“One of the great drummers of the world , a brilliant jazz colorist and storyteller.’
– Steve Todd Barkin, Dizzy’s at Lincoln Center
(Performance with Nnenna Freelon at Lincoln Center, June 2010)
“A lively and versatile percussionist”
– Deborah Jowitt, The Village Voice
(Performance of “Uncensored “ with Urban Bush Women at the Dance Theater Workshop in New York City, January 2011)
Education Work and Residencies
“The most impressive part of you work was your absolutely awesome musicianship and drumming skills! The students were completely sold on your residency when they saw you perform; therefore, I think starting the week with a solo performance is definitely the way to go!
Throughout the week you modeled what it is to be a thoughtful musician. You brought challenging students to new heights of excellence in musical experience.
Best of all I had the opportunity to interact with a master musician. We spent hours talking about your work, my teaching, and playing music. It was rejuvenating for me! You and I also played drums together, which was a rewarding musical experience for me and a model of musical excellence for my students.
I wish you could conduct a much longer residency in my school – a month, a year. You and I work very well together, and after having you in my school for a week, I am a better musician and a better teacher.”
– Dennis Hamerick, music teacher at Patillo A Plus School & residency partner
(“Wrap it in Rhythm” a Plus/Alternate ROOTS supported residency in Tarboro, NC 2009)
“Upon dancing onto the stage playing one of her percussion instruments and without uttering a word, Ms. Botsford immediately captured the attention of her middle school audience. With hand gestures she engaged the students in clapping out the rhythms she played on a variety of instruments. Through music, she taught the children about unfamiliar cultures as well as integrating activities to teach pride in their own culture. By allowing students to rap or read original poetry written as a part of a unit recently studied and others to add rhythm to the recitations, Ms. Botsford delighted and inspired the students. A great performance by all!”
– CIS Academy Administration
(From Robeson County, NCCIS Math and Music Residency May 2009)
Comments from Students
CIS Math and Music Residency 2009 From Red Springs Seventh graders……
Dear Ms. Botsford,
You taught me a lot about drums. You showed where drums came from and you also taught me how to play and read music. You showed me and my cuzin how to make our own music. I wish you could stay but I know you have to go back all over the world and make so mini people very happy with your wonderful music. I hope I could play the drums like you.
Love, Jada
Deer Ms. Botsford,
You’re the vere best best best best music teacher in the hole wide word to me you are. I hope you come back.
From: Toddrick
Dear Ms. Botsford,
You are a really cool drummer. I wish we could play with you every day. I had so much fun with you. Please come again next year. Thank you Ms. B. we had fun with you.
Love, Briana Jones
Other Reviews from Nnenna Freelon Concerts
“Killer Tumbao”
– Brian Lynch, Latin Jazz Composer and Arranger
(Performance with Nnenna Freelon on the Jazz Cruise, February 2011)
“Her back-up group was superb with percussionist Beverly Botsford rising to the level of co-front liner at times. Normally averse to percussionists, I was totally captivated by Botsford’s performance. From her score of instruments she always chose just the right one for just the right accent dancing among them like an antediluvian elf.”
– John Lawrence in a review of a standing room only Freelon concert
(Performance with Nnenna Freelon, Saratoga Springs, New York)
“Percussionist Beverly Botsford added a unique perspective to every number, playing a host of unusual instruments (shekere, congas, dundun, cuica, swirling braids) that elevated this show to top echelon status. I’m sure it’s just another superb outing for Nnenna Freelon, but those in attendance will not soon forget this very special show.”
– Steve Murray
, Cabaret Scenes,
March 2009
“Dear Beverly. I just wanted to write to you and tell you what an amazing performer you are! My mom and I were blown away by your passion and down-right mastery as you changed effortlessly from one instrument to the other. We’re in love! We think you’re a goddess and we hope to get a chance to see you again in the future. Thank you for being you and Happy Holidays!”
– Downie Winkler, audience member
(Performance with Nnenna Freelon at the Classic Theater, Athens, GA, December 2009
Other Reviews & Comments
“You are phenomenal. You pulled me right out of myself.”
– Elle Tore, Architect and DAC Board Member
(Emerging Artist Celebration, DAC, June 2009)
“It’s indescribable. She brings magic to her music which is a joy to hear.”
– Mary Semans
(Emerging Artist Celebration, DAC, June 2009)
“You did an awesome job today for the children and then again with more sophistication for the teens. You are a fabulous teacher and a generous and excellent artist and friend to do such work for the patients and their teachers for such an honorarium, worth 4 times that would be the right amount. Someday the artists will be paid as the lawyers are. And thank you for your big heart. All those children took in how to be a really fine and joyful human being. I think you cured them all.”
Joy Javits, Founder & Coordinator of DooR to DooR of UNC Health Care
(from UNC Hospital Visit, February 2009)
Work with Urban Bush Women 2010
“You were just the perfect artist and woman to come into the fold and bring the musical heart to the work, no question! I’m so glad it was personally and professionally meaningful for you.”
– Jana Sorte, Manager of Urban Bush Woman
(Uncensored Project, Dance Theater Workshop, New York City, January 2010)
“You were just phenomenal, Beverly. Thank you again for your invaluable contribution to ZU!”
Urban Bush Women, Minneapolis, MN, October 2010