Reviews for Hybrid Songbird

A real variety This CD was a FINDI! Actually I bought it at a benefit performance after seeing and hearing Ava live. What fun, and what a performance and I just had to take it home with me...and the 2nd CD too. Can't wait to see and hear her again. The rarely performed musical theater songs were a treat..... "50%" a real smash and "Words she doesn't say" such a sweet change from the belting numbers. Come back Ava, come back again and again!   

– Paula     

Dynamic vocals, brilliant choice of material, and Hybrid Songbird's exciting selection of material; reflecting Broadway, folk, jazz and classic tin pan alley influences is the kind of CD you want to play over and over, each time hearing a different emotional tone in Ava Victoria's dynamic vocals. From Jerry Herman to Hoagy Carmichael to Kurt Weill, it left me wanting to see this artist in a live show. Check out this fantastic CD!  

– A Larson  

This work is on par with old Sinatra. In this day and age of studio overproduction, Ms. Victoria is one of the few artists who sounds like she's singing to me from my living room: clear and sincere. My favorite is "Disneyland". When I lived in Vermont I used to blast it in my truck as I barreled around the countryside. She breathes life into every song on this album with that amazing voice.  

– David Vergi 

Sensational! This CD brought out so many emotions for my family. We cried, laughed, remembered and found ourselves listening to her over and over just to experience these sensations again. Ava's powerful vocals still give us goose bumps. Our favorites, Fifty Percent, Disneyland, Mama A Rainbow...who are we kidding, we love them all!   

– Dubbels

Hybrid Songbird is Delightful! Hybrid Songbird is a tour-de-force for Ava Victoria. Disneyland is an old-fashioned Broadway showstopper in the grand tradition. The last note gives me goosebumps, which only happens when I hear amazing singing! My other favorite tracks include a gutsy and heartfelt version of I Won't Send Roses, a delicate September Song and a rollicking one of the Boys. Ava is an amazingly gifted artist, and Hybrid Songbird is delightful from start to finish. Brava!  

– John Rinaldi

AMAZEMENT! Ava, you have the most gorgeous vibrato I've ever heard. Your high notes make me shake my head in sheer amazement. I've liked "FIFTY PERCENT" by you long before you added it to this CD. The guitar work as usual is wonderful. We go back a long way with this when we both studied guitar with Bud Dashiell in Westwood, CA. Thank you for mentioning me in both of your CD inserts.  

– Kendra Davis

SURPRISES ONE BY ONE I love this CD. We've heard Ava in live performances for charity benefits ad she's true to her recorded sound. I love "Words She Doesn't Say" and also heard it picked up years ago by an East Coast College station. "I Won't Send Roses" is a stroke of magic. I've heard other women, since this recording use this version given to Ava by the writer himself. The other women singers "MISS THE TUG" in it altogether. This track is just beautiful. And Ava says that her singing teacher at the time played the piano arrangement like no other person could. This track is a personal favorite of hers..... and "Baltimore Oriole"  

– Marie Weinert

WE LOVE "Disneyland" in our household. My husband loves the guitar songs. We ju OH...gotta review your second CD too. Please don't make us wait too long for the third CD. Keep the guitar songs coming. So, unusual to hear Musical Theater songs on guitar and really feel and hear the lyric. WE LOVE your help in our fund raisers. You always bring in the dollars for us. Love to see you, visit with you and then just put on your CD when we want MORE!  

– Pat Abernathy

Hybrid Songbird, Take Me Away! I haven't had the opportunity to hear Ava perform live, so this - her first CD - was a magnificent introduction to her vocal and stylistic range, and her rich arrangements. I love every track, but if I had to choose favorites, they would include "I Won't Send Roses," "Disneyland," and "Shenandoah-Down In The Valley." Listening to Ava's gorgeous vocals relaxes, centers and invigorates me; once you've heard her, you'll know what I mean!  

– Paul Weintraub

First time out is a keeper. I really enjoyed working on this CD with Ava. I have a memory of reviewing this CD but the review has been lost in space. I hope that you will join this page and the other page to KICKIN' UP LIFE and create a note or two of the songs that touch you. Pretty soon all of them will touch you. I really do enjoy the guitar arrangements. Surprises at every turn!!!! BALTIMORE ORIOLE is a keeper and WORDS... Well, the simplicity is what touches me.  

