Pop Review: Roxanna-Exotica

Release Date: July 8, 2014

Label: Roxart

Website

                                         

What do you get when you combine the power of healing with a pop singer? Roxanna. Bursting into the music scene after only two years in the business, her debut album Exotica is a breath of fresh air, reminiscent of Gloria Estefan, Christina Aguilera and Selena. Soulful velvet vocals blend with eloquent flamenco, Spanish and Middle Eastern flavors. Born in Iran, Roxanna learned at an early age to use music as a soothing influence. As she pursued her career in nursing, she felt there was something missing. That something was music. Mark Portmann, known for his work with greats like Annie Lennox and Christina Aguilera discovered her voice and a dream was made into a reality.

“Unforgotten” is based on the true story of Roxanna being left at the altar six days before she was to be wed. Wind and chimes blow, joined by piano and soaring vocals. Heart broken, staring at her wedding dress and never to look at a florist shop the same way again, Roxanna laments what could have been. Written with Portmann, this piece is heartfelt and about a real person that audiences can connect with. Life is messy. Heartbreak is real and it lingers on but like every song on the album, there is hope.

“Close Your Eyes” is the dark night of the soul brought to life. We have all been there. Utterly alone in a crisis wondering what the hell just happened. This song brings a source of light to souls in despair. Soaring vocals take you from sorrow to sunrise, ready to search for the silver lining. The song was developed from Roxanna’s time as an RN and was co-written by Lindy Robbins and Portmann. People want hope in difficult times and as a nurse, it gave Roxanna joy to do just that. 

“El Amor” was a cover made popular by Roxanna’s muse and inspiration Julio Iglesias. It is high on the flamenco and Spanish flavor, a twisting, sparkling gypsy song that makes you want to move your hips and pretend, just for a moment that you are on a stage somewhere with castanets in hand, a swirling dress swinging around your ankles. (At least for me anyway. Girl.) The vocals are entirely in Spanish, a beautifully fluid language that shares the essence of love. 

Roxanna is indeed following in the grand footsteps of music greats like Gloria Estefan and Annie Lennox. Her voice covers all ranges and is an inspiration for people with dreams the world over. Yes, it is possible to be your heart’s desire. Using her music to heal stems from her childhood and her work as an RN. Exotica is a splendid first album with many cultural elements combining to give us a look at what this young and talented woman has to offer the music industry. I for one will be watching and listening.

4.5/5 Stars

Tracks:
01. Only You   
02. Close Your Eyes   
03. Unforgotten   
04. Exotica   
05. Hello   
06. El Amor   
07. Here with Me   
08. Fresh   
09. My Best Friend (Miko)   
10. The Air That I Breathe
11. Today   
12. Loved   
13. Beautiful Rose

Key Tracks: El Amor, Unforgotten, Close Your Eyes

Dana Wright

July 7, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Pop Review: Roxanna-Hello, Close Your Eyes

Release Date: March 11, 2014, (Hello) and February 25, 2014 (Close Your Eyes)

Label: Roxart, Inc.

Website

An artist reminiscent of Gloria Estefan and Celine Dion, Roxanna brings her own brand of soulful song to the table with her two new singles Close Your Eyes and Hello. These solo releases are paving the way for her first full length album, Exotica. Due out after two years of work, the artist has much to be proud of. Her work with industry leaders is a testament to her devotion to her craft. 

After becoming an RN in Toronto, Roxanna saw firsthand how music can make a difference as she encountered a man with cancer. Each day she sang to him. With every lilting turn of phrase and soaring vocalization, she healed him and he was released from the hospital, much to the joy of his family. That was all Roxanna needed as proof and she has since worked to share her love of song with those in need. 

“Close Your Eyes” is a song that captures the dark night of the soul. The world closes in and the days begin to run from one to the next. Luscious vocals roll over you as the piano sequences float by, followed by percussion elements and a myriad of multi-instrumentation. Roxanna evokes emotion and dredges up the gray skies and shows the breakthrough of light and the silver lining revealed within the storm. She sings of hope, walking by the side of God and the inner strength of the human heart. The vocals and instruments meld effortlessly into a blissful audible experience that makes me want to hear what else this artist has up her sleeve. Co-written by Mark Portmann and Lindy Robbins (Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys, Nick Lachey) this song reaches for the sky and holds its own. 
 

“Hello” is a cover song we have heard before. In this version, a jazzy beginning is followed by the sultry smoke of Roxanna’s voice. The eternal longing of the soul moves against elements of saxophone and a bevy of percussive textures hammering out a beat to tap your foot to. This song although familiar, crafts its own presence. 

Roxanna uses her skill as a singer to heal and bring grace to those around her. Whether as a nurse healing the body or a vocal goddess healing the mind and spirit, I am definitely waiting with baited breath for the full length album to hit the shelves. The earthy music captured in the two songs alone is captivating. The new album is produced by Mark Portmann (Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, Annie Lennox and Christina Aguilera). With Middle Eastern, Spanish and flamenco influences, Exotica is going to be amazing.

4/5 Stars

Dana Wright

March 29, 2014

Review Provided By Write a Music Review