NEDELLE
Republic of Two (Kimchee Records)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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There is something so undeniably sultry in Nedelle's voice that listening to her album Republic of Two is almost uncomfortable to undertake alone. Like its title implies, the harmonious jazzy songs are laid out for the heart crossed - for two coming together in a bluesy, tender long anticipated unification. With a romantic voice somewhere in between Tracey Thorn of Everything But The Girl and Bebel Gilberto, the still green 22 year old Nedelle sounds like a grizzled veteran in matters of the heart. Although the siren is young, there is nothing precocious about these eleven lovelorn songs. The arrangements are accomplished, produced with a lush hand and fetching lyrics. As the pantheon of fresh blues spinning women expands in dizzying array around her, Nedelle's simmering brand of affectionate music could become the most delightful rose in the garden.

© 2003 - Erick Mertz