Reviews
“It is hard to tell which instrument’s lament is sweeter on Jonny Diina’s newest offering “Will I Fail You”. On the first track of his new EP, Prelude, Elyse Jacobson’s violin is warm and raw, while Jonny’s beautiful bari-tenor washes over the listener like a soft, warm sponge bath.
Jonny switches from emotive chest voice to falsetto as smooth as a newly painted wall. It is a treat to listen to such a young singer with such exceptional control of his instrument. His trained vibrato is well balanced with his growly rock licks. This is reflective of his influences, from “The Chairman of the Board” to Chris Cornell and Radiohead.
Young Mr. Diina’s pedigree is telling. He’s a third generation musician, and it shows in his convincing and confident delivery. His execution on the Prelude EP is flawless. He’s backed by an exceptional group of musicians that understand when not to play. They ebb and flow with his melodious tones, and clothe his melodies in a furry coat of many colors. Jason Nett and the aforementioned Elyse do a great job of supporting Jonny Diina’s rookie effort.
It seems like Buffalo, New York, has found a crooner for the iPod generation. One who understands the classics of American standards, but connects them to the sound of exploratory acoustic rock. We hope Prelude is followed by many more releases. This is a voice of which we’ll never get tired.”
Carlos de Yarza
BinaryStarCAST
“Hi Jonny,
I really like both “Will I Fail You” and “Love and Truth”. Both of these are particularly great arrangements, playing and vocals. I also like your harmonic jumps to passing tones in Love and Truth as well as the style shifts in tempo and feel. It is refreshing to do the unexpected in music, the surprise, the novelty, or variation on a theme, whereas most other vocalists (with guitars in hand) just crank-out simple songs with lyrics that rhyme. I think you have more of a “total concept” going in your material and it’s very creative to see that these days. Salut!”
Mark Prigoff
Digital Jazz Productions
“I dig this guy, Jonny Diina is the real deal!”
Henry A. Otero
BinaryStarCAST
