Alluring. Sophisticated. Spirited. Timeless. The new CD by acclaimed artist, Anjani is a mesmerizing collection of original songs with elements of acoustic, smooth jazz, and world music. The exquisite dance through passionate love and human frailty, to a state of inner peace and acceptance, is beautifully expressed in this long awaited release.
Anjani portrays affairs of the heart with vision and integrity, in this intimate, revealing, self-produced work. She generates an aura of compassion through astute lyrics that are convincing and uplifting, never banal or predictable. The ultimate reward of this project is a soothing, compelling affirmation of unconditional love.
What sets Anjani apart from other vocally blessed singer/songwriters, is her mastery of the keyboard. In the words of one reviewer, "The arrangement on this song (Ain't Foolin' No One) is so subtle and well filled out, it is a while before you realize it is only voice and piano, with no other accompanying instruments."
From "Here and Now," an acoustic soundtrack for life, to the classic style torch ballad, "Over You," to the ki ho'alu (slack key guitar) sound of "Kanaloa," a duet featuring Henry Kapono; every tune is an unexpectedly refreshing offering that reaches far beyond ordinary pop fare. Anjani's compositions contain many references to nature, reflecting her upbringing in the tropical, verdant, multi-cultured paradise of Hawaii.
A world class rhythm section provides sensitive embellishment to these highly crafted songs. Distinguished fusion jazz virtuoso, Frank Gambale plays acoustic guitar on five cuts, most notably the latin tinged samba, "Ties That Bind."
Leonard Cohen calls Anjani, "...a world class singer with an unforgettable voice." Anjani has performed with Cohen since 1984, when she sang background vocals on his hallmark tune, Hallelujah. Their most recent collaboration is Blue Alert (2006 Columbia Records, produced by Leonard Cohen), ten bittersweet lovesongs featuring Cohen's lyrics with music, arrangements and vocals by Anjani.
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