I have listened to and been inspired by all kinds of music my entire life. Here are just a few artist and musicians who have influenced me: N'Dea Davenport, Teena Marie, The Brand New Heavies, DeeDee Bridgewater, Nneena Freelon, Billy Holiday, Barbara Streisand, Natalie Cole, Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman.
Sounds Like
I have my own style but have been told I sound like N'Dea Davenport, The Brand New Heavies, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Sade.
BAND PROFILE: CYNTHIA LAYNE BY DAVID LINDQUIST, INDIANAPOLIS STAR
Singer Cynthia Layne says she was influenced by R&B, jazz, blues and classical music.
Cynthia Layne says her current album, "Beautiful Soul," has a message for listeners.
"Be cool in the skin that you're in," says the singer who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, before she became one of the most active musicians in Indianapolis.
She recently talked to Indy.com about her influences, her record label and her collaborators:
ON HER MUSICAL HISTORY: "I always loved music," Layne says. "Even as a kid, we had garage bands or basement bands. I started hanging out at clubs. After sitting in with different musicians and networking, I got to sing with a house band at a club. Ever since then, I've been singing."
ON HER INFLUENCES: "I listened to all kinds of music growing up," Layne says. "I listened to R&B, jazz, blues, classical. I think I have a wider variety of music that I like and that I've listened to. My music now is a blend and a mix of all of that. It kind of just describes me as a vocalist. "I think when you're able to fuse different styles together, it makes your music original. That's important to me as an artist. I don't want to sound like anybody else."
ON HER OPTIONS AS A PERFORMER: "If I look out there and I see the majority of the audience are conservative, older people, I may stick more to jazz standards or songs I know they can relate to," Layne says. "I also introduce them to my music."
ON HER LYRICAL FOCUS: "I think a lot of the songs on my newest album, 'Beautiful Soul,' talk about relationships and situations," Layne says. "I've been through a lot of stuff. As you get older, you start to determine what you like and what you don't like. I think you're a little bit more true to yourself and true to what you want out of life and love."
ON BEING SIGNED TO OWL STUDIOS: "It's given me momentum," Layne says. "I love my Owl Studios family. They have been great and supportive and given an opportunity to myself as well as some other musicians to get our music out beyond Indianapolis and the Midwest."
ON WORKING WITH SONGWRITERS AND PRODUCERS ROB DIXON AND REGGIE BISHOP: "I've known Rob and Reggie for a long time," Layne says. "They wrote the music beds, and we got together to hash through some different lyrical ideas. There were arguments and disagreements, but in the end we came out with a really great product. We put our hearts and souls into the music."
Check out my new album "Beautiful Soul" and read what the critics have to say! The album speaks for itself...
Now for the reviews......
FROM THE UK:
Soulbrother.com:
CYNTHIA LAYNE- BEAUTIFUL SOUL CD
Really good New soul album with a slight jazz tinge by a lady with a great voice. 'Be You' is a brilliant slinky mid tempo groover with horns, 'Letting You Go' is a similar pace and also very good. 'Kings And Queens' and 'Mystery' are great upper mid tempo dancers, and the more uptempo 'Will U Be There' and 'Two And One' will also work on the dancefloor. The slower 'Beautiful Soul' is jazzier with a nice sax solo, as is the melodic mid tempo 'Funny', whilst 'Free Yourself' is more funky ala Rufus. This one will set the standard for anyone to beat in 2008.
Now here's an album from a lady that knows how to sing, crafted lovingly by a production team that clearly understand their trade. There's a fusion of styles that crosses genres with the strongest influences being soul, jazz and R'n'B. When listening to this for the first time, I tried to assess it on two fronts: as a DJ, I was looking for one thing whilst as a listener in the home, office or car I was looking for something else.
