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Reviews
"Nancy Stagnitta is among a very few flutists on the planet who can truly play BOTH Classical and Jazz flute! The recent recording with Bob James speaks volumes to her fluency and talent in great flute playing."
- Jim Walker, founder of "Freeflight" and former principal flutist with the LA Philharmonic
"'In the Chapel in the Moonlight' is a sheer delight with beautiful performances from both artists, witty and colorful arrangements, and marvelous soundscapes. It is an album to be treasured."
- Paula Robison, international flute soloist
"Earlier this year, keyboardist Bob James and flutist Nancy Stagnitta recorded an album of duets that combine jazz and classical aesthetics in a captivating way. James, of course is among the premier names of the contemporary-jazz world, his resume including the hit theme 'Angela' for the TV series Taxi as well as founding the all-star group Fourplay. Stagnitta, who’s played with the Baltimore and Sarasota Opera orchestras, currently teaches at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Northern Michigan, which James' granddaughter happens to attend. In February and March, the duo premiered the music from In the Chapel in the Moonlight (Tappan Zee) at Interlochen, which is also where they had recorded the album. With its striking, ambient sound, the album splits the difference between jazz and classical orientations. But the mix never sounds jarring or contrived, as James and Stagnitta are fully capable of meeting one another in the middle. This blend works particularly well on the mashup "Bijou/Scrapple from the Chapel," which brilliantly melds Bach with bop. On the title track, James kicks off the proceedings with a rollicking, bluesy/churchy piano figure. Stagnitta effortlessly picks up on the attitude, sounding not unlike Herbie Mann or Hubert Laws."
- JAZZIZ magazine
" … Nancy Stagnitta played with brilliance and beauty of tone." - The Baltimore Sun
" … not only a supremely talented musician, she represents the best of America in grace, poise and good humor." - U.S.I.A., Maputo, Mozambique
" … gave the premiere a technically assured and sensitive reading." - The Washington Post
"The interpretation of To Music by flutist Nancy Stagnitta is imaginative, playful, clear, and virtuosic — a true listening pleasure. The multiphonics were especially enjoyable. Elizabeth Vercoe's Kleemation and Other Works is a compilation recording of the highest quality from both an artistic and an engineering standpoint... outstanding in every respect, an artistic masterwork that merits high praise."
- International Alliance for Women in Music
"Of great impact are the sensations which bring the audience to their feet. The interplay of each musician, the malleability of the Trio with the noted Stagnitta, the unbelievable uniformity, that seems to makes one oblivious to time. "A Voyage beyond the notes " has given place to a banner evening of real and proper art and has given a place to a great flutist like Nancy Stagnitta and to musicians of equal caliber, Sandro Spalace, Corrado Cirillo and Adriano Formati, who have "sung and expressed" note for note, taking it and leaving it as the greatest sign of love." - translated from Caterina Laita, "Napoli on the Road"
" … [the album] "Joy of My Life" is a joy indeed … both artists bring forth a marvelous sound from their respective instruments … even more impressive than their excellent sound, masterfully captured on this disc, is the way they complement each other … a melding of the souls of two fine musicians, to bring forth musical beauty that leaves one breathless … and, at least for a moment … speechless. That is very rare indeed, for this veteran broadcaster." - WBAA, National Public Radio from Purdue University
" … Stagnitta plays her flute with loving tenderness … quite inventive … [Stagnitta and Levit] breathe sensitivity into the melodic tunes, yet they also transmit stimulating vibes through their close interplay and creative interpretations … this performance has character and many surprises …" - Cadence Magazine
" … a poised and accomplished performer." - The Annapolis Capital
" … What is fascinating about this remarkable young artist is that her jazz playing is approaching this level as well." - Music Monthly
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