2000

Music is many things these days, including, oftentimes, self-conscious and serious to the point of being portentous. But not Retta & the Smart Fellas, a band that loves to swing.

- John Foyston, The Oregonian

2003

Retta Records

I grew up listening to this kind of music when I was a kid, so Retta's band hits me square in the memory department, where it counts. They're authentic Western swing players and they can swing you into bad health. I love hearing them in person, and their onstage charisma comes across on this recording.

- Dave Frishberg

2008

Retta Records

Retta Christie has a singular knack for that curious, vastly entertaining form of Americana that swings in the recesses between jazz and country. Think Jimmie Rodgers, dustbowl prophets like Cowboy Bob Wills or Floyd Tillman, or the flatland plains poetry of Hoagy Carmichael, and you’re in the neighborhood. Fans of Irving Berlin saloon songs will be swinging till the cows come home.

- Tim Duroche, Willamette Week

Spinning Retta Christie’s new album, a collaboration with veteran pianist Dave Frishberg and saxophonist David Evans, is like taking a leisurely stroll back in time. In their capable hands, these vintage gems sparkle anew –rollicking in a jaunty jazz vein or detouring through idyllic western plains.  

Christie’s calm, clear voice is a throwback to simpler times, and the pristine musicianship that surrounds it is effervescent. If you miss the golden age of song, you won’t want to miss this record.

- Barbara Mitchell, The Portland Tribune

...Retta’s perfect diction is made apparent. A singer with great technique, she never sounds as if she is “slumming it” by singing music which does not demand blatant virtuosity in its execution. The songs, mostly culled from the 1920’s and 1930’s incorporate to varying degrees, elements of country swing, (hot) jazz and saloon songs. Each song utilizes elements from these genres - For me, part of the appeal of this album is that it transcends standing firmly in one genre. …all three artists convey a great authenticity for the music.

- Maxwell Chandler, Jazz Police

There is something absolutely charming about Christie’s straightforward, sweet delivery...her style is simple and melodic. Christie loves a good melody and a jaunty beat, especially those from the early days of jazz and western swing.

- Kyle O'Brien, Jazz Society of Oregon