– Sam Duaine

A Home Run.  What a fantastic choice of songs and with Ava's vocal strength I got to experience them in an all new way. I can listen to this CD over and over again and not tire of the songs or the sound of that great voice!  

– Sarah Dean

Life is filled with unexpected pleasures... Sadly for me, I was unfamiliar with Ava Victoria or her work until a few days ago, but through a serendipitous turn of events I was lucky enough to find my way to her website. Reading about her, thought she sounded like a really interesting performer.    

At this point, though, I still hadn't heard her sing, so I took a chance and purchased her first CD, Hybrid Songbird. Frankly, her performance on this CD was everything I could have hoped for, and more. I know that's a cliche, but once you've heard this album, you'll know what I mean. Each of the songs on here is a gem, many of them little known to the general public. Special favorites so far are "I Won't Send Roses," "September Song" and "Fifty Percent."    

If like me, you stumbled across this CD listing and you're debating whether to take the plunge and buy it, all I can say is that you won't be disappointed. It's a real treat!  

– Scott Morris

Dynamic vocals, brilliant choice of material, and Hybrid Songbird's exciting selection of material; reflecting Broadway, folk, jazz and classic tin pan alley influences is the kind of CD you want to play over and over, each time hearing a different emotional tone in Ava Victoria's dynamic vocals. From Jerry Herman to Hoagy Carmichael to Kurt Weill, it left me wanting to see this artist in a live show. Check out this fantastic CD!  

– A Larson  

Surprise after surprise. Unusually fine guitar playing for Musical Theater songs. Makes me want to check out the musical cast recordings and hear the original versions. Some beautiful songs by some great writers and Ava treats these songs with such amazing affection and power. Gotta buy the next CD too.  

– Ted

I love tearing along listening to it. Truly a masterpiece Ava.  

– D. Vergi

Your rating is 5 STARS!!! I may have forgotten to rate this CD in my last review! For the record...it's FIVE STARS. Love, Kendra  

– Kendra Davis

She did it again and this time with more guitar work. We love having you Ava for Beautifully done, touching at moments and thrilling in other moments. "Isn't This Better" is poignant on guitar. I loved your first CD and waited a long time for the second CD. Please give us MORE!  

– Pat Abernathy

My favorite new CD!!! This is my favorite new CD. I love the selection of music, the arrangements and the production and the way Ava's voice soars effortlessly. Every song is a wonderful performance. For No One is a beautiful rendition of a Lennon/McCartney song that touches me every time I hear it. I'm looking forward to another CD from Ava.  

– Donna Nigro

Indulge Yourself! Ava Victoria's impressive artistry shines through with CD #2, "Hybrid Songbird Kickin' Up Life" and we are blessed! Ava's versatility as a singer, arranger and musician is tremendous. In the Cabaret market today I don't know of a better marriage of voice with guitar. Ms. Victoria's choice of instrumentation throughout this CD is totally unique and masterful. All of her numbers burst with integrity and heart. Ava's voice is simply extraordinary; she leaps, punching out a beautiful high belt, to singing a lovely ballad in a seamless, effortless and sultry way. "I Belong Here" and "Here's to Life" are riveting renditions. "Hybrid Songbird Kickin' Up Life" is a celebration of the great artistry of Ava Victoria. Indulge Yourself!  

– Frances Devlin

Mesmerizing! I just closed my eyes and was transported to another world. Her voice is so mesmerizing and just leaves you wanting more. It is a true pleasure to listen to her singing some of my favorite songs.  

