Manda :: Keeps on Turning

Manda’s debut CD Keeps on Turning is at its best when Manda uses her naturally sensual alto voice. She also is such an inspired songwriter with partners such as Cody LePow, Guy Erez, Phil Jaurigui, and the songs she wrote herself, that there is no doubt that there is a deep connection with her co-writers as well as a deep connection to what she is writing. When they write about love, lost as in the songs Keep on Turning, One True Love, and Wash it All Away, it feels as if all their hearts are breaking together. In two songs, one co-written by Cody LePow the other by Guy Erez; Lay Me Down and Keeps on Turning, I could envision both of these songs in one of the master of twisted loves scenes himself Quentin Tarantino movies. As an avid couch potato and soap watcher, I could also see some of the songs about love and heartbreak showing up on soap operas, or Made for TV movies on lifetime, or other stations. Her magnificently haunting alto is when her voice is at its most engaging and sultry, and where she does the best vocally. As with every freshman CD, it is a time to take risks, and for many it can pay off in spades. For me personally her only misstep was doing a cover of Pete Townsend’s (The Who) Blue Red and Grey, which seemed to throw of the vibe of what Manda is all about for a moment. She did recover from that misstep, and Manda is a fresh talent that deserves to be seen and heard. The other 9 songs did have a nice continuity to them that really showed off her singing and songwriting abilities effectively. Of the songs on her debut this Cd the songs; Not What Love is For and Wash it All Away, can be and deserve to be hits, they have major mainstream appeal, as does Manda herself, she is multi talented and has a great team surrounding her. This is a woman who can go from heartache to folk rock easily. Manda also plays one mean harmonica; in songs like It Can’t Be Wrong, and this tiny hurricane blows you away with her mighty skills on her harmonica. She plays it like a woman on a mission, and she is on a mission. To get the full vibe of what she is about, she has to be seen live, that is her home, where all her musicality is shown, as well as her personality. She is of the same cloth as some great 90’s female singer/ songwriters, with their passion, energy, and talent. She is driven; it shows on the CD and in live performances. Live she can be seen playing her harmonica, guitar and singing almost all in one fell swoop. It is a sight to behold. Her CD has no specific release date as of yet, but if you wish to catch her perform her new songs live off of it, she will be having a Full Band “Wrap Up Show” at the Tangier March 20, 2008 at 8:00. Having seen her live and having heard her entire CD It is worth the trip. The live show is great, and the CD produced many great songs.