A mystifying and memorable collection of original songs combining world sounds (Indian, Celtic, etc.) with strong pop sensibilities and a passionate, soulful voice sure to keep the curiosity piqued, the heart open and the body moving.
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Now featuring Love Songs for Valentine's Day!
A REAL-LIFE FAIRY TALE:
Once upon a time, a couple met and courted online, listening to the song "Dreaming," by Esther Valentine. Soon after they were married. They asked if they could play the song at their wedding - to which I replied, "what an honor."
Why not "dream." You never know what might happen. Send your love an Esther Valentine "song charm" (99 cents per "arrow").
VALENTINE'S DAY IS EVERY DAY...at least for the month of February!
Biography
Growing up with an English mother and Brooklynese father (dare we say wry on rye), it?s no wonder the music and vocalizations of Esther Valentine are eclectic and refreshingly original. With her three-octave range, distinctive voice and songs, she can sound sweet then smoky (she?s been described as the voice of an angel with the sound of the street), ?troubadorian? with a hint of Coney Island Blues, banshee-like, cantor-like, but unlike anything you?ve heard before ? though somehow familiar. Her latest release, the searching and soulful ?Missing Mantra? illustrates this versatility and range beautifully.
For the title cut, ?Missing Mantra,? Esther collaborated with Tushar Parte (who produced/arr. the Indian instruments), and his wife, Suchita, who sang some beautiful ragas/shlokas with Esther.
?Maybe In Another Life? was produced and arranged with Derek Nakamoto, formerly a member of Hiroshima. He played keyboards, and blended classical strings/instrumentation with Asian sounds, making this yet another captivating and memorable song (acclaimed Indian composer, A. R. Rahman, said ?Esther's voice is beautiful?).
?Novgorod? is a cyber-sea miracle/masterpiece. Esther and the hot and spicy Norwegian band ?Gazpacho? also discovered each other via the web, joined ?the mutual admiration society,? then set to work on this lush, moving, and rocking homage to the classical Russian composer, Rimsky-Korsakov (which was originally released on their compelling CD ?Bravo?).
?False Profit? has also been getting rave reviews. Ms. Valentine teamed up with Gregg Montante, a fine producer and powerful guitar player who has scored and played on numerous films (U.S.A. channel, etc.), and who has completed numerous CD?s of his own.
?Give Me A Reason? was written by Esther Valentine and David Barkley, an accomplished and accredited composer/orchestrator who seems to have mastered the art of combining mood and ambience with light and excitement.
Having grown up around a bit of English music hall (Esther?s mother was from Manchester), and ?mused? by husband, David Collins (rhythm guitar on ??Mantra? and several others) to cover some of the haunting ballads of yesteryear, Esther also includes her rendition of the 1918 song, ?I?m Always Chasing Rainbows,? which she produced, performed and arranged herself.
Dance and be joyful is the essence of Esther Valentine?s CD, entitled "Can?t Watch Yourself Dance." Though you may see a storm cloud overhead, or find yourself pressed with the usual rigors of being mortal, why not grab the brass ring of the day, in spite of it all? If that's not enough, and you simply must have more, "Anthology" is also a favorite (extended Esther), and "Angel Song" is another uplifting compilation - both are available on Esther?s website (see below).
Esther has also worked with, amongst others, David Kershenbaum, (prod., Tracy Chapman), Paul Buckmaster (arr. Elton John, Bowie), Richard Burgess (keyboard prog., Kate Bush), Marc Tanner (Sean Colvin), and Ken Allardyce (Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day). She had a song on a Gold (CBS) CD, and has had numerous film and television credits, including ?The Shield.? Her work appeared on a CD that included Bernie Taupin, Holly Knight, as well as other fine writers. Additionally, Esther has appeared as guest vocalist on several CD's, including a compilation with "The Young Dubliners," and also wrote, arranged and vocalized on a group of ambient CD's/releases, one of which was in heavy rotation on the BBC. She has vocalized/composed for several national commercials, and accepted an award for ?Best Female Alternative Artist? in Nashville.
Esther Valentine has received over 30,000 hits on her website(s), fan letters from around the globe, and local as well as international airplay. For more information, please visit www.esthervalentine.com.