Raves & Reviews

for reviews of my latest CD go here

I was not familiar with Virginia the Vocalist, But I Am Now! I am quite familiar with Virginia the piano player as we played together in Jaimoe’s Air Force Workshop Band.  The only piano player I knew to sit and play “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” at first sight and sitting in.  Sing Girl!
—Jaimoe, drummer, founding member of the legendary Allman Brothers Band

“Virginia is committed to growing her heartfelt, jazz influenced vocals at the same time as she happily shares her knowledge about the healing that is evident when song is sung into a circle of singers, into the air, all around us.”
—Rhiannon

“There are hundreds of jazz standard singers but very few add the spiciness of tribal, the elegance of complete sophisticated good taste in applying shamanic energie!”
—Katia Leonardo, jazz and Fado vocalist, Portugal

“Virginia’s voice and what she does includes the beauty of Celtic women singers and the intensity of the Middle East.”
— Marcus Borg, religious philosopher/author The Heart of Christianity

“At the beginning of THE GIFT, the piece Virginia and I collaborated on in Seattle, the piece opened with her performing the opening verses of “Balm in Gilead.”  I don’t mean to overstate it, but it was unlike any musical moment I’ve ever experienced…the audience, who not seconds before had been shuffling papers and impatiently shifting in their seats, went stock still, rigid with focus and awe.  It was if the air didn’t move.  She has the most unconventional sway over an audience; a mix of superb technique, expert artistry and natural-born talent, sure, but also an accessible authenticity you simply don’t find in a lot of modern musicians.  I don’t know anyone who doesn’t respond to Virginia’s gorgeous, tempered, earthy voice.  It cuts into your heart and mind like a scalpel.  She is the very definition of excellence.”
—Gabriel Shanks, Obie Award-winning stage director, Executive Director/The Drama League of New York

“What she does with vocal improvisation is original and unique. The techniques are groundbreaking.”
—Dr. Jerry Ulrich, Director of Choral Activities, Georgia Tech University

“Subtly alluring; her soulful energy is infectious.”
—Emile Hassan Dyer, Dance of the Voice, Los Angeles

“Speaker of tongues” – VINX

“She brings new music to the world.”
—Benoit Glazer, Timucua White House, Music Director Cirque du Soleil Orlando

“style, smooth, classy, beautiful!” – Tamara Albrecht, Music Faculty, Emory University

“I’ve watched Virginia grow into a special voice in our community of musicians. She’s studied with the vocal masters — Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon — and taken their lessons to heart. Her workshops are an amazing experience. Discover your inner voice and sing loud!”
— Scott Freeman , author of Midnight Riders: The Story of the Allman Brothers Band and Otis! The Otis Redding Story.

“Virginia Schenck lights up when she sings and the whole room lights up with her. She is so warm…and the listener is pulled into her story. She is the real thing, a singer with heart and authenticity and deep love for her work which shines out so brightly.”
—Evita Cobo, jazz vocalist, Vermont

“Her voice is flexible and full or surprises, moving easily and delightfully from deep and grounded contralto, to ethereal and mystical soprano tones. She is equally flexible in repertoire, with ease in jazz, classical, folk music, and improvisation. I would travel far and wide for a Virginia Schenck concert.”
—Elise Witt, singer-songwriter, Atlanta

“Virginia is courageous and compassionate. Those qualities are rich in her voice and in her choices as a singer. This is what we most long for from our artists.”
—Patti Shaffner, improvisational singer, theatre director, Gary, Indiana

“Virginia sings like an angel.”
—Jonny Hibbert, Hib-Tone Records, Inc.

“Virginia is a conduit of soul and spirit through her gorgeous voice. Velvet, silk, wine, sea, and sky—it’s all there only asking to be heard. Do yourself the favor and invite her song into your heart.”
—Martin Swinger, singer-songwriter, Maine

“Virginia’s presence is both gentle and powerful. Her energy is healing. When she sings, her voice is angelic; she creates magic.”
— Frances Murchison, author, Breathe. See. Nourish. Energize.

“Virginia not only is a beautiful performer but she also lights up a room in a way that connects everybody there in the moment and in making music together.”
— Rev. Martha Sterne, Atlanta

“Lovely authenticity. There was such a good energy in the house and I felt nurtured and entertained and inspired! You treated us to artistic beauty, great music, and touched our hearts!”
—Julie Austin, musician, early childhood music educator

“Vulnerable and free right from the start.”
—Thomas Vinton, Musician, France

“In her performances Virginia hits all the right notes, musical and emotional, keeping your soul stirred and your foot tapping. Whether burnishing a familiar ballad or blending lush sounds in a chant, her voice weaves its way into the heart of the listener. The girl can swing, and she can soar. And you will, too, when you hear her.”
—Ann Woodall, Atlanta

“Your voice was stunning, truly mesmerizing. I felt like the whole room was taken up into another sphere.”
—JoJo Nelson, Atlanta