Singer-songwriter Andria Simone was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Her style can be described as “soul-flavored”, but she is a lover of many genres. Her eclectic taste in music can be partly attributed to the various places she has lived, including Manchester, England and Lviv, Ukraine. Andria’s commitment to her music is total. In her own words “I didn’t know what to expect when I got into this. I just love music, and thank god I’ve been trusting my instincts because I’m on the right track now. I’m not going to be chasing trends or jumping on a bandwagon. I want to drive the bus, not chase it!” Her latest album entitled “Evolve” was released in 2015.
The CD gently takes flight with title track a smooth as silk intro groove that serves up an inviting vocal groove against impressive musicianship, soulful rhythm section and mesmerizing vocal delivery from Simone. Track 2 “Sunshine of your Love” presents a slamming follow-up piece that serves up a red hot Horn Section, rock solid groove with a passionate melodic delivery with heartfelt vocals from Simone that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. This track definitely has as Tina Turner swagger to it. It’s actually quite brilliant how Simone makes this classic song by “Cream” her own. Track 3 “Eaux De Vie” delivers an upbeat melody with impressive Saxophone solo, thought provoking lyrical content and hypnotic vocals. The production quality is impressive and the musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. I would classify this music as high end Soul, Classic Rock and even some elements of Funk with a dash of Rhythm and Blues. Along the way you will notice an array of instrumentation with things like Electric Piano, Piano Organ, Guitar, Horn Section, Saxophone, impressive solo segments all built upon a solid rhythm section foundation. Song for song the combination of Simone’s voice and top shelf band are masterful. Now turning our attention over to Somone, as for her vocal abilities she is quite impressive. Her vocal style is cut from the cloth of Tina Turner and, Pink and Alannah Myles. Music sometimes reminds me of Fiona Apple. It definitely works well within the confines of this catalogue. Simone delivers a jaw dropping vocal skill set with impressive vibrato, falsetto and overall vocal passion clearly showcases a strong and confident vocal ability. I especially like how her voice just sort of flows and ebbs melodically with the music. Her power and passion are to die for. This is an amazing quality that not many artists can execute. This X-Factor quality clearly makes Simone a marquee talent. No doubt she has solid musical instincts behind the microphone. All engineering aspects check out perfectly. All the Engineering aspects are in check (Recording, Mixing, and Mastering) as the CD possesses solid low end punch and crystal clear high end clarity. This fully loaded track CD from Simone 11 compelling tracks all providing an interesting snapshot of an amazing artist with thought provoking lyrical wisdom with messages that are positive, passionate and extremely captivating. There isn’t a weak song on this entire catalog. From grooving “Beautiful Life” to methodical “Love Me” to rocking “Nothin’ Comes Easy” to heartfelt ”Holdin’ On” to grooving “Crazy Lady” and Groove Doctor” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with track 11 “Burn Me Baby” the perfect wrap for a catalogue like this.
It’s hard to find serious weakness with this production. At times Simone showcases a rather sharp timbre especially within the more powerful registries. When she uses her power in conjunction with this it can be a wear on the senses. This occurs on just a few songs. I would recommend Simone dial down her power and intensity on some of the slower parts and save that power for the finales and some of the chorus, or when the musk calls for it. This last comment is not a “hit” per say just a humble recommendation for future work.
I like everything about Andria Simone. She’s truly an infectious artist that possess a “Gold Standard” – look, sound, appeal, talent and impressive vocal presence. From start to finish “Evolve” by Andria Simone is an impressive catalogue of music. The music is warm and earthy, highly passionate, uplifting and very passionate. The pin drop moments are amazing, and her power/passion are to die for. The songwriting is an interesting snapshot of music from a soulful artist that has quite a lot to offer. All songs are consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Note for note, song for song this catalogue is extremely consistent and fills the space with what I would describe as powerful-soulful exuberance.
Artist: Andria Simone
Album: Evolve
Label: Spectra Records
Website: http://www.andriasimone.com/
Genre: Soul, Rock, Classic Rock, Blues, Funk
Sounds Like: Pink, Tina Turner, Fiona Apple
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 8/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Nothin’ Comes Easy, Holdin’ On, Groove Doctor
Weakness: Overbearing Vocal Intensity
Cyrus Rhodes