Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
LINDI
The Taste of Forbidden Fruit Independent
Not to be confused with the friendly giant of local guitar-pop, this Lindi (also blond, also well-known to local audiences) is an emotive piano chanteuse par excellence. Judging by the quality of the compositions on this, her debut, she'll soon leave her indie status behind for the next level. Whether she's playing a sympathetic ear ("Nothing at All"), dreamy romantic ("Coffee Shops"), craftycabaret singer ("Sweet Jezebel") or naughty little thing ("Naughty Little Thing"), this ingenue displays a remarkable poise and class that belie her 22 years. The bandwagon starts here and now -- the intrigued are advised to jump aboard before being forced to shell out 40 bones to see this precocious crooner headline at Roy Thomson Hall. RYAN WATSON
- Eye Magazine
LINDI
March 29, Holy Joe's. ****
Above the haze and rumble of DJ Spooky's Reverb set, this Toronto singer held a small crowd captive with her stunning voice and lovely songs. Alternating between guitar and piano, Lindi delivered her aching, bittersweet material in a chat-stopping warble resembling a chanteuse of old, or perhaps even Jeff Buckley (a comparison I do not make lightly). Soulful, sultry and strong, Lindi rose above any "girl singer" tag to the rank of poetess and occupied the perfect spot between flighty ethereal chick and down-to-earth coffee-house performer. A captivating set for someone so obviously perturbed about her late time slot. -- LL
- Eye Magazine
By Coreen Wolanski
April 12, 2002
Where, oh where, has this gal been hiding for her young 22 years? In Toronto, apparently, working on this eclectic collection comprising her debut release. Her stunning warbling vibrato is the closest thing to vocal perfection I’ve heard in a while, as she goes effortlessly from tender and fragile to powerhouse displays of vocal chord gymnastics and she does it all so gracefully that not one single moment is forced or insincere. Billie Holiday, Liz Fraser and Siouxie Sioux are just a few influences that sneak in here, but she definitely has her own thing going on. Stylistically, the disc goes down many different avenues, ending up somewhere between jazz, cabaret, Celtic and country. The music presents a perfect backdrop for everything she does with her voice, from the playfulness of “Sweet Jezebel” to the poignant “Coffee Shops.” Violin, piano, steel guitar and saxophone mimic her every move (and apparently she plays most of them herself). The overall ambience of the disc is one that only the lonely could love, but should be missed by none. Don’t forget this name, she’s going to take over the world. - Exclaim! Magazine
Discography
(2001) THE TASTE OF FORBIDDEN FRUIT
(2006) FALL FROM GRACE
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
With a voice more intoxicating than a bottle of tequila chased with absinthe Lindi Ortega’s vision is to make music that creates an atmosphere drawing the listener into a world of desert highway landscapes and drunken guitar soundscapes which hearkens the influences of Mazzy Star, Jeff Buckley, Nancy Sinatra, and Tom Waits. It’s a new brand of torch alt-country rock, with vocals that will make you swoon one moment and rock your pants off the next.
Ortega is not only a stellar songwriter and performer, but is also becoming an inspiration to those that follow her career. Her passion for music is infectious and relentless.
Links
