SUMITRA: Indian Girl

Sumitra

Indian Girl

© 2004 Next Generation Enterprises (634479104688)

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FINELY WOVEN POP SONGS IN A JAZZ SETTING. Rich textures, beautiful, heartfelt songs and a pure sound. Fine musicianship, strong guitar work. Fans of Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, or Sade would enjoy this album.  

notes

SUMITRA RETURNS WITH THE RELEASE OF INDIAN GIRL

Born in New York, raised in Vienna, schooled in London, and now living in Los Angeles, Sumitra Nanjundan is a versatile artist with South Indian roots that has a style she characterizes as "pop songs in a jazz setting: intimate, original, personal, timeless." It would be difficult to come up with a more precise description, which is shown over and over again with the music that comprises Sumitra's latest release, Indian Girl. "People ask me to describe my style relative to other artists, which is something I used to resist," says Sumitra, "but I've learned that it really helps them to get the idea. The closest comparisons are Rickie Lee Jones, Sade, Billy Holiday, and Kate Bush."

Sumitra got an early start as a musician, and she has continued to build momentum throughout her music career. As a toddler and child she sang, learned to play the piano, recorded songs on a two-track tape machine, and gave piano and voice performances to visitors at her parents' home. In her early years, she studied classical piano, sang in school choirs, and began writing original material. She did everything she could to help perfect her craft, and then decided to put her skills to the test with the formation of her first band, Satu, with whom she performed throughout Austria and developed a major following. But all of this early success didn't go to Sumitra's head, and she even backed out of a major record label deal when she learned of the ways in which the agreement would stifle her creativity. Instead, Sumitra attended an American university in Vienna, where she earned a degree in business, though she continued to write music on her own.

But she couldn't stay away from the stage for long, and she soon began performing with a trio, and later with a duo, dishing out a couple of new releases along the way, exploring a variety of musical styles, and keeping her fans entranced all the while. Indian Girl represents the first time Sumitra has presented her music in a "guitar trio setting" with no keyboards or piano. The recording features strong guitar work from Alex Machacek, who is joined by Mario Lackner on drums and Tibor Kovesdi on bass - all underscoring Sumitra's originality, individuality, and personality as a singer and songwriter.

"With the looks of Diana Ross and a voice that could rival any jazz singer of recent years, Sumitra Nanjundan stands out from the usual crop of female vocalists."
- Leonard's Lair

"Sumitra has grown to become an independent musician with her very own unique ideas. Her latest CD bears witness to this development...The album presents a collection of finely woven pop songs in a jazz setting, far beyond any clichés."
- Christian Bakony, Jazz Zeit

June 2005 Rainmaker Public Relations www.rm-pr.com

reviews

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  • Of its type, this is a top class and sophisticated album
    author: Elly Roberts

    A well established household name in Austria, New York born Sumitra releases an adventurous contemporary Jazz album. Purists may well snub her cutting edge stylings, which would be a great shame. Sweet - voiced Sumitra has plenty to tell both musically and lyrically, ranging from race and heritage issues in the modern world, to love and insecurity. The ‘Indian Girl‘ sometimes adopts an MOR feel, (though not an out-and -out approach in the Katie Melua formula) is countered by complex rhythms, all beautifully harnessed over the easy flowing tracklisting format. Mostly using low-fi genteelness, she uses simple acoustic guitar strumming, balanced by her husband and guitarist Alex Machacek, and rhythm section of drummer Mario Lackner and bassist Tibor Kovesdi, as they collectively pull together some sublime band work. High on the agenda both vocally and musically is an undeniable love affair with melody which effectively drives the album on its rollercoaster of compositions, which in most part are accessible to the uninitiated and casual Jazz fan. Just for fun, she even throws in a bit of funkiness through track 7 At The End, without losing the genre’s sensibilities. As a package, the composite outcome of Indian Girl is an effortless and relaxed offering. In terms of songwriting she’s way ahead of her peers. Of its type, this is a top class and sophisticated album. Top tracks : Destiny 2001, My Love’s Like A Red Red Rose. Elly Roberts

  • Very nice
    author: Collected Sounds

    This is a very pleasant, soothing CD. I guess I'd call it somewhere between jazz and R&B with a touch of world beat thrown in. Sumitra's voice is lovely. It's smooth, but smokey and sexy. Reminds me a little of Sade. Not that the voices are similar, they're really not, it's just that kind of sexy feel. The instrumentation here is very professional, these people sound great together. Obviously all very talented musicians and writers. The production is also first class, there's a very warm, full feeling to this recording. If you're looking for something to 'set the mood' (if ya know what I mean) this is a good bet. Stand out songs: Indian Girl, I Know it's Late, I'm Afraid of the Dark (and no, I don't only like songs that begin with the letter I, it just turned out that way).

