“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.” 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
The concert ”..ended on a much more upbeat note with Bobbie-Jane Gardner’s arrangement of Odetta’s 1970 anthem Hit or Miss, with Lyon and Cleverton managing to get the Cheltenham audience … clapping … along” Guardian
“Bobbie-Jane Gardner is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting figures on the dynamic Birmingham new music scene, and one of the most distinctive composers of her generation.” Joe Cutler, Head of Composition – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
“Bobbie has been a great collaborator, band member, song writer, facilitator, string arranger and fixer to work with – that’s how versatile she is and there is still more to discover. A lovely gentle human being with a lot of soul and integrity – highly recommended!” Mark Williams, Artistic Director, Heart n Soul
“Excellent musician. Skilled, adaptable, personable and great to work with. Jeremy Briggs, Tour Producer, Roots Music
Orchestral Arrangements
Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You – Netflix’s Queen Charlotte Series