Album Notes

SPECIAL NOTE: A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS CD WILL BE DONATED TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MS.


What They're Saying about Tenderly:

I first heard Wendolina (Wendy) sing several years ago in a jazz club, the song was that great standard, "I've Got a Crush On You" ~ she was just sitting in for that one song, but the first few notes she sang grabbed my ear and I was absorbed by "that voice" ~ it was natural yet present, intimate yet encompassing, impeccably in tune yet fluid, and I wanted to hear more of it. Being particular about vocalists, when I hear a truly gifted one I don't forget it - no matter how much time passes.
Now years later, "that voice" that was long ago imprinted on my mind, has finally been captured on Wendy's debut CD Tenderly...it was well worth the wait.

Wendy opens the door and invites us in with the title cut, "Tenderly." This often overlooked standard sets the vibe for the CD; open and authentic. There's no need for lush strings or over-produced arrangements on these stunning and well-chosen songs, Wendy 's opulent voice provides all of the atmosphere.

Recorded in the Pacific Northwest by engineer David Lange, Wendy not only produced the project, but hand-picked some of Seattle's best musicians for it; Nick Moore (piano), Mark Ivester (drums), Douglas Barnett (bass), and Chuck Deardorf (bass), also featured is Minnesota-based jazz pianist Laura Caviani. Every one of these players are remarkable and intuitive musicians; they frame each song artfully, reveal their skills, yet sustain the natural spaciousness that breathes, and lets Wendy's elegant vocals resonate, throughout this CD. It may be her premiere offering, but this first rate CD is comparable with any one of the most listened to, Jazz-influenced vocalist's CD's on the present scene.

From poetic ballads like "Tenderly" and "Song of No Regrets," beautiful Brazilian and Latino melodies; "Samba de Verao," " To Say Goodbye," "Nina," and "No Me Queda Mas," to old and new standards; "Dancing in the Dark," "For All We Know," "Yesterday," and "When October Goes," Wendy captures the moods and colors of every style and every song. She has all of the qualities of a great singer; the ability to be authentic in every genre, the wisdom to remain true to the song, the skills of nearly flawless intonation and technique, the feel, creativity, and vocabulary to make each song her own, and most of all, the passion to sing about all of life without hesitation...Wendy has it all and she does it all so Tenderly.

~ Criterion Jazz Review