“A bonus was a new commission from Birmingham-based composer Bobbie-Jane Gardner, Mami Wata, performed by the choir of St Mary’s Church Handsworth: simple but effective, with the children singing very confidently. Look out for future pieces by this talented composer.” David Fletcher, Birmingham Festival Choral Society.

“There is a tender wonkiness to ‘Up on the toes’ (the slippery stair dance)  by Bobbie-Jane Gardner – like two socially awkward wannabe lovers stumbling into each other with eyes-down shyness desperate to linger in momentary embrace rather than lasting evasion.” 4.5 **** Iwan Fox, 4barsrest

“Harmonically subtle and rhythmically agile, True Self received what sounded a committed reading from the CBSO players – notably in the opening section when the music stirs gently but insistently into life, and towards the close when it touches on a resolution not so much tentative as anticipatory… At any rate, it left a thoughtful and affecting impression, and will hopefully be taken up by other quartets seeking a worthwhile addition to the repertoire.” Richard Whitehouse, Arcana

“True Self, a quartet by Birmingham based composer Bobbie-Jane Gardner opened the programme.
After a fragmented opening sequence of short, abrupt gestural flourishes based around the idea of a trill, the work develops with unexpected lyricism. Lead violin, Eugene Tzikindelean’s burnished tone soared over minimalist interlocking ostinato phrases from the rest of the players.  The first violin engaged in some nicely balanced duets with the other instruments.  This is a well-structured and satisfying work which was played with great expression, commitment and a strong sense of togetherness by Eugene, fellow violinist Kirsty Lovie, Adam Römer on viola, and ‘cellist Eduardo Vassallo.”5***** David Gray & Paul Gray, ReviewsGate

“Fascinating listening to Bobbie’s arrangements, she uses the orchestra like how Dilla uses the MPC, looping and re-arranging, it’s genius!” Marc Mac, 4Hero, November 2022

“For Gardner, as a practitioner of orchestral music, and B+ as a documentarian and evangelist, the calling to appreciate, cannonize, and spread the dying tradition of the arranger/composer within the popular music tradition is the driving force behind Music of the Unseen.” Allen Thayer, WaxPoetics October 2 2022

 

An orchestral arrangement of Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You – Netflix’s Queen Charlotte Series