Regular Columnists

Artist: Sumitra
Album: "Indian Girl"
CD Review: Genre: Adult Contemporary
Sounds Like: ?
Technical Grade: 9
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8
Commercial Value: 7
Overall Talent Level: 7
Songwriting Skills: 7
Performance Skill: 7
Best Songs: If My Clothes Were Torn, I'm Afraid Of The Dark, My Love's Like A Red Rose
Weakness: ?
CD Review: 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.

Advice: Incorporate a few more up-tempo songs to sustain the interest level on your next project.

www.sumitra-online.com