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Comments for NOT A FOX Records https://notafoxrecords.com a truly independent record label Mon, 09 May 2022 14:41:01 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Comment on Beatrice Betley – Upside Down – Full Album by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-upside-down-full-album/#comment-31 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:41:01 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=845#comment-31 BEATRICE BETLEY REVEALS STUNNING NEW JAZZ ALBUM “UPSIDE DOWN”
Beatrice Betley pulls out all of the stops on her latest record “Upside Down,” which graces our ears today.
This record has been a long time coming for Beatrice who has released a series of successful singles leading up to today. Beatrice is an acclaimed Jazz vocalist who has been making waves in a major way.
Personal favorites on the record include songs such as “Flow,” “Sunshine,” and “Egotripper ,” which prove Betley’s talent not only as a songwriter as well.
Beatrice has been submitted to the 2021 Grammy Awards for “Best Jazz Vocal Album,” “Best New Artist,” and “Producer of the Year.” Beatrice is an acclaimed vocalist, producer, songwriter and composer, whose roots originated in Hamburg, Germany. Throughout her musical travels, her love of the craft started at an early age. Singing basically before she could even walk, Beatrice learned to play the guitar, recorder, and recently the piano to add to her repertoire. Her music spans genres as she blends elements of Jazz, 80s pop, EDM, Argentinian Folk and dashes of Flamenco and Fado.

As 2020 comes quickly to a close it’s safe to say that Beatrice Betley is on her way to becoming a household name in the Jazz world.
-MODERN MYSTERY BLOG-

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Upside Down – Full Album by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-upside-down-full-album/#comment-30 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:39:53 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=845#comment-30 Beatrice Betley’s new album Upside Down ventures into the realms of the fantastical and the different. It is an album that shows off Betley’s skills as a performer and a songwriter.
Songs such as opener “Flow,” and “Mr Maran,” demonstrate Betley’s potential and show that she is not to be trifled with when it comes to the subtle grooves and variations that make Jazz such a great genre.
Songs like “Lullaby,” and “Sunshine,” let the listener delve into a softer side of Betley, whilst also allowing them to truly appreciate her skill and passion.
The finale that sees “Egotripper,” slide effortlessly into “Gone,” is simply fantastic.
This is an album that all jazz and music lovers should get when it is released.
-MEREDIAN MAN –

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Upside Down – Full Album by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-upside-down-full-album/#comment-29 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:38:38 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=845#comment-29 Beatrice Betley Serves Up Inviting Jazz on ‘Upside Down’
Luxurious, emotion-laced jazz.
Guided by her passion for ’80s pop, Flamenco, Fado, and Argentinian folk music, Beatrice Betley introduces her debut album, Upside Down via Not A Fox Records.
Originally from Hamburg, Germany, where as a child she began playing guitar and recorder, followed by adding piano to her repertoire, Beatrice now resides and works in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Referring to her sound as “CrossOver Jazz,” her music has been submitted to the 2021 Grammy Awards in three categories: Best Jazz Vocal Album, Best New Artist, and Producer of the Year.
Encompassing eight-tracks, the album begins with “Flow,” traveling on a funky rhythm topped by Beatrice’s deliciously inflected voice, exuding edgy sensuality.
From a subjective viewpoint, entry points include “Lullaby,” featuring a suave, oozing saxophone intro flowing into a sparkling undulating melody flavored with Latin tangs. Beatrice’s voice, velvety and oh so melodic, infuses the lyrics with warm textures.
“Sunshine” rides rolling, shuffling jazz energy topped by Beatrice’s alluring tones backed by luscious scatting harmonies. A definite feel good tune, this song bubbles with frothy dynamics. The title track ebbs and flows on creamy filaments of sound, rippling with suggestive erotic hues. A personal favorite, there’s a plush quixotic mist surrounding this track, making it hypnotic.
Another gem is “Words,” simply because of its gentle palpitating textures drifting on a low-slung saxophone dripping with sumptuous ambiance, while Beatrice imbues the lyrics with soft yearning echoes rife with nostalgia.
The final track, “Gone,” fuses funk-lite momentum with hints of voluptuous pop, giving the tune an urgent tension. I love the drums on this track, rolling and breaking with finessed cracks, akin to small, sonic explosions. Chock-full of tantalizing strands of recollection and tints of sharp tangs, Beatrice invests the lyrics with a feverish weight.
Because of her gift for rhythm and mood, on Upside Down, Beatrice offers tasty jazz accessible to those who are not jazz aficionados.
– MEDIUM –

