Music
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“We are the way we are, does it have to be so hard?”
A simple statement that says it all, with this soundtrack in your head, on any given day…no it doesn’t have to be hard…really.
Infact this will make you think that life is a “breeze.” Beautiful lyrics, and a harmonious voice, aesthetic beauty that may well take her to front covers and chart hits. These two songs have already marked the beginning of great things for this young lady in both the US and here. This recording effort is thoughtful and offers intricate music with a sexy undertone, though this not particularly a “commercial” offering. Indeed the work may not appeal to say the “Pussycat Doll” or “Britney Spears” glitz and glamour ilk of today, but this is a powerful statement of intent from the girl, something that will and has put her on the map the world over.
Opener and single “Dream” is “poppy” and “charming,” there is a little Shania Twain style, rock and roll in this, enough to make anyone dance the night away without a care in the world whilst thinking “oooh the world is a pretty place”….OK, maybe that is just me. Still that’s what is on offer here potential listeners, this is…straight forward good time music, that will lift you up on your darkest day. On “Dream,” Celeste uses a register that sooths rather than intrudes on your ears, soulful yet melodicically she caresses senses: “you may know what you want, but I know what you need.” True, we do really need this stuff right now, pop music that involves real talent, and real passion, that is based on the quality, not the image.
Accompanied by a nice “orchestra” of violins, a trumpet, some drums and guitar, the only act in recent memory that can re-create truly emotive work at this level are “The Corrs.” The “feel good” element is rarely captured today unless your “feel good time” involves getting excited over tight skirts and some severely choreographed dance steps, and so Astrella, for this decade alongside the aforementioned acts, is truly “new and exciting.”
Check her out at: www.myspace.com/astrellaceleste.
For fans of: The Corrs, Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlin
- www.thetalkmagazine.com
Astrella has the most beautiful lyrics and voice, so sensitive, so personal, her song "Dreams" is like a deep and magical mystery tour inside her heart, and the way she sings "you" in the song "I need you," you'll swear she's singing just to you. The music is so relaxing, like Jimmy Buffet meets Carol King on a beautiful island, and the mood can be summed up well in the line "Take it easy, what's your hurry, I can see no need to worry." Listen for youreself at . . .
http://www.astrella-celeste.com/jukebox.php - Rock City News
Celeste is currently touring in the UK and finishing up her debut studio album. We received a limited edition CD/DVD pack from Celeste. The CD showcases five sparkling songs. Astrella is an expressive vocalist who pens insightful, visual lyrics. Celeste's band and production are crisp and clean. Astrella's music orbits around the acoustic guitar but has a fuller sound thanks to her band and the use of various instruments including horns. Astrella's songs have interesting inflections and instrumentation that explore a range of soft moods. All five songs are smart and a good indication that her first full-length release will be impressive!
• Recommended Tracks: (3,4) [UK/ENGLAND 2005 - web] (2006 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com) - Peer Music / GMW Bucks
Discography
Dream - Single
Donovan Discs
www.donovan.ie
Play Along - EP
Dream - Music Video
www.astrella-celeste.com
We Too Exsists - Single
Bubble Records, Italy
Love Is Only Feeling (backing Vox)
Donovan
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Astrella-Celeste’s music captures the lyrical and relaxing spirit of her father’s music, whilst fusing jazz, pop and country in a way that is unique to her. Her songs are very personal, soulful and sensitive with a sweet, almost innocent quality that expresses a beautifully casual yet spiritual lifestyle.
Astrella’s career has been richly developed by working with other musicians in recording sessions, performances and/or home jams, amongst them David Gilmour, Brian Setzer, Donovan, Mark White, Happy Mondays, and Graham Nash, to name but a few. Musicians are drawn (almost moth-like!) to Astrella with the result that the credits for ‘Blue Star’ (the Spanish translation of Astrella-Celeste) make for interesting reading – written by Astrella with Kevin Hunter (of Sheryl Crow fame), the record is produced by Yoad Nevo (Sugababes, Goldfrapp), string arrangements are by the legendary John Cameron (Les Miserables, Jose Carreras) with Rat Scabies on drums, Andy Hobson (Pretenders) on bass and Carmen Squire on rhythm guitar and BVs.
Having performed on stage since her childhood (releasing a single in Italy aged 8 which led to the Pope asking to meet her) Astrella spent her youth in acting schools and dance troupes before working with her father providing backing vocals and touring with him. She says, “My dad will always be my biggest influence but I also love Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Sade, Tori Amos, The Cardigans… I could go on and on.”
Astrella-Celeste recently opened for her father at the Jazz Café to critical acclaim and will be playing a series of dates in the Spring. Interest in Astrella is high with features already having run in Sunday Times Magazine, Hello and Daily Mail.
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