Reviews

Straight Ahead

A collection of fine standards, freshly illuminated by Anita Wardell’s vibrant delivery… Miss Wardell says ‘As a child, the old 78’s sparked a passion which has never left me.’ This disc is testimony to that, and her emergence as one of her adopted country’s leading standards singers.

John Fordham
Jazz UK Magazine, June 2000

Jazz Singer Anita Wardell, from Australia, is good at Scat singing too! Anita who grew up in Adelaide,Australia, now living and performing in London has a charming voice and natural jazz sense which attracts the listener. But not only that, she’s the real thing who can fluently scat and perform vocalese! At this point, I’d like to say that for me, she’s the re-incarnation of Bop singer, Annie Ross. This is her 2nd album, which features Jason Rebello piano, Arnie Somojyi- Bass and Marc Meader- Drums. Take a listen to track 4, Jackie, written by Annie Ross and Hampton Hawes…

Swing Journal, Japan
2002

Anita Wardell sings with the sweetness of Ella, the creativity of Mark Murphy whilst using her laughter, sadness and technique to tell a story like no other.

On-line review on Amazon.co.uk, Jan 2002