Kingston NY - Warren Lawrence

"A Breath of Fresh air..The Lady can sing!"

The Bill Miller show,119 Stations. - Bill Miller

"Raquel Bitton BOLEROS Lights my inner fires,the music Backing is exquisite!"

KSGL Wichita KS - Chuck Hamilton, Program Director

"WOW ! …"

You don’t get a release like this often..and you don’t get that voice everyday.
Raquel Bitton takes you to another land of music and imagery when she sings. Amazing vocals,stunning arrangements. Where has this woman been ? " - Jim Raposa " Frank and Friends " 129 Stations.

"BOLEROS is one of the best new releases of the year."

Raquel Bitton has put together a remarkable recording. Backed by a 30 piece Orchestra of some of the world’s finest musicians,what a joy to share this wonderful music with my audience!" - Ron Della Chiesa,MUSICAMERICA 99.1 Fm
WPLM. Boston ,MA

"My Goodness,it’s so good to have the new Raquel Bitton CD. WE JUST LOVE IT!"

Tron Simpson - Program Director KCMN Colorado Springs.

"Raquel Bitton CD BOLEROS has the spice of the Latin sound and makes it move."

Bob Hamilton, Hamilton communications

"Raquel Bitton is brilliant singing."

BOLEROS is sexy and seductive with Bitton’s French and Spanish sultry voice "
Don Wolff, " I love Jazz " Classic 99 FM, St Louis MO

"Full of Rhythm and Sexiness. You can definitely hit some home runs with this!"

Paul Richards. Program Director WHLI Farmingdale NY

This is Book's Music

http://www.thisisbooksmusic.com/

February 6, 2009

For jazz fans who want something a bit more exotic, take a listen to Boleros (self-released), the new album by Raquel Bitton.

She takes on jazz with a Spanish and French flair, with the kind of charm and gentility that has thrilled audiences around the world. Upon listening to “Solamente una Vez”, one can tell why many have compared her to the legendary Edith Piaf, and upon covering standards like “Besame Mucho” and “Toda una Vida”, you can hear why these songs are as strong as they were then they were originally written and recorded. One can say that this is lounge music, but it’s the best lounge jazz you haven’t heard in years.

The album was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, so if you enjoyed the many albums that have been down there, you will hear that sound on this album, produced by Bitton and Gerald Prolman and engineered by Rafa Sardina and Jesse Nichols. It’s one of those albums where you wish a higher resolution was available, but even if you listen to this on a clock radio, you will hear one hell of an album by one hell of a woman with one hell of a voice. Aiya!

Chris Spector

Midwestrecord.com

RAQUEL BITTON/Boleros: If you're really an alt.adult, Bitton is right up your alley since this is alt without walls. Following her breakthrough with a Piaf tribute, Bitton refused to be a stationary target and continued moving with the same volume of grace and style. Moving from France to Spain, she tackles a jazz/world program with a 30 piece orchestra in tow and tears it up on music of sadness and sensuality. It comes at you out of nowhere and evokes imagery for hopeless romantics to enjoy from another era. A classy set that simply catches you unaware and doesn't let go. A stone cold winner throughout.