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BIO & Reviews of 2006 Tokeli debut album:

2010 Nominee "Jazz Artist of the Year," a global category, by LA Music Awards

2007 Nominee "Jazz Album of the Year," for "Where Do You Start?" Tokeli's debut album by San Diego Music Awards

 

"That this is a debut release is almost too much to believe. Every aspect stands with the best the industry can offer. If Tokeli isn’t signed immediately, that alone will be a sign of the End Of Days and portents of mass insanity....which, aptly enough, her music is the perfect antidote for." www.acousticpie.com February 2007. For entire review, go to: http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p03989.htm

"Vocalist Tokeli answers the question posed by her debut CD, Where Do You Start? (Tokeli Records), by singing in English, Portuguese, and French. And while the singer’s multi-ethnic background provides the disc with variety, it’s her voice — in any language — that proves its greatest strength." Jazziz Magazine (and featured on compilation CD), December 2006.

"Co-produced by multi-award-winning jazz artist Peter Sprague, who also contributes guitar on nearly every track, 'Where Do You Start?' is never fixed to a single sound or tempo. The album flexes the muscles of this impressive lineup of musicians, and Tokeli is consistently in sync with them, letting her voice flow with their music as well as the vintage lyrics that she tackles here. From Cole Porter’s “Love for Sale” (where Tokeli showcases her vocal range and effortless wordplay) to Rodgers and Hart’s immortal “My Romance,” the vocalist is always at full strength, yet she never goes overboard." ALL ABOUT JAZZ, August 2006

"The arrival of Norah Jones has us longing for the dark-haired jazz mistress of the night, her luscious voice crooning in our ears. If that's what you have been dreaming of after playing those Jones records too much, you'll find comfort in the sultry tones of Tokeli. ... It's quite extraordinary hearing a woman so young have complete mastery over such old and time-tested material. Unlike Jones, Tokeli has real versatility, capable of expressing melancholy and joy with equal aplomb." INK19, August 2006

"...her voice brimming with sensuality and atmospheric beauty ... Tokeli hits the spot. ... magnificent, able to command different languages with the same playfulness and passion... equally effective on both upbeat and slower numbers. [She] sings with the confidence and maturity of someone who has completely absorbed these tunes. Her technical skills cannot be praised enough. Just as important, though, is the expression of her emotions; these are not generic, paint-by-number renditions. ... Tokeli's rainy-day romanticism is moving and utterly spellbinding." www.whisperinandhollerin.com UK August 2006

"...Fireside Jazz ... which sounds good in a car too. Lovely voice, impressive range, excellent band, nice arrangements. Take a chance on a new name. (You already know what the old names can do.)" iTunes *****5-Star Rating July 2006

"...she can wow any audience when she belts it out of the park..." Coronado Lifestyle Magazine, July-August 2006

Women in Jazz issue, Independent Culture CD Debut Release, JAZZIZ MAGAZINE, July 2006

"Where Do You Start? makes a solid soundtrack to the transition between summer and fall. Gifted with a silk-smooth voice that both enchants and entertains, Tokeli sings with an actress’ presence; she doesn’t lose herself in the music but uses it to illuminate her vibrant personality. ... Tokeli is pure charm, her vocals upbeat and sunny. ... She will bring you into her world, and you probably won’t want to leave." www.cdreviews.com August 2006

"An accomplished jazz vocalist...a woman of many talents. [Tokeli's] voice sound(s) as amazing as ever." CORONADO MAGAZINE, July 2006

"Tokeli has a gifted voice...it's great to hear a lady adding her own voice to some of these timeless tunes." SMOTHER MAGAZINE, July 2006

"I love to hear a great singer - especially one with style, control, pitch and a wonderful sense of rhythm. Tokeli is one of those rare talents - she has it all, plus beauty. I love her sound. She is destined to become a major star."
Gilbert Castellanos

"Tokeli has a unique name and along with that comes a uniqueness in her music. She sings with wonderful spirit and comes up with new and interesting views on jazz classics. With her band of young inspired musicians together they embrace creativity and it’s a joy to be along for the listen."
Peter Sprague

"The first time you hear Tokeli sing, within seconds you realize you are somewhere rare and marvelous. Cocooned in her captivating warmth, cradled in her lithe lyricism, you are helplessly, willingly swept away on her magic cloud, spellbound in this moment she is conjuring just for you. What kind of sorcery is this? Who knows or cares?" Carl Hammond

"Her voice is velvet, her interpretations, maverick -- she's a composer's dream come true. Her bittersweet rendition of "I'm So Relieved" will give you a reason to hope, and her vocal styling on "Someday" is a like listening to a soft summer breeze. This may be Tokeli's first CD, but it's definitely not her last." Lori Tritel

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