Nasza Basia Kochana

It's a pun that Polish press likes to use a lot so I'll do it too. ['Our beloved Basia'- also the name of an unrelated group that was popular in PL.]

Here's a video from the Zabrze show that captures a strong "It's That Girl Again" and a minute of a slightly tentative "Drunk on Love" that shows one of the reworkings. DOL has a bit of a samba feel. Also, Jaworzno represents.
EDIT: Another angle.

This is a review of the concert in Poznan.

And an interview before all the concerts. I have to say that the press there is coming up with even more interesting interview themes for her. It's awesome. (translation forthcoming)

Smoothjazz.com review of It's That Girl Again

I just now saw this on itunes and Amazon, posted in July by Sandy Shore of smoothjazz.com:

"It is, indeed, that girl again, and we're delighted that she's recorded her first solo album since 1997. Smooth Jazz loves Basia, as evidenced by the fact that this CD's first single, "Blame It On the Summer," has been high on the charts for several weeks, with much more to come from this outstanding project. Basia's collaborated once again with Danny White to create a truly dazzling collection of originals that at once sound totally fresh, yet still familiar. Her trademark sound is as appealing now as those first days with Matt Bianco (WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ONE) [sic] in 1984 and her first solo project, TIME AND TIDE in `86. IT'S THAT GIRL AGAIN revisits Basia's global pop/jazz sound, combining irresistible melodies with inspired lyrics and stunning, vibrant instrumentation, including Danny's brother Peter's signature guitar work. It's a marvelous reunion... Basia and Smooth Jazz... it'll keep us wanting more! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN"

Some of this sounds familiar ;) but they do give it 5 out of 5 stars. Nice!

SmoothViews review of It's That Girl Again

"We are just so pleased she's back bringing us jazzed up pop music that doesn't sound like it was manufactured by bean counters to fit the specifications of a focus group's consensus. This is beautifully crafted, lyrically inventive music that sounds like nothing else out there. And that voice! More clear and pure than ever and able to glide effortlessly over the fastest grooves and shift from high to low without losing a beat."

I've enjoyed Shannon West's smart, nail-on-the-head commentary on pop-jazz for many years now. Unsurprisingly, she cues right into the essence of ITGA in her review on the sharp Smooth Views site.

All Music review

is now online. In the past they've had a couple squirrelly reviews of Basia's work, so I'm glad to see this lively review.

An interesting profile on Basia in the King County Journal

Another critical piece through the eyes of a probable fan, though we sort of wince at the bit about music played in public spaces. But Claude Flowers hits the nail on the head with, "She's at the height of her powers...She, White and Reilly perform with an infectious enthusiasm. It's a spark they need to protect and nurture. There's a lyric in the Matt Bianco song 'Golden Days' which insists, 'Like a phoenix you'll rise/ with hope in your eyes.' That sentiment sums up the band's position pretty nicely. A bright future is theirs if they want it."

Awesome Arizona Republic review of the Phoenix show

All is definitely Coolsville with AR's Randy Cordova. Be sure to check out the photo slideshow.

Washington Post Birchmere concert review

The Birchmere show was a big hit with Mike Joyce from the Washington Post.

More love for Matt's Mood

Although the reviewer seems to be concerned about Mark's well-being, the Washington Post give Matt's Mood thumbs up.

Jazz Times has also reviewed Matt's Mood in their May 2005 issue.

Out's review of Matt's Mood

Out magazine has reviewed Matt's Mood.

Matt's Mood reviewed in Billboard

We like the way they think. EDIT: since removed by Billboard.

Matt's Mood press a-go-go

Some news blurbs and reviews of Matt's Mood:
Jazz Times
Smooth Jazz Vibes
Billboard