HEIDI

I have hitherto not heard of Heidi Spiliopoulos, but thankfully this has been put to rights with her d�but release, �The Love Album� for the UK's Havavision Records out of the UK. I cannot resist a fine looking lass at any time, let alone one who creates soulful, romantic jams such as these! Heidi is a gentle vocalist, extremely feminine and smooth and she has penned much of the material herself; the music is what we would call organic or neo-soul. The fender rhodes, gentle percussion and horns form the backbone to this retro-sounding project. The feel is of a dreamy mid 70s soul album with hints of heavier beats belying the fact that this is very 21st Century.
This is classy UK Soul at its best. The first song that really blows me away is the KILLER �Flow Like A River�. This track is pure genius: the swirling strings, dreamy, carefree keys and sultry synth and laissez-faire percussion all point towards the fact that spring is on its way � and this is one of THOSE songs that I will be blaring out to all and sundry during those warmer, sunnier days. This is pure class and the CD is a must for this and this alone! However, it doesn't stop there. Yes, we get value for money here, folks! Its followed by a gorgeous floater called �If We�. The feel, again, is of a warm summer day � the beats more clonking and clappy a la the latest Brian McKnight set. This should do the business on quality UK radio.
For a more Latin edge, the acoustic �No Pain� offers us a sublime piece of stripped-bare essential soul. Who needs the likes of Amy Whine House with artists like this about? It beats me, it really does. The sweet �Family Love� again utilises some nice string affects, and Heidi has an opportunity to show us again how much clarity and strength she has in her voice. Again, this is class. As you know, I love the flute. The jiggyness of �Only Loves Goes On� has all the hallmarks of an Erykah Badu cut, the flute takes on its own life and a weird yet very musical blend is made here. At once slightly discordant, but cleverly interplayed scales and beats all held together by a very free glue courtesy of the backing vocals and real instruments. Interesting, aurally challenging yet very, very good!
Heidi is more than a neo-soul artist. Like Erykah Badu (if not better) this Lady can turn to jazz at a glance. The jazzy club smoker �My Eyes� offers Heidi to be viewed from an altogether different perspective. This shows that the musical world really is her Oyster. This Lady can do little wrong. Take the exquisite laid back soul-jazz of �Lost In You�for example. Not many of today's artists can pull off material like this. This takes real talent! Talking of which, the beautiful Finnish talent of Juanita comes to mind with the SUPERB duet with Von Quest, �You Know I'm Ready�. Another classy track that is definitely a winner and deserves all the exposure it can get.
The closing cut �The Luurrve Jam� is right in the pocket � even if I hate the title! LOL. There's a considerable silence between the opening of the song and the main chunk of it � so worry ye not � your CD player is NOT faulty! �Thank You Star� is an apt track. I would like to close the review by saying �Thank you, star� for that is what we have here. Heidi is a genuine find and the support she has from the talented musicians and co-writers is extremely sympathetic to her ample talents. Ignore this at your peril. Quality all the way.

Barry Towler
- www.soulchoonz.com

8/10!

This album does what exactly it says on the label; With tracks on 'The Love Album' called 'Love,' 'Family Love,' and 'The Luurrve Jamon' what do you expect? Heidi lights the fuse in Fusion, bringing an enigmatic album to her fans on Valentines day (obviously the most fitting day for release).

You do tend to feel this album should be played in reverse order, as the stand out tracks seem to be bunched at the end of the album. With exception of 'If We' (talking at the start aside) you feel this track has been lifted from a sound track of a sensual 70's movie.

End of album favourites include the simple arrangement of 'Only Love Goes On And On,' coupled with the ever so delicate Heidi tones. 'You Know I'm Ready' co-written with celebrated British musician Andrew Roachford. This track wouldn't sound out of place on any high echelon soul album as it makes you admire the quality production (care of Steve Wellington AKA Dreadlox Holmes) 'Thank You Star' could even possibly make Heidi a star if shes given the chance to shine.

She maybe guilty of the occasional clumsy lyric making the obvious rhyme and then rhyme again. But all is forgiven in the direction stakes. This is a perfect mood setter. Whether in the background at a dinner party, or setting the mood for a romantic liaision. This album has both panache and bags of charisma.

The single taken from the 'The Love Album' is called 'Love', filmed in Paris (of course!) whilst there she played a week of warmly received gigs... I'm sure they were very cosy.
Words Lee Tyler - Blues and Soul Magazine - Issue 1002

1 Mar 2008
By Eleanor de Bruin — Assistant Editor, Nursery Education PLUS

Check out this month’s music review, introducing new Australian artist, Heidi

Relax to the mellow tones of Heidi
If you love music that is soft, sensual and lifts your spirits, then make Heidi’s The Love Album your next purchase.

The beautiful, breathy voice of Australian born soul singer, Heidi, is a real pleasure to listen to. With a similar style to Corinne Bailey Ray, Heidi’s debut album reflects many positive and uplifting messages about love and life.

The album consists of fourteen tracks, varying slightly in style and tempo, which both holds your interest or allows you to switch off and enjoy the mellow peaceful tones, depending on your mood. Track two, simply entitled ‘Love’ is the most catchy and the one you’ll find yourself singing along to, while the honesty and engaging acapella style of track nine will be of particular interest to those who like something a little bit different.

Kick off your shoes after work and enjoy this album as the ideal antidote to a pile of tedious marking, or the perfect accompaniment to a hot bubble bath or a relaxing evening with friends.

Released on 14 February 2008, the warm, lyrical album by the Australian soul singer looks set to become a favourite.

- Scholastic Magazines - UK

The first single 'LOVE'
“Lovely song...very well executed and by a truly lovely young artist who deserves success....Am a fan of hers....and would love to interview her and do what I can to help her career. Heidi is due for a break through”

- DJ - John Dean

The first single 'LOVE'
“This is a very lushious RnB Vocal very reminisent to the hey day of the Mid 90's and a updated throwback that tips it's hat to Motown even!”
- Joey Rivaldo

“You have impressed our producer/presenter John Dean with your dedicated approach to your music and your vocal talent. Producing and presenting 5 soul shows across every week for different radio stations, John is dedicated to helping new talent reach the listening audience and feels you have the makings of a future star.”
- Stewart St Clair

“Feeling this newcomer’s voice. Will get an interview soon...on the BBC no less.”
- DJ Mighty MP

The first single 'LOVE'
“Love sent a message to all who can appreciate a great vocalist such as Heidi's work.”
- Delmar Browne