By Esther Callens
Sensual vocals that capture the essence of what beautiful music signifies are found in the recording, From the Heart. Presenting the talented, marvelous songstress, Anya Malkiel, her debut album offers a peep at a rare jewel whose future is nothing short of illuminating. She is remarkable.
Anya Malkiel has an unusual gift. She has exquisite vocals that literally takes any song and possesses it as her own. This fact was authenticated on the 10 American songbook standards she performed on From the Heart. Her sultry sonants are crisp and perfect.
From the Heart was a long time in the making. In the past, Malkiel shared the stage with numerous talents, but her dream was put on furlough as motherhood took center stage. Eventually she began to pursue her passion and started working with Roger Letson. The crowning touch is this fabulous collection – From the Heart.
Fine and Mellow, the Billie Holiday Classic, is the album opener. Malkiel sings the sassy lyrics with a scorching passion that cannot be ignored. The set closes with “Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child” that Malkiel adds her signature touch to. In between are: “Lullaby of the Leaves” that features the big band swing sound, “You must Believe In Spring” and others. A surprisingly, amazing arrangement is found on “I Thought About You”. It is quite unexpected but just as fabulous. From the Heart is literally a gift to Jazz enthusiasts. Anya Malkiel states of her first encounter with Jazz ,“I was smitten.” You will be too!
Anya Malkiel was born in the former Soviet Union where jazz was considered off-limits. But this did not stop her. Her love of music led to piano and violin lessons. She soon found her passion lies in her voice and she was soon introduced to jazz. She is now a bay area resident that is taking the jazz industry by surprise.
Track listing: Fine and Mellow; Invitation; Pannonica; Lullaby of the Leaves; You Must Believe in Spring; I Thought About You; There’ll Never be Another You; Under Paris Skies; Beautiful love; Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child.