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Words by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-words/#comment-28 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:36:33 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=843#comment-28 Beatrice Betley is an acclaimed vocalist, producer, songwriter and composer, whose roots originated in Hamburg, Germany. Throughout her musical travels, her love of the craft started at an early age. Singing basically before she could even walk, Beatrice learned to play the guitar, recorder, and recently the piano to add to her repertoire. Her music spans genres as she blends elements of Jazz, 80s pop, EDM, Argentinian Folk and dashes of Flamenco and Fado. Her song, “Words”, is ag reat way to get acquainted with Beatrice’s undeniable talent.

With an infectiously upbeat groove and stellar musicianship “Words” by Beatrice Betely is a fantastic song. Grabbing influence from several genres including jazz, R&B to even Latin Beatrice manages to effortlessly meld these different ideas to make her own unique fusion. The saxophone, played by James Blackburn, is absolutely gorgeous and easily steals the show away at some parts. Reminiscent of Kenny G in terms of tone and bursting with emotion on every note the musicianship displayed is immediately evident. The rhythm section consisting of the guitar drums bass and keys gels together perfectly, giving the song a rock solid foundation. The drums played by Gary Gray are smooth and laid back, and each kick and snare hit assures the pace of the song.

The real star of the show however is the vocals. Fiercely intimate, Beatrice manages to grab your attention and never let go. While the technique and pitch is clearly superb, it’s really the singers ability to convey emotion that makes this song standout.

The song starts off with the rhythm section and of course the ever so sultry sax. It’s understated and does it’s job of being an intriguing intro to the song. The first chorus is simply electric, with smooth vocals and good arranging. The verse is somewhat mellow which gives the chorus room to grow. The first Latin “esque” breakdown is a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. It appears to come out of nowhere, but works so extraordinarily well as a palate cleanser to the rest of the song. It makes several more appearances and manages to give the song a shot in the arm, and is ridiculously energetic. The last chorus is expertly done, and manages to be charismatic and intimate at the same time, no easy feat. The arranging throughout the song is also well crafted. Instruments come and go as needed, and pretty saxophone riffs here and there ensure the song is always engaging.

The inspiration for the song comes simply from the power of words. In this age of social media and instant communication, it is easy to forget how important and powerful real words are to the human experience. Some lyrics that portray this sentiment beautifully are, “Let’s hope words will never die, How else could we explain why Words – spoken as whisper or as scream,” A truly heartfelt and important message only adds to the gravity the song already holds. With stellar arranging and an equally impressive performance from the players, “Words” by Beatrice Betley is an outstanding achievement in songwriting.
Anthony Ngủyen – Please Pass the Indie

