"Borthwick, who authored all the pieces in this self- produced and self-released CD, walks both sides of the street, playing excellent, if not quite distinctive, straightahead piano throughout, while adding her shimmering, wordless soprano lines to selected ensembles along the way. She does this sparingly, sometimes subtlety, and frequently hauntingly, never scatting or soloing but instead embedding and camouflaging herself deep into meticulously orchestrated unison lines in which her voice seems to float on piano, guitar and horn... For a work intended to be personal and perhaps introspective, the music is unusually alive, frisky and free from brooding pensiveness. "
"I like the warm spiritual vibe, especially Borthwick's wordless vocals, a la Flora Purim. "
"Borthwick has a lyrical, uncluttered approach to the piano and her undoubted virtuosity never overshadows the melodicism inherent in her compositions, which makes for very attractive solos—fluid and graceful, and her employment of keyboards on a couple of tracks providing a different texture which is no less appealing. As impressive a pianist as Borthwick is, it is the strength and depth of the compositions which provides the lasting impression on this recording... 'One Of Us' is a delightful reminder from Ramona Borthwick and her quintet that jazz this good never goes out of style."
"The wonderful music of 'One of Us' dwells on the interconnection of all things ... Ramona Borthwick proves that there is some depth among younger composers. Her bright work is agape at the immensity of all things. It appears that she looks at the world with childlike wonder, but is also privy to the true and deep nature of what she sees..."
"Great new release ('One of Us') by Boston pianist and composer, Ramona Borthwick. This contemporary release embraces beautiful melody and an undying sense of groove. The group dynamic is superb, and the rhythmic interaction, from rubato, time signature differences, straight eighth feels to straight ahead swing is met with confidence and musicality." "She's a fine player, displaying a style that has its roots in mainstream jazz. Her solos are often lyrical (listen to the beauty and strength of the title track) and she can really dig into her phrases. Her wordless vocals add yet another color to several of the tracks, mixing well with the guitar and trumpet or flugelhorn." "I strongly recommend to my fellow programmers that they check out the new disc from Ramona Borthwick 'One of Us'. I just added her to my Heavy Rotation. Her new disc was a real find for me, one of those 'surprises' that I didn't expect when I put it on in my car. Ramona is a keyboardist (piano, Rhodes, etc.) and composer. Her new disc is features her own contemporary, while progressive and substantive, compositions. The playing on here is stellar by all the band (Ramona has some chops!), notably Ingrid Jensen on trumpet. Ramona was born and raised in India, and I rather suspect that her upbringing there has had a big influence on her compositional style." "'One of Us' is a formidable achievement, with beautiful and memorable playing by the entire quintet. The recording radiates top-flight professionalism in every respect, with imaginative, rhythmically buoyant originals throughout as well as wonderfully assured, distinguished ensemble and solo playing by each performer. Noel, Ramona and Ingrid set the tone immediately in "Who's Your Mama" with smoking, fluent solos evoking real energy and elan. The rhythm section is fabulous: tight, swinging and polished on every tune. The production values and recorded sound are outstanding and distinctive, too. Brava and kudos for this remarkable and impressive accomplishment!" "Pianist-vocalist Ramona Borthwick has created a most engaging program of original quintet music. Her compositions are complex and filled with surprises, and the performances, layered in rich textures and colors, are distinguished by the unique blending of her voice and Ingrid Jensen's trumpet.
"'One Of Us' is an album that you can listen to many times, always getting new and rewarding things from. I really hope that this effort becomes a must listen to, for jazz lovers around the world, such as myself, a pianist and composer from México City... My most sincere congratulations to Ramona and her team for making such a great album that I am sure, will endure the passing of time and become a collector's item in the jazz music world." "'A New Leaf' is at turns melodious, swinging, emotional and cool... Brimming with energy and good vibes, the compositions are first rate. Shape shifting and extremely warm, 'A New Leaf' is a pleasure to listen to from beginning to end, and marks a terrific and important debut album from a fine composer and player. Most certainly, Ramona Borthwick is someone to watch."
"On this new CD, Ramona Borthwick's first, she displays a wonderful talent for composition and imagination in the various settings she chose for the pieces. Her playing is also creative and energetic. If this is her first installment, we can eagerly keep track of Ramona's coming chapters. Something nice is developing here." "Borthwick enters the jazz arena with a debut album that well crosses the developmental curve of compositional design. Providing extended chord structures through intelligent tempo and meter changes, Ramona spins original and creative melody lines that keep me engaged from the beginning to the end. She can play piano with emotion then revert to fire... The use of the voice as instrument on several tracks reveals pure genius. 'A New Leaf' provides a profile of the many styles in Ramona's repertoire, which seems to be without limit. The more I listen... the more I find in this treasure. This album which stands as one of the most significant releases of 2006... and to think... it's only the beginning!" "Ramona Borthwick has made a major statement with this superb initial release." Ramona Borthwick brings us a set of new music which pushes the boundaries both harmonically and rhythmically. The result is a fresh and creative disc that is not for the faint of heart. This is a great recording and I hope many get a chance to hear it and buy it!
"Borthwick displays an amazing talent for composition. Her fellow musicians bring the music to a level that is rarely shown on a debut release." "Here’s a fantastic recording by pianist/singer Ramona Borthwick. All her own compositions, the tunes are rich, lush, and highly emotional. All the musicians play beautifully together and Ramona's playing is very much her own. The tracks are interesting and entertaining, and the recording sound itself is excellent. Bravo!" "Ramona approaches jazz as a communicator of this her idiom, she brings wit, intellect, and joy to her listening audiences"