Search - Samantha Siva :: Masquerade

An album for the future

John Tillett | Syracuse, USA | 01/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Samantha Siva continues to surprise with musical growth on her new album Masquerade. A more "adventurous" and artistically free offering than her Identity album, Masquerade incorporates more of global, pop feel yet still manages to remain true to her jazz influence. While in this album she continues to be backed by some of the hottest contemporary musicians (David Benoit, Richard Elliot, Chieli Minucci) her deeper and artistry is found on many other songs on this album. She takes her jazz twists into more of a adult pop while maintaining her originality without sounding like the puppet of a big producer. Poquito di Paraguana and Coco La Mer have Latin undertones and are outstanding additions to the disk . Sugar has deep R&B seductive undertones and her vocal sound has the seductive vibes of Janet Jackson. Clouds which has David Benoit playing fits well is very unusual, jazzy song-writing and well crafted and is Siva at her best. Her voice is amazing. At times she has eclectic moments of Bjork or Sade, and the production is large taking this album into mainstream. Masquerade has originality, depth and versatility and reaches beyond the jazz world into global pop. She kind of reminds me of Sting mixing up the pop and the world instruments with jazz. Yet its also got good songs. Its different and one of those sort of albums where all the songs are interesting and you can keep listenning to the whole album (not just one song) and not get tired of it. I really like this disk."

Great CD

John Tillett | 03/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blessed with a beautiful voice and loads of talent, Samantha Siva continues to grow and mature as an artist, composer and producer on this third release. Accompanied by the likes of David Benoit, Richard Elliot and Chieli Minucci Siva alternates between smooth, Sade-like tracks (Masquerade, Sugar) and tracks that are unmistakably Samantha. All the tracks are original and, unlike previous releases, all are strong and deserving of inclusion. Samantha adds some smooth Latin flavor with Poquito di Paraguana and Coco La Mer. Clouds, featuring David Benoit, is Clouds, classy and shows Siva's maturation as a songwriter and vocal stylist. Much like Sade, Siva seems to transcend musical genres. Although this is definitely a jazz CD, it should play well in the pop and world music arenas... maybe even a little crossover into the R&B world. The production on this CD is first rate and the entire production has that 'big' sound that differentiates the up-and-comers from the stars. Samantha Siva is beginning to sit much more comfortably in that star seat."

Bravo!

John Tillett | 01/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Samantha Siva since her debut Rhythm Of the Voices. I love the diversity and variety she uses in her song writing. Masquerade is her third album and is by far is her best, most confident and colorful work to date. Siva has really found her own style. My favorite is the Latin instrumental "Poquita di Paraguana" which is great and different. Another favorite is the elegant "You Inspire Me" a song that anyone can relate to who has been in love. Bravo! A great album for many moods."