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Lullaby by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-lullaby/#comment-27 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:32:33 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=837#comment-27 Beatrice Betley’s second official single, “Lullaby,” starts off simply enough with a velvety vocal as pristine as it is entrancing, but don’t be fooled by its soft intro. In a little less than four minutes’ time, Betley’s voice will be joined by a symphony of textured melodies courtesy of guitar, piano, and sax parts that could move a mountain all by themselves. Even without the assistance of any synthetic components at all whatsoever, the monolithic nature of the music in this track is supremely potent, easy to get lost in, and above all else, quite expressive. “Lullaby” is a jazz ballad composed in honor of the 50th Earth Day, but more than that, it’s a surreal way of getting to know a deeply gifted singer on the verge of mainstream success.
As we get deeper into the song, it becomes clear that Betley didn’t compose this track strictly for the purposes of highlighting her amazing vocal abilities. What starts out as a cut and dry piano harmony quickly evolves into something much grander in shape and style – from the lush melody of the sax to the cutting commentary of the guitar, we’re enveloped in sonic warmth before we even realize what’s transpiring here. The mix is progressively designed as to push us towards the edge of our seats the further down this path we go, and by the time we reach the instrumental juncture in “Lullaby,” there’s no escaping the glow of the band’s connective play.
I would have liked just a touch more presence from the bass in this track than we were ultimately given in the final mix of the song, but at the same time, I can appreciate the lean, mean look Betley was trying to achieve here. There’s certainly no shortage of bassline indulgence in both crossover jazz and straight vocal pop these days, and perhaps by steering clear of that sort of excess, “Lullaby” distinguishes itself all the more as an indie product. Nothing in this track sounds even remotely mechanical or manufactured for the purposes of radio play exclusively; instead, it’s clear from the get-go just how invested Beatrice Betley is in this subject matter. Her love of the earth is surpassed only by her passion for this medium, and that’s more than obvious when listening to this single.
She’s got a long road ahead of her, but with the talents she shows off here, I think Beatrice Betley is going to find stardom at some point in the near future. “Lullaby” is an affectionate take on vocal jazz/pop that doesn’t appeal to aficionados of the genre alone. A hybridity devoid of the sonic trappings that have essentially become standard among plasticized major label acts in the last half-decade, this song is a meaningful ballad, and not a sample of modern experimental indulgence. Now is a particularly good time to be a fan of independent music, and thanks to the hard work of artists like Beatrice Betley, I think the soundtrack of the 2020s could be even more exciting than that of the preceding decade by leaps and bounds.
Clay Burton – IMAAI

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Lullaby by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-lullaby/#comment-26 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:30:48 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=837#comment-26 Beatrice Betley is an artist that truly creates a vision of her own. Releasing today her new single and video for “Lullaby,” she brings a delightful first listen for many as she takes us on a magical, musical ride. Based in The Netherlands, Beatrice brings the song out just in time for Earth Day 2020; also the 50th Anniversary of the event. The song brings her bold and gorgeously crafted vocals to life, that is filled to the brim with piano and saxophone sounds that will keep you on your toes.
Beatrice shares of the new release:
“For me, music has always been the portal to the soul,” said Beatrice. “And if my music can bring joy, hope or comfort to just one person in these challenging times… I am happy!”
Chloe Rabinowitz – Broadwayworld

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Lullaby by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-lullaby/#comment-25 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:29:15 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=837#comment-25 “Just a lullaby for humanity / Please forgive us all, we were too blind to see” sings a heartfelt Beatrice Betley in the first couple of verses we hear in her new song, “Lullaby,” out everywhere this coming Earth Day (the 50th since the holiday’s creation). Boldly melodic and as colorful as any beat in the music is, Betley’s vocal is the star of this jazz-laden pop performance, but it isn’t accompanied by lackluster instrumentation at all. “Lullaby” is a stunning showcase of talents for this sensational up and coming songwriter, and for it coming from a relative rookie, it couldn’t be much more polished an effort.
There are a lot of layers to the mix in this single, but there’s nothing in the instrumental construction that feels overcomplicated from a critical perspective. Instead of favoring a simplistic, minimalist-inspired concept (as many of her contemporaries have been in recent times), Beatrice Betley chases a larger than life melodicism in “Lullaby” that isn’t easy to capture within the four walls of a recording studio. Her adept management of this multidimensional composition speaks volumes about her skill, and perhaps more important than that, the organic talent she brings to the game with her.
The saxophone parts in this track are a wonderful accentuation to the vocal and guitar component (especially the latter), and despite the prominent place in the arrangement, they never steal any of the thunder away from the other elements here. It’s difficult to pull together the dynamics being presented to us in “Lullaby” without coming off as more than a little experimental – particularly compared to 2020’s mainstream output thus far – but that’s where Betley’s jazz training comes in handy. She isn’t intimidated by mathy structures; if anything, she embraces them with open arms in a song like this one.
Betley’s vocal doesn’t have much polish on it in this mix, but frankly, I don’t think it needed any embellishment to sound as strong as any of the instrumentation in the track is. Her demeanor here is unguarded, her execution as precise as we could ask for it to be, and even when she’s hesitant in her delivery, her action is beneficial to the melodicism she’s wielding so brilliantly. There’s emotion for us to consider in almost every angle of “Lullaby,” and whether you take the song for its surface narrative or choose to dig deeper into its meaning, it’s a powerful listen at any rate.
If you love captivating jazz singers with an ear for pop harmonies when it counts the most, Beatrice Betley is an artist you need to be listening to this April. Earth Day has become all too politicized by many of music’s most trusted names, but in “Lullaby,” it finds a soundtrack worthy of the integrity behind its creation. 2020 is turning out to be a fantastic year for independent players, and for those of us who can’t get enough of a good set of pipes, this is one of the season’s most spirited singer/songwriters so far.
Loren Sperry – Musicsistence

