Tania Alexandra

As far as modern neo-folk goes, Tania Alexandra is a mess. That's a compliment. The wry complexity she offers as a vocalist and composer has often landed the Philadelphian folkie in odd, rocky waters on her private batch of CDs - 2009's Abnormal, 2006's Chrysalis, and 2003's Emergence. So much goes on within songs such as "I Could Have Flown" and "Boys to California." A hard nut to crack, Alexandra offers occasional animalistic rhythms, dissonant melodies, and ruminative lyrics that make more sense when you derive that her inspirations are Coltrane, Waits, and Joni Mitchell, and that there's as much cranky jazz and mirthful theater song stuck deep within her merry soul as there is the ache of the quintessentially folksy songwriter. Yet, there's not a sense of pastiche or copy-cat-ism in her work in which to confine her or the subtle grades of shade or tone characteristic of Alexandra's singing voice.

- A.D. Amorosi- Philadelphia Inquirer/ Philly.com

As far as modern neo-folk goes, Tania Alexandra is a mess. That's a compliment. The wry complexity she offers as a vocalist and composer has often landed the Philadelphian folkie in odd, rocky waters on her private batch of CDs - 2009's Abnormal, 2006's Chrysalis, and 2003's Emergence. So much goes on within songs such as "I Could Have Flown" and "Boys to California." A hard nut to crack, Alexandra offers occasional animalistic rhythms, dissonant melodies, and ruminative lyrics that make more sense when you derive that her inspirations are Coltrane, Waits, and Joni Mitchell, and that there's as much cranky jazz and mirthful theater song stuck deep within her merry soul as there is the ache of the quintessentially folksy songwriter. Yet, there's not a sense of pastiche or copy-cat-ism in her work in which to confine her or the subtle grades of shade or tone characteristic of Alexandra's singing voice.

- A.D. Amorosi- Philadelphia Inquirer/ Philly.com

. - montgomerynews.com

... - Origivation Magizine

Local artists also grace Philly Folk Fest


Published: Monday, August 16, 2010
By David W. Wannop
Correspondent
From far and wide, and from around the corner, the Philadelphia Folk Festival has been presenting old things in a new way, and new things in an old way, for 49 years. Selecting the talent this year was booking agent from Point Entertainment Jesse Lundy.

Working mostly with national and international acts, Lundy also influences local selection, drawing on festival emcee Gene Shay of WXPN’s “Folk Show” as a resource, getting audience feedback, and by divvying out two stages for the use of local acts under the auspices of WXPN’S Helen Leicht, presenter of the station’s “Philly Local,” and Philadelphia Songwriter Project founder Dena Marchiony. These three individuals combine the various stages and themes to make a huge festival into something coherent and backyard-esque.

The folk fest always remembers old friends as it adds new ones and allows acts such as Ben Arnold to return, this time on Helen Leicht’s “Philly Local” stage, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21.

Lundy says, “Ben Arnold is always welcome at the folk fest.” Leicht describes Arnold as “one of the stars of Philly and his new album, ‘Simplify,’ is great. I said to him that this is some of the best stuff you’ve done.”

Another returning act playing on the “Philly Local” stage on Saturday is the Tin Bird Choir.

Leicht says, “I am really taken by their harmonies and they have a real folky sound to them.” Tin Bird Choir often practices in a Bucks County barn and has a “love is greater than fear” message in its music.

Leicht will also present the leader of the rock group Shape Machine doing his solo work — namely, Jake Snider, now a college student at Columbia.

Leicht recalls, “I saw him when he was still in high school and his voice is beautiful. He’s done some work with Eric Bazilian of the Hooters and Scot Sax.”

Another performer who will be in a different element is Dave Quicks. Known for his hip-hop BurnDown All-Stars, based in Manayunk, his trio has a groove that is a departure.

Says Leicht, “Dave Quicks still has the songwriter part, but the soul too, and I think he’ll go over well.”

Mason Porter will also perform. Leicht likens them to Wilco and other Americana bands.

According to Lundy, “I directed Mason Porter to Helen Leicht. She has so much music being directed to her that I’m sure things fall through the cracks.”