– Gail Madueno

Hybrid Songbird Kicks Up Life. If you appreciate the human voice in song (unassisted by technical enhancements) then you'll get much joy from both these offerings by Ava Victoria. The theme that weaves both collections together is a love for American musical theater and the intimacy of the cabaret setting to showcase this music. As you look over the selections and their composers you will recognize some very familiar names but many with the added treat of their less familiar origins. Some of these songs, a bit obscure unless you're fluent in musical theater, offer added surprise in the way Ava Victoria gives even the standards a fresh coat of paint. Each gives her an opportunity to reveal the soar and range of her voice, and in many instances highlights her guitar playing, all within the feel of the cabaret. The thoughtful arrangements serve also to balance the presence of brass, cello, harmonica and assorted other instruments, all called upon when needed to complete the portrait. It's noteworthy that while some of these offerings may be anchored in the past, and yet still poignant decades after their popularity, are equally available to us in the present. Again, if you are seeking the closeness of a performer in an intimate setting then both of these albums will satisfy that need. And you can have it without dressing up, leaving the ease of your living room sofa or the one-on-one of your personal media player. If, on the other hand, you exist for the high-decibel squeal of an electric guitar, the trance of the synthesizer or generally crave to thrash about, you won't find that here.  

– James Inman

Ava's CD should be a number one hit! Participating in the making of this CD was a pleasure. Hearing the outcome was even better. Ava is right on the button with her unusual selection of material and instrumentation. The arrangements are clever, interesting and pleasing to the ear.   

– Jim Murdock

Just close your eyes and let the music soar through you. This CD carries you into another world - the pure pleasure one gets from listening to Ava sing and play is a rare experience. Every song is a gem --my particular favorites are "Just Go to the Movies" and "Here's to Life," both of which I have moved into my Favorites playlist in my iPod.  

– Joan D. Saunders

Great Singing, Great Songs! Ava is the rarest kind of singer, gifted with both a lustrous voice and the uncanny ability to communicate the truth of each song. Her earthy rendition of "Life Is" shows equal parts exuberance and wisdom. "Isn't this Better?" is a bittersweet, vulnerable view into one woman's private thoughts in a moment of quiet. "I Belong Here" (a little-known Jerry Herman treasure) is presented in a conversational tone, against a simple, spare setting of lilting accordion and Ava's expressive guitar playing. I think this is my favorite cut of all. Each time I listen to this CD I hear a nuance I missed before, and I'm sure I'll be listening to to it for a long time to come.  

– John Rinaldi

Here's To Ava.  A beautiful CD with a wonderfully varied collection of songs. Ava's rich voice brings deep emotion to the ballads and vibrance to the up-tempo songs. She's a joy to listen to, from the opening "Life Is" to my personal favorites, which end the CD, "I Belong Here" and "Here's To Life". Here's to Ava - I hope you bring us more soon.  

– John Scott Stewart

Kickin'up Life.  Another amazing recording by Ava Victoria. You get a complete sense of what is special and unique about American cabaret singing with Kickin' up Life. Ava's expressive voice and phrasing will transport you to a place inside yourself where you can start to remember some of who you really are and what is beautiful about this kind of expression. It's just wonderful.  

– Kate Michaels

IT'S GIVING ME CHILLS!!! There is no one on earth who sounds like you Ava. Your voice is more beautiful than ever. Your guitar work is "friggin'" beautiful. There is such CLASS, TRADITION, WARMTH, and EXPERTISE in your singing. This is WHY I am the honorary president of your fan club.  

– Kendra Davis

A story telling voice. This CD, like the first one just has surprising variety and runs one song into the other so effortlessly that I can't believe it's over when it's over. No boring repetition often excused today as a "style". This is pure song and singing and some tight guitar playing. We love it in our car household etc. etc.MORE PLEASE!!!  

– Marie Weinert

Everybody's Dancin' to Kickin up Life. It's hard to choose a favorite on this fabulous CD. I can't stop listening to Everybody's Dancin, finding myself engrossed in the crisp guitar and Ava's clear vocals. I am so glad I found this mix to listen to!  

– Mary Rocha

...I forgot to tell you my favorites songs... My very best favorite song is "Everybody's Dancin." This song vividly reminds me of my old "LookingFor-Mr. -Good-Bar Days" in San Francisco. Every time when I listen to this elegiac and groovy love song, I flash back to those bittersweet memories. My another favorite is "It Never Was You." Ava's lyrical singing is genuinely effective for this beautiful timeless number. You will be really surprised.  

– Masa Yasuda No.2

Here's to Ava. Ava's lovely, pristine voice is quite amazing to listen to. Down to the last detail, the last inflection, the carrying through each note to the end with grace and precision is captivating. Ava expresses the lyrics so sensitively. I was enthralled with her rendition of For No One. Quite remarkable. Ave blends a strong folk quality with cool, warm, and lots of colors.  