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Lullaby by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-lullaby/#comment-24 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:28:04 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=837#comment-24 A heavenly vocal. A sensuous saxophone. A majestic piano’s gentle harmony, forged beside a Latin-flavored guitar. When you take these three elements and put them under the direction of a singer/songwriter like Beatrice Betley, magic is bound to happen, and that’s precisely the case with her new single, “Lullaby.” In “Lullaby,” the newcomer to the indie spotlight puts her vocal abilities at the forefront of the music, striking a rhythm with little more than a pensive drumbeat and the cadence of her verses inside of a four-minute gem (while sounding much more like a veteran than a rookie, in my opinion).
Her voice is always at the center of the master mix, serving as a sonic linchpin binding all of the different instrumental components together in a singular melodic wave, yet she doesn’t overpower her backing band at all. Here, Betley proves that she has the chops to balance melodic complexities with heartfelt lyricism, tipping her hat to the forerunners of the vocal pop genre whilst carving her own identity for listeners to enjoy at the same time.
“Lullaby” is poetically spellbinding, but I wouldn’t say that the words Betley sings to us in this track are the only agent of evocation present. On the contrary, there’s a lot of emotional substance to the relationship between the instruments, particularly when our leading lady steps back to let their jazz-influenced virtuosities take center stage. The strings and the saxophone get into an all-out duel for our affections just past the two-minute mark in the song, and considering the depth that their harmony adds to the lyrics, I don’t think this single would be nearly as engaging were they replaced with simpler instrumental elements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPAXhch4iPc
I can definitely see “Lullaby” being a showstopper in a live setting, where Betley could really flex some muscle behind the microphone (and perhaps stir up even more of the potent chemistry already found in spades here). She’s got an incredible range, and when matched with her ability to fit into an elaborate arrangement like the one found in this song, it makes her quite the rare treasure this spring indeed.
Though I’m just now getting into the music of Beatrice Betley, I’m ready for more of her melodic charms after finding myself utterly swept away by her craftsmanship in “Lullaby.” There are a lot of credible singers coming out of the indie jazz community at the moment, but I personally haven’t heard many boasting the elegant demeanor that this vocalist is from beginning to end here. Her prowess in the studio is something to be praised, and as long as she can continue to produce music with the same amount of passion that she has in her first couple of singles, I think she’s going to have a long career ahead of her.
This is definitely one heck of an introduction to the audience, and with a little more time to develop her sound, it’s hard to see the momentum she’s enjoying right now slowing anytime soon.
Bethany Page – Vents Magazine

