Twin Cities jazz fans have been left reeling by the news of the unexpected death of singer Christine Rosholt earlier this week. She was just 46.

No cause of death has been released so far.

In an obituary on the Jazz Police blog contributing editor Andrea Canter writes about Rosholt’s way of talking and joking with her audience, making a performance almost seem like a cocktail party.

“She grew substantially as a musician,” Canter continues, “In recent years charming as much with her melodies, her phrasing, her interpretations, her song choices as with her banter and perky smile. She brought her own character, comedy and drama into her music, not just her show. She could pull your heart out with an achingly slow “Smile” or make you smirk at her interpretation of Dave Frishberg’s “I’m Hip.” But still, no matter what or how she sang, no matter how “hip” her band, we always expected to have a good time with Christine, the person, the actress, the comedienne, the friend… and oh yes, the singer. And we will miss all of her.”

The Dakota Jazz Club’s Lowell Pickett described Rosholt as “Effervescent and always so positive. Positive in a quirky, sparkling way.”

“People liked her because she was fresh,” he said, “A very rare quality.”

A regular presence on Twin Cities stages Rosholt was recognized as a hard worker.

Pickett says that work ethic was allied with great professionalism, and attention to detail, before and during a show. By the time she took the stage, everything was in place, and he says that’s another reason she was a great performer.

Rosholt just released a new CD called “Pazz,” a collaboration with British songwriter and musician Kevin Hall.

A memorial event is in the works for January 10th at the Dakota. Pickett says he is talking with Rosholt’s family to work out the details now.

Christine Rosholt appeared recently on Classical MPR’s “Music Mith Minnesotans” program hosted by Alison Young which you can find here. She also talked with Jazz Connection host Marianne Sullivan in December 2008 which you can find here.