Lundy is big on an artist Dena Marchiony has brought in with a local connection.

Lundy says, “Jah Levi — his father was one of the founders of the folk fest.” Marchiony describes Levi. “Jah Levi is a native Philadelphian whose father, Kenny Goldstein, was one of the co-founders of the Philadelphia Folk Festival almost 50 years ago. Jah Levi was brought up in the folk/roots community and learned music at the feet of the greats.

“Jah Levi has been based on the West Coast for many years and hasn’t appeared at the folk festival since 1991. He is very excited to introduce his latest music on the East Coast at this year’s festival.” Still, reggae at the folk fest might surprise some people, though it has been done before.

Marchiony will produce the Philadelphia Songwriters Project stage for the second year in a row, presenting four contest winners for whom this gig is part of the prize. Six hundred entries came down to these four, and they include an artist who plays brilliant piano with magical songs.

Tania Alexandra was first featured in Ticket more than six years ago and the world is now catching up with us. Marchiony agrees.

“I’ve been watching Tania play for many years and honestly I’ve never seen a crowd that didn’t love her stories, and her energy and performance. I’ve no doubt the folk festival audience will love her.”

Ryan Tennis will debut at the fest as well. A young, charismatic and likeable fellow, Tennis has written songs that are far deeper than you might expect from a guy with an athletic streak.

Marchiony also speaks highly of the Fleeting Ends, another contest-winning act.

“The Fleeting Ends are a band from Drexel Hill. The two principals have been best friends and played together since fourth grade. They both just turned 21 this year. They have a great sound, which is really fresh. They are adorable and the women love them … but guys do as well. They are perched to go far in the music world.”

Johnny Miles, another roots/Americana artist, also gets praise from Lundy, who says, “I’m a huge Johnny Miles fan.”

So, with Lundy being responsible for national acts, the question remains: did even he place locals on the bill? The answer is yes, but Lundy does so with caution.

He explains, “You need to work to a point where you are ready to play the folk festival. I want to focus on the local talent that fills the folk fest’s mission — people who deserve success and are working hard, such as Marc Silver who is a fantastic songwriter. He uses - Montgomery news

Local artists also grace Philly Folk Fest


Published: Monday, August 16, 2010
By David W. Wannop
Correspondent
From far and wide, and from around the corner, the Philadelphia Folk Festival has been presenting old things in a new way, and new things in an old way, for 49 years. Selecting the talent this year was booking agent from Point Entertainment Jesse Lundy.

Working mostly with national and international acts, Lundy also influences local selection, drawing on festival emcee Gene Shay of WXPN’s “Folk Show” as a resource, getting audience feedback, and by divvying out two stages for the use of local acts under the auspices of WXPN’S Helen Leicht, presenter of the station’s “Philly Local,” and Philadelphia Songwriter Project founder Dena Marchiony. These three individuals combine the various stages and themes to make a huge festival into something coherent and backyard-esque.

The folk fest always remembers old friends as it adds new ones and allows acts such as Ben Arnold to return, this time on Helen Leicht’s “Philly Local” stage, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21.

Lundy says, “Ben Arnold is always welcome at the folk fest.” Leicht describes Arnold as “one of the stars of Philly and his new album, ‘Simplify,’ is great. I said to him that this is some of the best stuff you’ve done.”

Another returning act playing on the “Philly Local” stage on Saturday is the Tin Bird Choir.

Leicht says, “I am really taken by their harmonies and they have a real folky sound to them.” Tin Bird Choir often practices in a Bucks County barn and has a “love is greater than fear” message in its music.

Leicht will also present the leader of the rock group Shape Machine doing his solo work — namely, Jake Snider, now a college student at Columbia.

Leicht recalls, “I saw him when he was still in high school and his voice is beautiful. He’s done some work with Eric Bazilian of the Hooters and Scot Sax.”

Another performer who will be in a different element is Dave Quicks. Known for his hip-hop BurnDown All-Stars, based in Manayunk, his trio has a groove that is a departure.

Says Leicht, “Dave Quicks still has the songwriter part, but the soul too, and I think he’ll go over well.”

