SELECTED REVIEWS
Review of Secret World by Rufus Reid
George Garzone, is the featured guest putting his stamp of approval on this impressive group and program. The players
assembled are all superb world-class musicians who know how to dig into the music compliment one another as well.
Ms. Menconi ignites the proceedings from the drum chair with pure confidence and she makes me smile!
Out of the nine tune selections, Audra Menconi pens five exceptional originals that are quite impressive standing tall
and holding their own next to the established; Ornette Coleman's RAMBLIN', and the Klemmer/Lewis, JUST FRIENDS.
On John Coltrane's two monumental masterpieces, NAIMA and GIANT STEPS, respectively, Audra and George are
showcased in a dynamic creative duo setting that is stellar! The duo also gives the listener a closer view into
Audra Menconi's substantial knowledge and understanding of the jazz drumming lineage. Throughout this entire recording,
you will hear the clarity and swinging quality of Audra Menconi contributing to that lineage. I have no doubt there will be
additional visits to hear SECRET WORLD! And that is no secret anymore! BRAVO AUDRA!! What’s next?" ~Rufus Reid
George Russell interview for the Boston Globe May '91
(Audra was honored to perform with him for a premier faculty concert along with a select few students in Jordan Hall at The New England Conservatory.
"I may be opening up the door to all kinds of forces that could eliminate me pretty easily, because I know there's
some incredible talent out there. Just last night," he say's, referring to his concert,
"you saw that drummer Audra Menconi", She plays like Elvin Jones...Killer!"~George Russell
Audra Menconi swings hard, plays with no fear,
and interacts beautifully and intelligently with the
music around her." ~Ra Kalam Bob Moses
"Check her out, Audra is the real deal." ~George Garzone
Review of Secret World by Rufus Reid
George Garzone, is the featured guest putting his stamp of approval on this impressive group and program. The players
assembled are all superb world-class musicians who know how to dig into the music compliment one another as well.
Ms. Menconi ignites the proceedings from the drum chair with pure confidence and she makes me smile!
Out of the nine tune selections, Audra Menconi pens five exceptional originals that are quite impressive standing tall
and holding their own next to the established; Ornette Coleman's RAMBLIN', and the Klemmer/Lewis, JUST FRIENDS.
On John Coltrane's two monumental masterpieces, NAIMA and GIANT STEPS, respectively, Audra and George are
showcased in a dynamic creative duo setting that is stellar! The duo also gives the listener a closer view into
Audra Menconi's substantial knowledge and understanding of the jazz drumming lineage. Throughout this entire recording,
you will hear the clarity and swinging quality of Audra Menconi contributing to that lineage. I have no doubt there will be
additional visits to hear SECRET WORLD! And that is no secret anymore! BRAVO AUDRA!! What’s next?" ~Rufus Reid
George Russell interview for the Boston Globe May '91
(Audra was honored to perform with him for a premier faculty concert along with a select few students in Jordan Hall at The New England Conservatory.
"I may be opening up the door to all kinds of forces that could eliminate me pretty easily, because I know there's
some incredible talent out there. Just last night," he say's, referring to his concert,
"you saw that drummer Audra Menconi", She plays like Elvin Jones...Killer!"~George Russell
Audra Menconi swings hard, plays with no fear,
and interacts beautifully and intelligently with the
music around her." ~Ra Kalam Bob Moses
"Check her out, Audra is the real deal." ~George Garzone