John R. Lindermuth, Rambles.net
From the brassy opener, "Straighten Up & Fly Right," to its close with the familiar "Stormy Weather," all 10 tracks on this debut album are winners. Angelyna Martinez has a voice like honey, sure to win the applause of the most dedicated jazz lover and win converts to the genre. Delightfully fresh and different, her voice is evocative and haunting. The album is a collection of standards, and is joyful jazz at its best. And this lovely Latina knows when to belt them and when to whisper like a lover. She's passionate and soulful with an impressive range of octaves and vocal expressions. Whether it be her delightful scat on "It Don't Mean a Thing," a sultry rendition of "Miss Celie's Blues" or the soulful "God Bless the Child," she'll grab your attention.

Jonathon Wildran, Jazziz
This San Antonio native has been dubbed the "Gwen Stefani of Jazz" for her unique sexy, and breathy vocal stylings, which weave a sensuous magic on sparse trio arrangements of Billie Holiday chestnuts and add explosive new energy to "Route 66."

Cadence Magazine, Michael Steinman
Angelyna Martinez begins with an instrumental fanfare and Martinez heads bravely into "Straighten Up and Fly Right," with soulful flourishes. Martinez is a better than average singer.

Dorothy Hill, Jazznow
Angelyna Martinez, vocals; Rob King and Bill Gulino, piano; Robert Kopec, bass; Dean Sharp and Andrew Greeney, drums; Peter Buettner, tenor saxophone; Dean Jones, trombone; Larry Moses, trumpet; Steve Bernstein, mandolin; and Mark Bernstein, Mark Dziuba, and Craig Schumm, guitar

San Antonio native, now Los Angeles-based, Angelyna Martinez began performing at the age of six and got her first recording contract at thirteen. This is her debut Jazz CD.

The first cut, "Straighten Up and Fly Right," is a jaunty venture that Martinez delivers with charming vivacity. "What a Wonderful World" is notable for the lovely mandolin support of Steve Bernstein.

Martinez does a seductive delivery of "Fever" with tasteful brush work by drummer Dean Sharp and engaging guitar support by Mark Dziuba. On the Bobby Troup tune, "Route 66," Martinez displays good vocal nuance on this upbeat swinger.

"It Don't Mean a Thing" is done with a daring scat vocalizing that is interesting. Martinez does a impressive vocal turn on the Quincy Jones tune "Miss Celie's Blues." On the ballad "Pure Imagination" Martinez lovingly embraces each note, and the interplay with the piano of Rob King is elegant. The final cut, "Stormy Weather," displays a unique vocal approach to this standard which is warm and textured.

On this ten-cut CD, Martinez confidently explores cover tunes which she elevates with individual precision. This is a great debut effort by a talented artist, and Jazz fans will definitely like this one.

Geannine Reid, Ejazznews
Martinez an accomplished actress (Strong Medicine, ClubXII; a hip-hop version of Romeo & Juliet) and songstress delivers her unique interpretations with believability and heart. Not using the usual histrionics or the sounds like cliché so many singers have a tendency to do. Her message is clear; Martinez has mastered how to convey the emotional meaning behind the lyric. This will be he ingredient to success.

Karl Stober, Jazzreview
Splashes of enchantment mixed with whispers of brilliance blanket the exquisite vocal tones of Ms Angelyna Martinez. With the 2005 release of her debut venture call Labor of Love by MexiScott Music, Ms. Martinez hypnotically lures the interest of jazz’s attentive populace by the tones she introduces. This is a talent that must be heard and often from stage to recording, it’s a sound that stands independently.

Stepping out with fire from the first spin “Straighten Up & Fly Right” the listener will understand that she has that certain special gift to introduce the unique and creative. At the same time throughout the project, an appreciation for the arrangements is in order. In fact, the total set up of cuts makes one understand that this was birthed with great care and insight.

What is special about this siren is her ability to address melodies. If she is in ballad mode it has the feel, passion and message driven vibes that make the cut affect the heart. If edgy and dynamic, Ms. Martinez plows the way with a sharp and vibrate vocal blade. Ms. Martinez’s chameleon-esque ability to apply her vocals to any mood successfully is rare and so very attractive to the jazz fan.

Ms. Martinez’s interpretation of Willie Wonka ballad “Pure Imagination” is by far an enchanting tribute to the original. The range of octaves and vocal sensations is powerful and well worth numerous push-n-plays.

The project exits with such class as Ms. Martinez with grace performs Arlen’s “Stormy Weather” an outstanding recreation. Adding a personality of its own with her perception of the delivery of this classic, this works extremely well.

Labor of Love has all the characteristics of stardom in overdrive. Ms. Martinez has a special way if offering jazz so it seeps into your soul bringing a new attitude to your listening experience. Take this debut effort seriously and you will enjoy many future moments with Angelyna Martinez.

George Fendel, Jazzscene
"A cross between Teresa Brewer and Norah Jones."

Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
"Ms. Martinez knows how ta' belt 'em down, with real verve & gutsy lines
that come straight from th' soul! After listening through several times already,
it's clear why director Tim Burton declared Angelyna's vocals to be
"simply beautiful". The recording is excellent, with a wonderful blend
of instruments that put her voice right out where it belongs - in FRONT!
This makes for a very pleasant listen for anyone who wants jazz with heart,
especially if you want to hear some "new" interpretations of old standard
jazz tracks. I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, to be sure.
If you want to hear what "fresh" sounds like, get this one."

Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide
"The album is a collection of standards in the extreme. Angelyna can swing,
she can hop, she can croon."

Nicholas Sheffo, Fulvue Drive-In
"The PCM 2.0 Stereo is very nice and clear, demonstrating that this was
a well-recorded album. The detail of the instruments and fullness of her
voice do help sell the songs."

07/07/05 - " TAXI "
"What a wonderful arrangement & performance of an alltime favorite.
The delicacy of this version is impressive. It's a haunting take on the song,
which captures the essence of the lyric in a very evocative manner with
an economy of means. Her vocals sound like honey. This recording is radio ready."

Angelyna reached #2 on WORT-Madison, WI

Bob Collins, The Jazz Cafe, WRHU - Hempstead, NY
"Angelyna's new CD, Labor of Love, is first-rate. It swings with great musicianship
and a joyous flair."

Jim Stone, WLNZ-Lansing, Michigan's "Big Band Swing" Show
"Labor of Love is the CD Pick of the Month (August, 2005)."
Angelyna's has depth and a natural style that will establish
her as one of the best new artists of 2005."

KGLT Radio (CMJ Reporting Station)
Angelyna Martinez goes to #1

KTUH, Honolulu Hawaii
Angelyna's cd "Labor of Love" is #1 on the Jazz Chart at KTUH-Honolulu.

Tim Burton, Director
Simply Beautiful