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The Tranzac is an interesting venue, remnants of an old church or scout hall; certainly an attention-grabbing spot to host the Jazz Showcase for this year’s Canadian Music Festival. Marina Zettl, a Viennese jazz performer was the last to play that evening. A few more table’s worth of people had arrived before she, guitarist Thomas Mauerhofer and their drummer began their 30 minute set.
From the moment they took the stage, Marina and Thomas commanded the room with their charm and succeeded in captivating Tranzac’s audience with song selections from their forthcoming LP THIN ICE.
A breath of fresh air, Marina’s jazz-style vocals are unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. They have a power and passion reminiscent of the late Amy Winehouse which definitely made the audience sit up and take notice with songs such as Little Miss Wise Guy while the sweetness in pitch perfect harmonies on I Can’t Take It Anymore are enough to send a shiver down your spine. It is immediately evident that Marina and Thomas pull influences not just from jazz but from pop, soul and funk.
Their combined energy, light spirited-humorous banter between songs, and really good songs at that, only compliment their already exuberant stage presence. It was incredible to watch. They are definitely my pick for best performance at the 2012 Slacker Canadian Music Festival.
Dulce Barbosa – 24.03.12