The first thing that struck me was a vibe that reminded me of the Acid Jazz label, and, in particular, Brand New Heavies. The combination of mid tempo rhythms and live instrumentation provide an authentic soulful vehicle for Cynthia's smooth voice. Like all good albums there's a balance of styles between tracks designed to get your feet moving and haunting down-tempo ballads. Further diversity means that tracks like "Kings & Queens", "Letting You Go" and "Mystery" tread the acid jazz style I referred to earlier while "Will U Be There" and Two and One", both written by Reggie Bishop, would cut it for the soulful house heads out there. "Pimp Talk" just oozes soul with a simple R'n'B bassline and gentle guitars. The title track's laid back jazz vibe oozes class with the sultry sax and the subtle kind of drumming that gets the head nodding gently. "Funny" veers off a little with a rhythm that leans towards a gentle semi-reggae vibe while the atmospheric strings, sax and vocals pull you closer.
I reckon this is just about the complete package, there's music to dance to, music to tap your toes to at the bar, music to chill to and music to draw on your emotions. The way that the tracks are constructed also leaves you in no doubt that it will translate very nicely to a live environment which I personally find reassuring in today's digitally dominated industry. This is highly recommended!
(review by Dean Serafini)
FROM THE STATES:
TheCelebrityCafe.com:
CD reviews: Cynthia Layne - Beautiful Soul
Cynthia Layne's "Beautiful Soul" is the quintessential fusion of neo-funk, jazz and soul all wrapped in one expressive package. Her vocal musings will touch listeners and the instrumentation is so cool that it will unwind listeners into a state of complete tranquility.
"Letting You Go" has a funky yet smooth vibe to it as Layne sings about her feelings regarding the romantic relationship she is currently in. Her partner seems to be vacillating when it comes to his feelings. "You say you don't know where we are…But I know that we have a thing we can make last."
On "Pimp Talk" Layne emotes a jazzy and infectious rhythm that includes light drumming and intuitive guitar licks. She explains how the love between her and her honey seems to have shifted and she is not pleased with the transformation. "Been together for awhile. Used to really dig your style. I was the Queen of the Nile in your eyes. Hey, lately things have changed…You don't look at me, the way a lover should. You don't talk to me, to make me feel good. You don't please me, like a real man could. You used to love me. You used to love me."
"Mystery" begins with drums beating in a soft rhythmic pace. As the song continues, the tone gets more jazz oriented with what sounds like either organ or keyboard work. Layne sings about how she is absolutely certain of her love for her man and that she knows it will last forever. "Baby, there's no question in my mind to the way I feel. Only happy introspection cuz I know this love is real."
"Beautiful Soul," from Cynthia Layne, is a relaxing album that will appeal to fans of jazz, soft rock and even soul. On the whole, Layne's voice will transport listeners to a world they can relate to that speaks of both heartbreak and elation.
Reviewer: Sari N. Kent
My sympathies on the hangover... I rolled over 90 minutes ago and had a throbbing headache in one corner of my head, felt slightly dizzy, a little nauseous, and it all got worse when I stood up. I thought *I* was hungover until I remembered I never had a drink last night. Now, if I can get all these wonderful side effects for free, why the hell have I been drinking all these years? Maybe it's a sign, maybe I still have some residual hangovers stacked up and waiting to land. ::Shrug::
I really wanted to come up this summer!! But, unfortunately I won't be able to. :( School starts July 7th. I will try to come up in fall and I will look you up for sure, maybe try to catch your show! Thanks for the sweet note. Much love.
Wow, thanks so much for your comment Cynthia! You know your music is dope! Ive been telling people about you! Hope to see one of your shows again! Take care... P.
Your Voice, your Video & your Tracks are Wonderful !!! I love it !!! Great, Elegant & Groovy Stuff !! « Be You », « Beautiful Soul » & « Letting You Go » : Top Songs !!Thank you for have answered to my invitation. Welcome to my « FriendshipSpace ». it’s a Honor to have you among my Friends !!! Have a Magical Week. God Bless You Love
I know what you mean, I haven't worked in 2 months and money is real tight, I may have to turn some tricks.. If you know anyone who would like a piece of me, let me know. It would have to be someone blind, that dosen't object to facial hair, a little extra body fat (just thick around the mid-section). He would need to have lots of money with good oral and physical hygiene. See what you can do for me. Thanks Friend
