Joining Regina on this musical pilgrimage of a lifetime are Werner "Vana" Gierig on piano, Chris Lightcap on bass, Alvester Garnett on drums, and Mayra Casales on percussion with special guest Borislav Strulev on cello and orchestra conducted by Ettore Stratta. They compliment each other well and the result is this fine recording that is a delightful addition to your music collection.

Regina performed earlier this summer for two sold-out nights at Yoshi's in Oakland. We were treated to an incredible performance. Her band played together like a close knit family with a very tight yet free sound. In addition to her excellence on the violin, Regina displayed her talents as a percussionist and vocalist as she sang vibrant African chants or whistled like a gentle bird. The set included enchanting renditions of "Black Orpheus", "Reverie", "Oblivion", and "Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte" (Dance for a Dead Princess), "Pavane" and "Healing in Foreign Lands" from her current release. She opened up the violin on the playfully up-tempo "The Music Goes Round and Round" and Alvester Garnett provided some great brush work on the drums. On the bossa nova "Wise Little Cat" she opened by plucking the strings and later rhythmically clapping while holding her violin between her chin and shoulder. She swung brightly on "Prey Loot" from Detroit musician Lucky Thompson and "For Someone I Love" from vibraphone great Milt Jackson. She transformed the stage into a far away land on "Mandingo Street" with sounds, whistles, and chants. Mayra Cavales pulled out all the stops and played every percussion instrument imaginable to give the piece a full richness of the motherland. Werner "Vana" Gierig gave some marvelous piano solos throughout the evening as did Chris Lightcap on the bass. Regina silenced the room with her encore performance of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" (a personal favorite for me) as it pierced into our hearts. She was also outstanding on her encores of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo." She has the ability to play any kind of music exceeding well. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

Originally posted on j-notes.com