AKIVA

Akiva grooves with an infusion of mellow acoustic guitar strums and funky bass-lines uncommon amongst today’s largely overproduced and distorted commercial sounds. bueno y sano features an eclectic mix of varied background percussion instruments supporting the consistent presence of Akiva’s chill lyrics and guitar and Philip Jimenez’s melodic bass-lines. This presence together defines and unifies this album, working well to create a catchy, relaxed and airy sound.
The first song, “Babylon” introduces the album well, grooving in steady percussive measure while combining acoustic and electric sounds seamlessly. It’s a good slow jam, and it shares a common carefree sound with the next two songs, a sound that would fit the background of intimate gatherings of friends well. The third song begins to break the very carefully measured construction of the album, and leads perfectly to what is easily the best tune on the disc, “Home”.
This song is damn good. Akiva’s rhythmic lyrics and quick acoustic guitar notes float wonderfully over a bass-line by Jimenez that remind me of old Motown funk. The combo, along with background support on vocals, leads what is easily the fullest sound on the album. Multi-leveled jamming through the chorus give “Home” a dynamic flow, setting it apart from the rest of the album which is more linear in its progression.
Another sweet tune is “Laughing Tuesday’s Gone”, carried by organ and bongo sounds with a healthy dose of Akiva’s mellow guitar and soulful vocals. The sounds continue in “Black and White”, which, together with the track before it “Ordinary Rockets”, slows the album down while keeping the fow. “Faithful” ends the album on an introspective philosophical note.
In all bueno y sano is a fresh sounding, mellow album whose infusion of various sounds and styles give it an uplifting sound. The songs “Home” and “Laughing Tuesday’s Gone” are good jams, featuring a full multi-layered sound that are worth listening to. Akiva shows good vocal range, the lyrics are simple yet refreshingly optimistic and light, and Jimenez’s bass-lines range from standard support to absolutely ridiculous-funk.

- Joe Clemente

"Real sophistication to the performance, musicianship, and arrangement" - Taxi.com

"Here's a question for ya - who is funky, talented, easy to listen to, straight outta Long Island and rather attractive with a name beginning with "A"...the answer in this case is the groovy singer-songwriter Akiva. Never heard of him? Let's Change that."

"Equal parts G.Love (of the Special Sauce), Dave Matthews, and David Gray, Akiva keeps it light and funky in a way sure to make the ladies swoon." - Alee Hoffman

"Akiva's like a single focused music laser of hipness, groove and melody" - singer/songwriter

"...Akiva's songs are solid, built on chugging acoustic guitars and rolling rhythms. He also has a clear, strong voice with a soulful flavor." - Rafer Guzman

"This is AKIVA's finest work to date. Listen to "Holler Hermosa" and you'll hear why AKIVA is one of today's best new emerging artists".
- Joe Madonna, Music Director

"Akiva balances humor and performance with great musicianship. He captivates audiences with a great stage presence that will convert any skeptic. We loved him here at Sacred Heart..." - Sacred Heart Talent Buyer

"...Fantastic Lyrics" - Billboard Songwriting Contest

Is it funky folk? Acoustic R&B? Barenaked Ladies meets Jimi Hendrix? It may be difficult to define Akiva's music, but no matter what you call it, we promise you're going to dig it.

The New York City-based Akiva pumps soulful energy into his lyrics. "It's just life, you've got to live it/No matter what anybody else says, you've got to give a damn," he sings on "This is Life" as syncopated drums circle tightly around acoustic guitars and organs. On "Home" he showcases wah-wah guitars and an emotional-filled falsetto, and the slow groovin' "Moves" will definitely motivate you to "shake that thang". Holiday stress or winter blues? Akiva's got your remedy - and it goes down smoother than eggnog. - Mare Wakefield

"Bueno Y Sano is one of those CDs you don't want to let your friend borrow because you know they will love it and won't return it. The CD has a its own laid back groove to it and it's Muy Caliente."
- Raquel Daisy