Mason Porter will also perform. Leicht likens them to Wilco and other Americana bands.

According to Lundy, “I directed Mason Porter to Helen Leicht. She has so much music being directed to her that I’m sure things fall through the cracks.”

Lundy is big on an artist Dena Marchiony has brought in with a local connection.

Lundy says, “Jah Levi — his father was one of the founders of the folk fest.” Marchiony describes Levi. “Jah Levi is a native Philadelphian whose father, Kenny Goldstein, was one of the co-founders of the Philadelphia Folk Festival almost 50 years ago. Jah Levi was brought up in the folk/roots community and learned music at the feet of the greats.

“Jah Levi has been based on the West Coast for many years and hasn’t appeared at the folk festival since 1991. He is very excited to introduce his latest music on the East Coast at this year’s festival.” Still, reggae at the folk fest might surprise some people, though it has been done before.

Marchiony will produce the Philadelphia Songwriters Project stage for the second year in a row, presenting four contest winners for whom this gig is part of the prize. Six hundred entries came down to these four, and they include an artist who plays brilliant piano with magical songs.

Tania Alexandra was first featured in Ticket more than six years ago and the world is now catching up with us. Marchiony agrees.

“I’ve been watching Tania play for many years and honestly I’ve never seen a crowd that didn’t love her stories, and her energy and performance. I’ve no doubt the folk festival audience will love her.”

Ryan Tennis will debut at the fest as well. A young, charismatic and likeable fellow, Tennis has written songs that are far deeper than you might expect from a guy with an athletic streak.

Marchiony also speaks highly of the Fleeting Ends, another contest-winning act.

“The Fleeting Ends are a band from Drexel Hill. The two principals have been best friends and played together since fourth grade. They both just turned 21 this year. They have a great sound, which is really fresh. They are adorable and the women love them … but guys do as well. They are perched to go far in the music world.”

Johnny Miles, another roots/Americana artist, also gets praise from Lundy, who says, “I’m a huge Johnny Miles fan.”

So, with Lundy being responsible for national acts, the question remains: did even he place locals on the bill? The answer is yes, but Lundy does so with caution.

He explains, “You need to work to a point where you are ready to play the folk festival. I want to focus on the local talent that fills the folk fest’s mission — people who deserve success and are working hard, such as Marc Silver who is a fantastic songwriter. He uses - Montgomery news

With "Abnormal," Tania Alexandra proves once again why she is one of Philadelphia's most fiercely original voices with a lyrical depth and honesty that is courageous, compelling and undeniably provocative. Her invitation - to live outside the walls of fear and separation that keep us from experiencing true connection and joy, and to embrace our own darkness on the path to self-acceptance and love - is a bold one in this collection of lush, edgy piano ballads and jazz-inflected excavations of the soul. Her voice, which she stretches and bends, wielding its richness with a quivering vulnerability and sublime languor that can just as effortlessly erupt in a surging intensity, is as much a marvel as the contents of her songs - weeds, parasites, her faithful canine companion and the lessons lurking in our deepest heartache all doorways to a freedom that, for Alexandra, is as much spiritual as it is artistic. If claiming it makes her "Abnormal," then we should all be so fortunate to so eloquently transform our quirks and foibles, our flounderings and self-diagnosed failures into something that inspires, illuminates and, in the end, celebrates the beauty of our own imperfection. - Naila Francis - The Intelligencer

http://www.taniaalexandra.com/origivation-3-04.pdf - Robin Parry

Tania Alexandra is an Indie musician based in Philadelphia. Her music can be described as a colorful blend of alternative folk. Tania’s voice is smooth and powerful, and her music is filled with emotive force. While she often performs solo, she sometimes plays with a band. In either scenario, Tania’s musical art is emotional, fun, and profound. - wxpn.org - All About The Music

Tania Alexandra is an Indie musician based in Philadelphia. Her music can be described as a colorful blend of alternative folk. Tania’s voice is smooth and powerful, and her music is filled with emotive force. While she often performs solo, she sometimes plays with a band. In either scenario, Tania’s musical art is emotional, fun, and profound. - wxpn.org - All About The Music