REVIEWS/QUOTES Re: A NEW TAKE "...Sue Matsuki meant one thing with the title of her CD, A New Take. You can add one more: take it home. Fresh and exciting, this is jazz that neither loses the melodic line nor the meaning of the lyrics. The arrangements have style, the singing has warmth and sincerity, and the ultimate compliment is that the CD wears well on the ear. As soon as you hear the album once through you'll likely want to hear it again..." Barbara & Scott Siegel/Siegel Entertainment Syndicate/Backstage ...I've always been a fan of Ms. Matsuki so it is no surprise to me that her CD "A New Take" is such a delight. With the solid base of Gregory Toroian's inventive and insightful arrangements, and the assistance of a great studio band (with special appearances by Gene Bertoncini and Bob Kindred), Sue delivers a recording that present standards in new wrappings. Her clear, soothing vocals and clever stylings make for an hour or so of pure joy..." Stu V. Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline Online "...Visualize, if you will, a secluded nightclub on 52nd Street, NYC during it's heyday in the 50's with the likes of Billie Holiday, Sylvia Sims and Mabel Mercer standing with their combo, looking elegant and regal. That is the picture you get when Sue Matsuki and her group begin their set at Arci's Place. What a treat this show is!...Stunning work by Gregory Toroian throughout - what gorgeous arrangements, some leaving you breathless..." Gregg Culling on cabaretsingers@yahoogroups.com "...WOW!!!! Let me know when I can buy one. By the way, two chorus people wanted to know who the singer was...I told them...they both loved the voice and the music. If it is heard, it will be sold..." Bob Diamond, Ex-Producer of the Joe Franklin Show/Metropolitan Opera Manager "...Listened to your CD. Then again. Then AGAIN. Wow! This is a CD that's liable to stay in my CD changer right next to Nancy LaMott. The album is a compilation of steamy, sultry jazz takes on standards and pop tunes, remarkably arranged by Gregory Toroian. A NEW TAKE is a recording that artists with a dozen albums under their belts would be proud of. As a debut, it's remarkable! ..." John Patrick Schutz, Applause Applause "...Your singing shows a quiet confidence that's impressive on a first recording. It's clear that you know you have the right to express your feelings, you truly mean what you say, and you can say it without unnecessary ornamentation. AND, you can swing!..." Annie Dinerman, Songwriter/Playwright "...The recording captures performances of such immediacy and intimacy that you expect to hear ice cubes clinking and chairs shifting. Susan sings with a calm confidence that allows her to swing from pathos to play time with equal assurance and focus. There is real artistry here. If you are a jazz fan and appreciate an artist who takes risks with stunning success, you will enjoy this CD..." Jeff Matson, Writer/Director Sue Matsuki - A Bio [by me, since I hate those 3rd person bios that you just KNOW the person wrote themselves anyway!] Hi, I'm Sue Matsuki. No, I am not Japanese but when people ask, I just look them straight in the eye and say, "Yes, yes I am!" [It's easier.] I come to my name through my Japanese husband. I took his name when we married because it was a "trade up" name. You see, my maiden name was Trosell, which made me "Suetrosell" which, to me, always sounded like an antacid. At least "Susiematsuki" makes me sound like an Asian Porno Star. I am actually of Swedish and French decent which means nothing really except that I'm a big chested, great kisser! I grew up in Waterbury, CT, the town on the way to Hartford with the illuminated cross on the hill! I have 7 brothers, no sisters, so I was the "featured" child which, I'm sure, led me to becoming a performer. The first time I was on stage was at age 6, I sang "The Boy I Love" and won the Little Miss Hamilton Park contest. From there I went on to sing and dance in community theatre and, in 1976, I reigned as Miss Waterbury, for only 2 months, fulfilling my obligation as First Runner Up. I also won Miss Congeniality and the Talent Award. I then heard the call only the highly flammable, polyester clad could hear - "HOOT HOOT" - and became half of a Salsa/Hustle dance partnership called Sue & Lou. I have appeared productions of Oklahoma, Bye, Bye Birdie, A Christmas Carol, Out of the Frying Pan, Agnes of God, West Side Story and They're Playing Our Song. I also choreographed most of the above along with Guys n' Dolls and with the exception of Agnes of God because well, nuns don't dance...at least they didn't until Nunsense hit town! I also work at the Metropolitan Opera and have been featured in performances of Moses und Aaron; Tristan und Isolde and Il Trovatore . I was just recently seen on T.V. when PBS aired Tristan und Isolde [I was the chick screaming in the tower in Act II] and, I was invited to sing in a special benefit performance of After the Ball by Noël Coward [starring Irene Worth] with several members of the Met chorus. I played Mrs. Stutfield. My first cabaret show was at Don't Tell Mama here in New York. I have also performed at Arci's, The Village Gate, Danny's, Kelly's, Jan Wallman's, 88's, Judy's, The Duplex, The Gardenia Room in Los Angeles and at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in Alaska. With the timing finally being right, I have just completed my first CD called, A NEW TAKE which is a new take on old jazz standards and contemporary songs gone jazz! Appearing with me on the CD is my Musical Director/Arranger, Gregory Toroian on piano, Ned Mann on bass, Ronald Tierno on drums/percussion, Chris Hajian on trumpet and special guests, Bob Kindred on tenor sax and Gene Bertoncini on guitar. I am also WAY FUNNY...ask anyone! Contact: (718) 383-4737 • www.suematsuki.com