Gianna

Kendall Duffie of Kloud 9 and Dwayne Walker have struck gold with this Lady who is both beautiful and talented; these soulful brothers have taken her and worked around her ample talents in a sympathetic and totally respectful manner. They work in sheer wonderful symbiosis. This Lady has her own style and nothing has been done to make her anything she isn't. That's a rare trait these days and a doff of the cap to Kendall and Dwayne for having the decency and common sense to not fix something that works very well indeed: originality, personality, style and SOUL. There is much less of an uptempo or urban edge, for example. If you are into the styles of, let's say, Khani Cole, Liberty Silver or even Kuh Ledisma then "Something True" will appeal to you. It was an album that needed to be seriously sat down and listened to, and what this proves to me is that some time and skill has been put into this CD. If you're one for skipping tracks quickly after a few seconds then you may not find this CD appealing. IF you like to sit back and savour the flavour then your soulful palette will be immensely treated.

If nothing else, the set is consistent. That, too, is a rare trait these days. The use of real instruments as a balance to Gianna's super smooth and soulful vocals is perfect. The soulful sax, for example, on the title track is brilliant. It literally meanders freestyle and untethered around her vocals doing nothing but compliment her style in the very best way. Simply gorgeous. Fans of Marion Meadows will appreciate this track. Nice bassline too. The real deal-clincher for me is the GORGEOUS "Picking Up The Pieces". This track opens up with the voice message, some super-fine flute and a sexy bassline to die for. Easily my favourite track, I have played this song over and over. Quality is assured on each and every count and hats off to all and sundry for this SUPERB track. I also applaud the use of real strings on the bouncy "Hooked On You", the wah-wah guitar wades in and gives the song a modern yet retro feel. Warm, solid and soulful. This CD really has something for everyone - the melancholy and haunting melodies of "Legacy" will appeal to many as will the brassy and upbeat "One Step Closer" - a dalliance with a house beat too, none the less! Yet another winner from Ralph at Expansion.


Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe


Buy from Amazon
- Soulchoonz

"Blending the emotional melodies of quality soul/R&B with the subtle, gentle tones of jazz, "Something True"-the classy debut album from Texas based singer/songwriter Gianna Welling has unquestionably emerged as one of 2009's best received releases within today's ever discerning modern soul fraternity", Pete Lewis - Blues and Soul Magazine

Gianna – Something True
For an R&B vocalist to capture your attention even before you catch the melody is a testament to the strength and full-bodied presence of that vocalist. Newcomer Gianna Welling (aka Gianna) is such a vocalist. Her debut release, Something True, produced in large part by the superb R&B/smooth jazz duo Kloud 9, has a distinct air and quality that was instantly alluring to me. Then came the melodies: At once and in varying spots classy, bouncy, reflective, and neatly arranged.

While mostly in an R&B vein, gentle tones of smooth jazz subtly edge their way in on this attractive production. Gianna’s voice seems to gently ride the wave of the music like a surfer in a manageable current. The two elements definitely complement each other. Evidence of this can be found in the opening track, as well as in the soulful and enticing “In You” and the Kloud 9-like phrasings and dance grooves in “Maybe I Can Be” and the title track. My favorite tune, “The Things That I Do” is a magnetic and magical charmer sporting an unpretentious but lively hook that you’ll sing to yourself over and over again.

Another handsome track, “Took the Last Train” adds the cool, calming effect of a touch of flute, acoustic guitar, a very catchy hook, sweet verses, and an interesting bridge to create a collage of sound that’s hard to resist. There’s also the treat of some smooth handling of Basia’s “Time and Tide.” Nice touch with the sax. The album closes with an up-tempo dance number, “One Step Closer,” that somewhat resembles the movers and shakers found on albums by the British jazz group, Shakatak.

Much of the material here is not overwhelming with the tricks of the studio but, rather, very well-balanced with well-placed horns and solid rhythms and bass lines. It’s R&B sparingly laced with the special comeliness of smooth jazz. Only a voice laced with a satiny touch can enhance such a project. Gianna does so nicely and effectively.

Posted by Ronald Jackson at August 2, 2009 5:07 PM
- Smooth Jazz Vibes

Kendall Duffie, half of the musical duo Kloud 9, has been in the music business long enough to have protégé. There are plenty of artists who would likely have the comfort of Kloud 9's vocals and musical arrangement as well as lyrics that have a mature, optimistic and somewhat spiritual feel. A singer such as Gianna Welling, a vocalist whose smooth vocals have both pop and jazz sensibilities, is the idea female singer to be recruited into the Kloud 9 camp.

Read more: Gianna | Review - Something True (2009) | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews - Soul Tracks

"For an R&B vocalist to capture your attention even before you catch the melody is a testament to the strength and full-bodied presence of that vocalist. Newcomer Gianna Welling (aka Gianna) is such a vocalist.", Ronald Jackson - Smoothvibes