  • alternative jazz flavored music with adult themes, pensive lyrics, and mellow mu
    author: Gian Fiero/The Muse's Muse

    Best Songs: If My Clothes Were Torn, I'm Afraid Of The Dark, My Love's Like A Red Rose Sumitra, a singer/songwriter/musician, who was born in New York, raised in Vienna, Austria, schooled in London, and now lives in Los Angeles, would get My Muse's Muse Award for the most miles traveled if I gave one out. But I don't, so she will have to settle for the most interesting story. During the course of her education, she spent 5 years in England and 2 years in the U.S. Both her parents are from India, where Sumitra maintains strong ties. She claims she very often feels like just another "Indian Girl," which is also the name of her latest project. While she sites Billie Holiday, Chaka Khan, and Sade as an influence, it's the Nancy Wilson like vocals that speak to you. Her standout track, and the project's most commercial song, "If My Clothes Were Torn," is a unique, if not eclectic, mid-tempo track that inspires introspection. The snazzy guitar intro catches you off guard and fades into the background, dramatically introducing Sumitra's smooth, but strong vocals. The vast majority of this project will appeal to those who love alternative jazz flavored music with adult themes, pensive lyrics, and mellow music. Not a bad accomplishment at all for an Indian Girl - or a girl of any race for that matter.

  • Intriguing and certainly an artist you'll want to follow
    author: J. Sin

    Vocal jazz and pop artist Sumitra is prepared to shake off any comparisons to other female singer/songwriters with her crafty and dynamic album “Indian Girl”. Having traveled the world at an early age, she picked up music influences from all the places she lived along the way. That translates well to her songwriting, which boast a significant pop influence but also has a soulful jazz background. The lyrics are intrusively intimate but are also easily decipherable. Intriguing and certainly an artist that you’ll want to follow.

  • Captivating!
    author: Laura T Lynch of Kweevak,com

    Sumitra is a singer, songwriter and pianist, although her latest thirteen track CD has no keyboards or piano. Instead, Sumitra wanted the instrumental focus to be heavy on guitars and rhythms. Rock instruments may be the core of the music but her sound is also a blend of jazz, pop and a dash of her South Indian culture. Sumitra's songs also revolve around her powerful and versatile vocals. Sumitra pens songs that are emotional and enduring. Sumitra's style has been compared to Ricky Lee Jones, Billy Holiday and Sade. 'Indian Girl' is the soulful opener featuring subtle yet strong instrumentation and compelling lyrics and vocals. 'If My Clothes Were Torn' starts off with sizzling guitar leads giving way to Sumitra's potent vocals and a solid beat. 'I Know It's Late' has a jazz feel flowing on soft, sultry instrumentation that allows Sumitra's singing to float to the top of the arrangement. Sumitra and her band our first-class musicians crafting songs that are captivating and timeless!

  • A relaxed and moving record that is the perfect showcase for Sumitra's restraine
    author: Jonathan Leonard/Leonard's Lair

    With the looks of Diana Ross and a voice that could rival any jazz singer of recent years, Sumitra Nanjundan stands out from the usual crop of female vocalists. Brought up by Indian parents, she has spent time in New York, Vienna and England and the cultural mix is evident in the songs on 'Indian Girl'. Although most of the tracks feature atmospheric jazz arrangements, Sumitra is spiritual on the title track, earnest on '20 Years', revamping 80's soul on 'Destiny 2001' and - on 'Orange & Gold' - she even recalls the idiosyncracies of Kate Bush. Lush, post-midnight hour ballad 'My Love's Like A Red Red Rose' is another highlight but the key track is arguably 'I'm Afraid Of The Dark' which features Sumitra at her most honest and emotional. In short, this is a relaxed and moving record that is the perfect showcase for Sumitra's restrained and intimate style.

  • intimate, soulful, haunting, this CD will make your day
    author: Michelle Parsons

    Intimate, soulful, haunting, "Indian Girl" by Sumitra is the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of lazy introspection. With each song, Sumitra shares her unique experience and invites us along on her soulful journey. The artist and her band move with amazing smoothness through an array of styles, from the ethereal opening strains of "Indian Girl," to the plaintive guitar on "If My Clothes Were Torn" and the jazzy "At the End." My favorite song (today) is "I Know It's Late," which captures the urgency of finally admitting to being in love: "I know it's late...but I'd like to make your day." Sumitra's "Indian Girl" will truly make your day.

  • A beautiful emotional blend of voice and music. Experience the autobiographical
    author: Eddie Cole

    This CD is a journey through the life of an Indian girl. The lyrics are like an autobiography, supported by fierce guitar, and bass licks. While the drums enfluence you to move to the grooves.Its emotional!! Still you wanna check out the sweet innocent vocals to follow the story, and get the message. Its a listen to me cd! If you like Minnie Ripperton, or Diana Ross..You'll love Indian Girl. Its a flava that will never turn sour.One of my favorites is Orange and Gold.. You can play it forever.....I love it!! Toi! Toi! Toi!! Congradulations!!!!

  • Refreshing honest glimpse into the heart and soul of a remarkabel NEW artist
    author: Maria Alsatti

    The vocal ability of Sumitra, as displayed in Indian Girl, shines through this CD with a defining 'ease' as easily as it takes us on an intimate journey of life through lyrics which are articulate, stylized and most effectively lathered in conviction. Coupled with the finesse of the consummate musicians which surround Sumitra's 'smokey, deliberate yet plaintive' sound, this CD emerges unique, and, one quite able to stand 'separate' from what has been served the recording industry of late. Owning a diversified and 'large' collection of CD's, this one remains at the top of my list for it's sheer simplicity and honesty which somehow dares the listener to be drawn directly into the heart and soul of it's artist. Finally, a refreshing billboard highlight...,well worth shouting about!!! Maria Alsatti

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