Natascha Roth

This is the second album by this highly talented and innovative duo and differs greatly from the first as there is only one cover featured on the album. Natascha and James have finally taken confidence in their own song writing abilities and produced an album of self-penned material. Natascha, German born, South African by choice, as with the previous album sings in English, Portuguese, Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi and Swahili also by choice. The songs are quite beautiful with superb arrangements, plane and simple. I've not yet had the chance to choose my favourite but that will come soon as album is permanently in my CD player. I guess one will have to get a copy and make up one own mind.

The album was recorded at their Cape Town home studio with astonishingly good results. "Way Out South', is somewhat different to the debut in that is features a few Cape Town friends who contribute in their distinct talents which makes this such an incredibly beautiful album. It is South African music at its very best and makes me proud to be a South African music supporter and lover. Just get a copy you won't be sorry at all. Thank goodness for the computer age otherwise albums of this nature might never have seen the light of day.

Eric Alan, Radio2000
- Radio2000

“Vocalist Natascha Roth and guitarist James Scholfield...their performance was understated and intimate, music for music’s sake, where ego has no part to play...The performers are notably versatile and their repertoire includes Latin styles, African-inspired pieces and swing standards. Roth’s vocal range is impressive, pleasingly resonant in the lower register and pure in the upper range...It was a surprisingly understated but inspired beginning to the jazz festival”

John Edwards, “Cue”, National Arts Festival Grahamstown


- Cue

Natascha Roth is a native of Germany who also has a home bass in Cape Town, South Africa. She holds a master’s degree in jazz voice and has toured all throughout Europe and South Africa. Roth recently introduced herself to the United States performing with Jeanie Bryson, the daughter of the late, great Dizzy Gillespie. Roth’s latest release, Way Out South came out in 2008, and seems fairly representative of the artist as she presents herself.

Natascha Roth writes in the same acoustic folk/pop vein as The Indigo Girls and Shawn Colin with a hint of pop refinement. See You There is a prime example of the pure folk singer/songwriter Roth began as. Intelligent and poetic lyrics dovetail with a gorgeous melody and plaintive guitar background to provide a true musical “moment�. Mariana is a wonderful song featuring Spanish Guitar styling and a nicely rhythmic arrangement. The absolute highlight of the album is Someone Like You.

Natascha Roth brings a highly personal and personable style of songwriting and performance to the table. Way Out South does cross a few rough spots, but all in all is an excellent introduction to Natascha Roth. Great listening!
- Wildy's World