Search - Ragan Whiteside :: Class Axe

A Class Act

Sherman L. Dantzler | Grand Blanc, MI United States | 03/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ragan Whiteside is songwriter, vocalist and outstanding flautist from Mount Vernon, NY. "Class Axe" showcases all of these special talents. In 2006 she won the Capital Jazz challenge utilizing all three of these abilities to impress the audience. You will feel the mellow side of her talented voice on the likes of `So Glad', 'Break Me Down', and 'How Do You Know', and we get a taste of R & B on `Call Me'.



Dennis Johnson with his vocal help and Bob Baldwin with his instrumental assistance combine together to produce this project and their influence becomes evident as the CD is masterfully done. Ragan's skills on flute reminds me of a modern day Bobbi Humphrey. She provides a smooth mellow flow on `Gonna Fly', and `3 AM'.



As a songwriter extraordinaire before this collaboration she now brings her musical skill sets all together with a unique form of class. A funky side develops with 'Funktuation' just to give us a break from the mellow madness.



This CD has the potential to bring the flute back into the mainstream jazz, as it was so many years ago via Herbie Mann, David Valentine, Humphrey and Yusef Lateef to name a few. Sit back and enjoy this class act from the multi-talented Ragan Whiteside. ~the JazzeOne

"

A terrific beginning

Phil Kasiecki | 08/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This debut CD is a great start for a woman who won the 2006 Capital Jazz Challenge, which was probably her coming-out party. This CD is a great listen from start to finish.



Throughout, it has a mellow feel even on the up-tempo tracks like "Meu Amigo, Meu Amante". "Funktuation" was the song that had a lot of buzz at first, but it's not even the best one on here; that distinction, for this listener, goes to "Gonna Fly". "So Glad" is one of several songs whose lyrics are top-notch, as is "How Do You Know". For good measure, two interludes during the CD are well-done, with "I've Been Thinking" being a very thoughtful one.



This CD is enjoyable, and it has me looking forward to future releases from her."

A new Queen of Neo Soul and Jazz!!

Gregory Townes | 02/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Remember Najee and Kenny G? Well, Ms. Ragan Whiteside ranks right up there with them. Smooth and provocative music made to soothe and heat the soul like warmed cognac on a chilly evening. I really enjoyed this CD and Ms. Whiteside has a tremendous talent that I look forward to hearing a lot more of."