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Sunshine by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-sunshine/#comment-23 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:26:43 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=817#comment-23 Looking for a bit of tango in your life? A simmering synergy between a female vocalist and a brassy saxophone? A little sunshine will help. “Sunshine” the latest release from indie songstress and genre-defying artist Beatrice Betley. Even her name sounds like a dance – and “Sunshine” is a sultry of a good time.
Betley is originally from Hamburg, Germany. She’s currently based in the Netherlands. “Sunshine” is a follow up from April 2020’s “Lullaby”. Her biography notes her sound as blending elements of “jazz, 80s pop, EDM Argentinian folk and dashes of flamenco and fado”. In “Sunshine” I really hear the jazz and felt like the song definitely incorporates hints of flamenco.
“A little sunshine in the morning….and the day is on its way” is one of the lines from the song. I loved how the lyrics repeat “a little sunshine” in each stanza. Betley really croons the words and her voice is what you would imagine Who Framed Roger Rabbit’s Jessica Rabbit’s singing voice to be. She doesn’t have the husky voice that Kathleen Turner has, nevertheless she has the elegance. Laced in a hues of slithering, hour-glass smoke and character, the words just slip away like butter. There’s a few points where it’s a little hard to discern what she is exactly saying, she adds such gusto to her words. There are moments when her notes hit the exact time as the instrumentation. As a I listener I basked in her silky voice layered above the dreamy saxophone. I cared more about moving my body and dancing away to the flavorful sounds and interesting twists and turns. Betley’s voice is robust with fire and ice.
Betley’s vocals are coming from her diaphragm, she’s not relying on the computer to make her sound better. It’s really refreshing to hear a voice like hers. She’s classy and navigates the jazz and pop fusion effortlessly, giving the nod to the percussion team to add in the flamenco ingredients. She has a natural empathy in her voice that gives her a magnetism. She’s not striving for something beyond her range. She’s finely tuned into her own sound and the result is an unforgeable experience.
The song has a definite rhythm and I think fans of pop music will like its upbeat vibe. The opening conga drum arrangements. Such a cool start and if you close your eyes you can imagine the dancing shoes’ heels’ hitting the wood floor with veracity and passion. The rhythm guitar and bass guitar are electric and help start the simmering effect. The bass makes a pulse, a tone that sounds like the sun gearing up to rise, the morning wakeup call. Betley’s vocals galvanize and the song is a burst of joy.
Overall “Sunshine” is just the song the doctor ordered for summer 2020. It’s a positive force that can’t be stopped and Beatrice Betley’s demeanor and talents are unfolding before our eyes. Compared to her previous track “Lullaby”, Betley shows just how artistry can grow and how her voice wears many hats in several musical genres.
Gwen Waggoner – Skope Magazine

]]> Comment on Beatrice Betley – Flow by Barbara Roß https://notafoxrecords.com/product/beatrice-betley-flow/#comment-22 Mon, 09 May 2022 14:23:03 +0000 https://notafoxrecords.com/?post_type=product&p=841#comment-22 “Flow” opens on a fat, popping funky bassline topped by chimes and then flows into a funk-infused jazz melody chock-full of tantalizing rhythm. Crunchy percussive snaps accented with a sizzling high-hat combine with the rounded bass to inject the groove with delightful undulating textures.
Oozing layers of the xylophone emerge below a sensual saxophone, imbuing the tune with antiphonal responses of coloration as if conversing with the vocalist. Beatrice’s cool soprano gives the lyrics stylish flavors, as well as anticipatory hues of “something new” impinging on her consciousness – the thrill of impending romance.
The lyrics travel on Beatrice’s smooth sensual tones like smoke drifting up and then expanding on the breeze, voluptuous in their imminence and proximity.
“Bumped into you / What could I do / Never saw it coming / Never thought the thought of / What would be the first step / Into our new world / The world with you / Of something new.”
As the song proceeds, the saxophone takes on more vibrant braying colors, followed by the addition of brass heft and glowing timbres.
On “Flow,” Beatrice Betley fuses scrumptious funk-lite jazz muscle with viscous tints of pop relish, all capped by her smoke-filled provocative voice.
Randy Randic – Guitar Girl Magazine

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