– Melissa

Gorgeous vocals, smart musical arrangements, wonderful variety... ENJOY! What I love about Ava Victoria's work is the variety: variety of vocal styles, variety of instrumentation, variety of sentiments expressed through the songs. Each one of the songs on this CD is so special, from the Kander/Ebb to the Jerry Herman to the Hoagy Carmichael to the Victoria/Duaine. How I can choose a single favorite?! Ava Victoria is such a complete musician, and "Kickin' Up Life" bears witness!  

– Naomi Sanchez

YEP! She did it again! We loved the first CD HYBRID SONGBIRD and now the second CD "KICKIN UP LIFE" is taking over We just don't get bored...back and forth from really fine piano players and then to Ava's guitar pieces...well we just love it all. "Isn't This Better" is beautiful with guitar and cello.  

– Pat Abernathy

Here she goes again!!! Ava did a Cabaret fundraiser recently. She gave it all away, all of it and threw herself in with it. She paid the musicians and even gave a percentage of her CD sales to us. She sold a lot. The show was 75 minutes that went by so fast we couldn't believe it. It was filled with humor, fire and real sentimental value. This CD has some of the lovely songs she did UNPLUGGED; "Isn't This Better", "Once Upon A Time"...really held my attention. WE LOVED IT! We have the first CD and we love them both at home or in the car or in our i-PODS.  

– Pat

Ava Victoria IS Kickin' Up Life In a wonderful follow-up to her first CD, "Hybrid Songbird," Ava Victoria wows us again with every cut on "Kickin' Up Life!" My favorites? "Just Go To The Movies" and "Here's to Life." While I enjoy listening to this CD in the comfort of my living room, I have to say that it's the perfect companion on a long drive as well - alternately up-beat and invigorating, and soothing and soulful - the antidote to tailgaters and drivers on cell phones. Ava's voice is a gift, her arrangements are a gift, and this CD is a gift.  

– Paul Weintraub

Lovely and expressive voice. As a musical instrument maker I am acutely aware of quality sounds. Ava's voice is an A+ maker of sophisticated and lovely sounds. Ava's rendering of "Once upon A Time" matched the timeless nature of the song perfectly, evoking sweet memories and deep emotions long forgotten. It's a musical reunion with our youth.  

– R. Angella

She's a really fine person to collaborate with on a musical project. The arrangements are simple and hit the mark. I keep hearing details that passed me by earlier. We plan to throw your way more original songs.  

– Sam Duaine writing partner 

Fantastic Guitar and Vocals! I really enjoy this CD. Many of the songs were new to me but Ava and that voice... it made me feel like had been listening to them for years. My favorite song is Everybody's Dancin. The guitar and the beat are so fun I cant help but move along with the music while I listen. Thank you Ava V for feeding us more of your great talent!  

– Sarah Dean

Jewels in the CD jewel box! This CD has musical theater songs that are surprisingly well matched to the guitar....well a good song can't help finding a good singer-musician. This gal really can pick 'em. The guitar arrangements are so infused with the right attitude for the songs. I BELONG HERE sounds like something out of an American song book of small town favorites. ISN'T THIS BETTER is a shameless honest confession. My appreciation for fine guitar playing and Musical Theater have moved up a notch since finding this lady. Songs that tell a heart's story are so appealing. MORE AVA, a lot more.  

– Ted

Off The Hook! It is indeed my pleasure to shout out Ava's latest accomplishment, Kickin' Up Life. The rich vocals and smooth instruments that combine to make this yet another must have cd for anybody's collection. Best served with a chilled glass of wine. "Just go the movies" is a toe tapping happy little song, that for me brings back a flood of memories of a "Ava" back in the early years that few have had the pleasure to know such as I have. Hybrid Songbird Kickin' Up Life! If you don't have it you're not with it. Purchase yours today.  

– Troy Walrod

"Everybody's Dancin" is GREAT!  "For No One" is making me cry. You sing it better than the Beatles. "Once Upon A Time is SO pretty. I ordered 10 of these CDs to pass on to friends.  

– Kendra Davis