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Ramona Borthwick
Her latest project, released in November 2009 and her second jazz CD release as a leader, showcases her evolution as an artist and composer. "One Of Us" is a celebration of planet Earth, reflecting on the urgency for us to act as protectors of its bounties. The ten original compositions written specifically for this project, feature Ramona's distinctive writing, playing and vocal styling, as well as great performances from trumpet/flugelhorn player Ingrid Jensen, guitarist Noel Borthwick, bassist Johannes Weidenmueller and drummer Adam Cruz. Even more so than the her previous release, Ramona's compositions are a highlight, yielding deeply harmonic music that stimulates vibrant and spirited playing from the quintet.
Ramona currently resides in Boston, MA, where she continues to write and perform. She is also actively involved with music education, conducting workshops and lessons from her studio. A graduate in Economics, she holds degrees in piano performance from the Trinity College and Royals Schools of Music, London, UK. A talented graphic artist and web designer, her company Leitmotif specializes in graphic design & web development, and is well known for its work helping musicians and artists establish their web identity since the mid 90's and the early years of the web.
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Ramona Borthwick: One of Us
by Ian Patterson
Pianist Ramona Borthwick is nothing if not generous--offering up over seventy minutes of quality music on this, her second recording as leader. That the music is constantly arresting is testament to the quality of the arrangements and, in equal measure, to the virtuosity displayed by her quintet.
In effect, the quintet becomes at times a sextet as Borthwick employs her voice like an additional wind instrument to wonderful effect, adding rich harmonic and melodic tones to the music. ...
read moreRamona Borthwick: One of Us
by Raul d'Gama Rose
The wonderful music of One of Us dwells on the interconnection of all things. Pianist Ramona Borthwick and her quartet make this happen on two important levels. First, they play from the same script as if they had studied the pages and came to make each their own in a very special and individual way. Second, there is a seamless connection between each of the songs and the quartet's leader; Borthwick brings her considerable talent in weaving everything together with ...
read moreRamona Borthwick: A New Leaf
by Budd Kopman
A New Leaf is at turns melodious, swinging, emotional and cool. Like Min Rager's Bright Road, it is brimming with energy and good vibes, and the compositions are first rate. The choice of title tune is always instructive, and the opening A New Leaf" exposes Ramona Borthwick's many influences. Starting with a simple, Americana-ish figure, it swerves into a bit of what could be Chopin, only to shift immediately into a subtle Latin beat intro that leads ...
read moreRamona Borthwick: A New Leaf
by Jerry D'Souza
Ramona Borthwick makes quite an impression with her first international release. She and husband Noel Borthwick were active on the music scene in Mumbai (Bombay) during the '80s, before they moved to Ottawa and then to Boston. Given her training in Western classical music and the clear empathy she has for Indian classical music, it is not surprising that both are present and entwined with jazz on A New Leaf.
Mating genres and making them productive is not an easy ...
read more~ Raul daGama, Editor, AAJ
“On this new CD (A New Leaf), Ramona Borthwick's first, she displays a wonderful talent for composition and imagination in the various settings she chose for the pieces. Her playing is also creative and energetic. If this is her first installment, we can eagerly keep track of Ramona's coming chapters. Something nice is developing here.”
Primary Instrument
Piano
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
L.T.C.L; L.R.S.M.
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson