Please join Amanda Abizaid in promoting the release of her latest album, Walking In Twos, TODAY, October 12th, 2017. Amanda will giving a special performance at Hotel Utah Saloon. It is a night you will not want to miss!
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2017 Time: 8:30pm show Venue: Hotel Utah Saloon Admission: $10
Amanda Abizaid Releases New Project in Support of HelpPhilippineSchools.org, Walking In Twos EP featuring the Legendary Stephen Stills. Amanda describes her music as “Neo-Soul meets World.” A gifted pianist, guitarist and flautist, Amanda will be performing an eclectic bi lingual set. This will truly be a night of bringing the east and west together in song. “Amanda is Fabulous. Really! Check this out!” – Stephen Stills
“Jennifer Saran’s new album includes guests like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Carlos Santana and Narada Michael Walden. I previously reviewed her Christmas album. Her style of music isn’t really my kind of thing, more of an adult contemporary sound mixed with pop. Still, she manages to surpass that and make it work. If you really dig that kind of stuff, you will probably be crazy about this. I will say that there is quite a range of music on this set.
Track by Track Review:
Wake Up – featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Carlos Santana and Narada Michael Walden There is a tribal, almost reggae, vibe to this song in a lot of ways. It’s energized, catchy and classy.
Jesus to a Child (Tribute to George Michael) This ballad has a lot of jazzy sound in the mix. It’s a pretty cut that works really well. I suppose that it’s a little similar to some of George Michael’s music in some ways. That said, this was a song by George Michael. I prefer this version to that one.
Really Now, I’m not really a big fan of this. It’s too heavily based on modern pop music. It feels far too over-produced, too. It’s fast paced and catchy, but not enough to overcome the other problems. I’d consider this to be a “skip” tune.
Me & Mr. Jones (Tribute to Billy Paul) Now, this is very much a mellower jazz take. It works really well. In fact, this might be my favorite tune here. Of course, I loved the Counting Crows version of this tune. The Billy Paul to whom this is dedicated, though, is the person who actually wrote and originally did the song. Mind you, both that version and Billy Paul’s were titled “Me & Mrs. Jones.”
You Are My Star featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo We move back into tribal territory with this piece. I like the duet vocal approach on this song. It’s a nice change and effective number.
Too Young to Know More of an adult contemporary pop music piece, this is a fun number that works really well.
Better Than Me (for Anjali’) A pretty balladic number, this is classy stuff. It’s very much cut from the adult contemporary school of sound.
Look at Me Fly Another built on a bouncy pop styled arrangement, this is catchy and effective. It has a duet built into it. That is a nice touch and brings a soulful element to the table.
Old Cape Cod (Tribute to Patti Page) Given the dedication, you would probably expect a retro styled number. That’s exactly what we’ve got here. This is a ballad that feels like it could have been released in the 1920s or 1930s.The funny thing is, Page’s version was released in the 1950s and feels more contemporary than this one does.
Try to Forgive (But I Cannot Forget) This is another energetic pop tune. I like this quite a bit. It creates some nice contrast to the previous one because it’s a modern sounding piece.
Lean on Me (Tribute to Bill Withers) featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo This has a real tribal vibe here. While I prefer the original, I like the vibe of this one. It’s sort of a different side to the musical ideas.
Grace Is the Champion Another that has a modern pop vibe, this doesn’t suffer from over-production. I’d say that this lands more on the end of rock music than it does pure pop, too. It’s definitely a good tune. In fact, this is one of my favorites here.
I Will Always Be Your Home With a lot of strings in the mix, this blends a rock ballad with an adult contemporary one. I’m not crazy about the mellower parts of this, but I like it quite a bit when it’s more powered up.
My Love and Devotion (Tribute to Doris Day) This is precisely what you’d expect of a cover of Doris Day. It’s delivered in the style she operated within and sounds a lot like her. It’s definitely a slice of a long-gone time.
Aad Guray There is a good chunk of world music on this balladic number. I love the multiple layers of voices on this piece. While I don’t think this is the strongest number here, it has a sort of grounding quality that makes it work well as the final tune on the album.”
Please join Amanda Abizaid in promoting the release of her latest album, Walking In Twos, on October 12th, 2017. Amanda will giving a special performance at Hotel Utah Saloon. It is a night you will not want to miss!
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2017 Time: 8:30pm show Venue: Hotel Utah Saloon Admission: $10
Amanda Abizaid Releases New Project in Support of HelpPhilippineSchools.org, Walking In Twos EP featuring the Legendary Stephen Stills. Amanda describes her music as “Neo-Soul meets World.” A gifted pianist, guitarist and flautist, Amanda will be performing an eclectic bi lingual set. This will truly be a night of bringing the east and west together in song. “Amanda is Fabulous. Really! Check this out!” – Stephen Stills
Please join Amanda Abizaid in promoting the release of her latest album, Walking In Twos, on October 12th, 2017. Amanda will giving a special performance at Hotel Utah Saloon. It is a night you will not want to miss!
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2017 Time: 8:30pm show Venue: Hotel Utah Saloon Admission: $10
Amanda Abizaid Releases New Project in Support of HelpPhilippineSchools.org, Walking In Twos EP featuring the Legendary Stephen Stills. Amanda describes her music as “Neo-Soul meets World.” A gifted pianist, guitarist and flautist, Amanda will be performing an eclectic bi lingual set. This will truly be a night of bringing the east and west together in song. “Amanda is Fabulous. Really! Check this out!” – Stephen Stills
Please join Amanda Abizaid in promoting the release of her latest album, Walking In Twos, on October 12th, 2017. Amanda will giving a special performance at Hotel Utah Saloon. It is a night you will not want to miss!
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2017 Time: 8:30pm show Venue: Hotel Utah Saloon Admission: $10
Amanda Abizaid Releases New Project in Support of HelpPhilippineSchools.org, Walking In Twos EP featuring the Legendary Stephen Stills. Amanda describes her music as “Neo-Soul meets World.” A gifted pianist, guitarist and flautist, Amanda will be performing an eclectic bi lingual set. This will truly be a night of bringing the east and west together in song. “Amanda is Fabulous. Really! Check this out!” – Stephen Stills
Amanda Abizaid Has Released a New Project in Support of HelpPhilippineSchools.org, Walking In Twos EP features the Legendary Stephen Stills. Amanda describes her music as “Neo-Soul meets World.” HelpPhilippineSchools.org is a non-profit organization that helps children get the best education possible through the betterment of existing schools, working “from the inside out.” Walking In Twos is a 7-track EP including two diverse mixes of the titular song, which was inspired by Amanda’s experiences with the Aeta Filipino children. The EP also features other original songs and has been released worldwide. The project’s goal is to create a self-sufficient revenue stream using proceeds from the song’s downloads and streams to buy school supplies for the Aeta children of the Philippines. Listen to Amanda discuss this and more by using the link above!
“Jennifer Saran is an American born Hong Kong based singer songwriter of whom I knew nothing prior to the receipt of this latest album to review. I am certain that this is more my loss than hers. One of her aims in life, through both her music and charitable work, would seem to be to make the world we live in a better place. She is involved with a number of charities and the proceeds from the title track, “Wake Up” will go to the Desmond Tutu Foundation in South Africa.
The “Wake Up” album is a bit of a jewel for music lovers, containing a mix of almost every genre of music with the exception of opera. In addition to Jennifer’s amazing voice, it includes the Ladysmith Black Mambazo choir from South Africa and the renowned guitarist Carlos Santana. One thing that really struck me about Jennifer’s vocals is the clarity of her diction. No need here to rush off to find the sleeve notes to understand what she is singing about.
The album contains a mix of new songs written by Jennifer either alone or in collaboration with others and a number of tribute songs to other artists. All produced by Narada Michael Walden in California.
The tribute songs make for an unusual contribution to this production. A couple are fairly predictable, Bill Withers (Lean On Me) and Billy Paul (Me and Mr Jones.) The others, much less so! George Michael’s “Jesus To A Child” is quite superb and emphasises the quality of Jennifer’s voice. It also demonstrates what a talent the world of music lost with the death of George. Two of the other renditions came as a bit of a shock to this listener. Patti Page’s “Old Cape Cod” and Doris Day’s “My Love and Devotion” are not tracks that you would expect to hear on a CD issued in 2017. They are both however quite wonderful and the producer has done an incredible job of making the songs sound like they had been recorded at the relevant period in time, demonstrating total respect for the original artist and musicians! “Old Cape Cod” reminds me of music from a Busby Berkeley film although it never appeared in one. It just has that sound and feel to it and even includes vocal backing that is reminiscent of The Andrews Sisters.
There are a few real gems in the self-penned songs too. The title track “Wake Up” is a very uplifting song despite its very harsh warning about the state of our planet. Rather unusually for a protest song, it is played with a real beat and the backing of the choir. It works for me though and makes me listen to the words far more than some of the dirges I have heard in the past which try to make a point. “I Will Always be Your Home” is a line that all parents will have, at one point, told their children. A delightfully slow and very thought provoking track! “Really” sounds as though it has come straight from the local disco and “Grace is the Champion” is an excellent example of modern alt pop.
Jennifer is a lady who really cares about life and has produced an album to match her passion. I can honestly say that I like every track on this album. Some more than others but the same can be said of almost every album ever issued. One track will lift you up, the next will make you think about your life and that of others less fortunate. This is indeed a rare jewel. A lady who would make a wonderful dinner guest and is a very accomplished singer songwriter to be admired and taken notice of!”
“After nearly a year-long production process, CRUZANDO CORAZONES comes to life, a six-track EP packed with powerful symbolism and colorful expressions of important issues. On iTunes now (presale).
Tiempos de Tinieblas is a Hip-hop song by young Bolivian rapper EDY who RAZTERIA met while volunteering at EnsenArte in Cochabamba. Co-produced by Jayme Arredondo it also features the charango playing of Bolivian star, Luciel Izumi. It’s a reminder of the end of Bolivia’s brutal oppressive history and a call to take control of one’s destiny in a free society. Recorded at LA Estudio and Truffula Oak studio.
Agua pa Camello is a Colombian AfroBeat song by SURATIVA PARLANTE from Bogota, Colombia. This 9-piece band combines indigenous roots music & AfroBeat. Reminiscent of Fela Kuti, the upbeat song takes on the serious issue of water scarcity and the vital necessity to share. It was recorded live at Arbol Naranja.
Suerte features KALIMBA, a Latin Reggae band from Bella Vista, in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Quite simply, a love song infused with a feeling of gratitude for being alive. The lyric is by Argentinian lyricist Ariel Leira originally interpreted by Mercedes Sosa on the song Por Un Solo Gesto de Amor. Recorded at La Fragua Estudio.
Solo en la Carne features LUCAS ROCHAIX, a young jazz guitarist composer from Olivos, in the province of Buenos Aires, Andres Dellacasa on drums and Raian Valenca Joao on bass. This song is the Spanish version of RAZTERIA’s award-winning song Once Again (John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Grand Prize, World Music 2016). It is a humble wish to see, feel and hear the words of loved ones who are far away. Recorded at Chafirete studio.
Mosquito features female producer and multi-instrumentalist EMJE ROSE together with percussionist Oscar Reyes from Barranquilla, Colombia. Showcasing her vibrantly exotic feel of the Colombian Caribbean this is a fun song that takes on the message of Dengue fever prevention. Recorded and mixed at Afro Estudios.
Todas las Voces interpreted by Patagonian folklore band CELESTE Y LAS MIL JARILLAS is a version of Cancion con Todos by Julio Cesar Isella and Armando Tejada Gomez made most famous by Mercedes Sosa. A Latin American anthem, it is a message of solidarity and appreciation for each countries’ unique beauty. Recorded and mixed at Chafirete studio.
CRUZANDO CORAZONES VOL 1 was mastered by TrakWorx. Unless otherwise noted, all tracks produced & mixed by RAZTERIA. Artwork by Mexican artist Alfredo Varela.
Shot and chopped by Japanese director Hitoshi Inoue, the official music video AVENTURERA is the title track from RAZTERIA’s most recent album (AVENTURERA, Asteria Records 2016). Beautifully staged in dozens of locations throughout California, it looks like it was shot on real film. The track is a collaboration with Peruvian artist YURIZA JARED and her band SANG MATIZ, an Afro Latin Funk band based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Look out for their new album coming summer 2017.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Following September 1st, 2017, when CRUZANDO CORAZONES VOL 1 drops together with videos of the production process, RAZTERIA plans to launch 2 singles, one in English and one in Spanish, to give a taste of what’s next for the 2 albums in the works for 2017-2018.
LIVE CONCERTS RAZTERIA will be playing at Musikfest with Reggaeton band Mr. O Band, on August 7-8, 2017 in Bethlehem, PA. For more tour dates visit: RAZTERIA.com/events.
Multi-genre, tri-lingual, singer-songwriter & producer RAZTERIA (Renee Asteria) is a San Francisco-based artist with Bolivian-Dutch roots. Producing music with a message, she founded Truffula Oak Studio in El Sobrante, California, a solar powered recording studio, barter-based / low-cost space for aspiring artists. She produces and engineers most of her music, making her part of the 1% of the female producer-engineers.”
“Although Wake Up features celebrated South African ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Carlos Santana as guests, this new album by singer-songwriter Jennifer Saran is a pop effort, seeking a mass audience. It includes familiar songs, has sing along pop hooks and dance beats. The album wants to bring awareness to inequality and poverty throughout the globe.
The highlight of the album is Saran’s interplay with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Wake Up includes covers of pop hits by Patty Page, Doris Day, Bill Withers, and George Michael.
Funds from Jennifer Saran’s musical projects go to various entities, including the Kuldeep Saran Memorial Trust, the Hong Kong Women’s Choir and the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in South Africa.”
“To say the very least, Jennifer Saran is a prolific artist. After releasing her debut holiday-themed album Merry Christmas, You Are Loved in 2015, followed shortly thereafter by Walk With Me in 2016, Saran is now finalizing her new 15-track album Wake Up. A mix of alt-pop and adult contemporary covers and originals produced by the legendary Narada Michael Walden at his Tarpan Studios in San Rafael, CA, Wake Up features guest appearances by multiple Grammy-winning guitar legend Carlos Santana and South African Grammy-winning male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Wake Up will release in stores & online worldwide on July 7th, 2017.
Jennifer Sara is a North American artist, songwriter, and vocalist based in Hong Kong. In 2016, Jennifer teamed up with Narada Michael Walden (they obviously love working together) and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to create her new album’s titular single ‘Wake Up.” Also, making a special guest appearance on the track is multiple Grammy-winning legend Carlos Santana. This stunning collaboration is a heartfelt appeal to recognize and address worldwide inequality and impoverishment, a cause incredibly important to each of these amazing artists involved. Jennifer travelled to South Africa to record with Ladysmith and to film scenes for the song’s music video, released with the single on November 11, 2016.
Wake Up features Jennifer’s versions of classic hits from artists such as Patty Page, Doris Day, Bill Withers, and George Michael, each of whom holds a special place in her heart. Jennifer’s original songs and conscious messages have resonated with fans and media alike, and her music has been released to many great reviews and widespread radio exposure around the world, including interviews on syndicated radio stations in the US and the UK. The ‘Wake Up” single was reviewed or mentioned in magazines and websites including Songwriting Magazine, Women Talking, and Clare Balding conducted a wonderful in-depth interview with Jennifer on BBC Radio 2’s Good Morning Sunday. The ‘Wake Up” music video aired on over 100 broadcast video outlets in the past several months across the US, including rotation on California Music Channel, PC Music Pool, and The Sound Chamber, reaching millions of viewers. On social media, the video has had almost 100,000 views across Facebook and YouTube.
Jennifer Saran, aka Jennifer Hill, was born in Washington DC to a Canadian mother and American father. Years later she stumbled upon a women’s choir with the American Women’s Association (AWA) in Hong Kong in 1992, which she joined as a Mezzo (second soprano/first alto). She and members of that choir broke away in 1997 and formed The Hong Kong Women’s Choir, where the group performed to raise money for local charities. Under the brand name -NOVA,’ and with an additional a cappella subgroup named -Grace Notes,’ the choir’s aim was to perform more contemporary music and raise money for the disadvantaged in Hong Kong.
THKWC has performed for multiple events over the last 20 years, including charity functions and public performances, and while many wonderful local and international women have joined and departed over the years, Jennifer is the sole remaining founding member. This year is the Choir’s 20th anniversary, to be celebrated at Hong Kong’s historically famous Western Market.
In 2007, Jennifer also established a memorial trust in the name of her late husband, Kuldeep Saran, at the time of his death. She is involved in many charitable efforts, including The Kuldeep Saran Memorial Trust, whose objective is to support the education and well-being of disadvantaged children in Hong Kong, through education programs, and a -bricks and mortar’ renovation to a local Hong Kong school that educates minority children.
KSMT Ventures, which manages donations from other organizations that fund charitable projects, one of which is AnEW, Arts and Education for Women, a Christian-Action program supporting refugee women and asylum seekers in Hong Kong.
Proceeds from her musical endeavors will go to the Kuldeep Saran Memorial Trust and the Hong Kong Women’s Choir, for the educational support of disadvantaged children. Proceeds from the single, ‘Wake Up” will go to the Desmond Tutu foundation in South Africa.
Jennifer is the mother of 3 children, Paul, Phillip, and Anjali. She continues to write new songs and travels the world, trying to uplift and engage, educate and empower, our future generations.”
Independent Distribution Collective Blog 