Within 72 hours of hitting iTunes, her independently released sophomore album Luminous burned through cyberspace, rocketing up to the 8 position on the iTunes pop album chart. In an industry where poppy hooks and major funding dominate the game, the chances of an unsigned artist with a wholly unique sound dueling it out with the likes of Pearl Jam and Whitney Houston are unlikely, to say the least.
...She flows through a range of evergreen coming-of-age themes such as hopes and dreams, wandering, searching, longing, and love, putting a universal yet unique voice to all of our hopes and fears. There is a timeless quality to both her sound and her message that digs straight down to the core of it all and, even in the album's most mournful moments, seems like a celebration of all life's potential Nikki Van Noy, Weekly Davespeak
....The result is a beautiful recording of 11 songs, all written by Farrell and sung with a voice that would make sparrows jealous. Her music has a jazz-folk feel. One listen and it's easy to tell Farrell is an incredibly gifted artist, one whose recordings are surpassed only by the live presentation. A full accompaniment of instruments adorn the record, from cello and flute to saxophone and clarinet. It is the ideal rainy day album, and while it doesn't rain all that much in southern California, Luminous will make you wish it did. Jared Kiemeney, NBC.com
Samantha Farrell’s voice resonates with the clean complexity of a hard truth, put simply: it is a declaration. Luminous flourishes behind Farrell’s scotch caramel timbre, aching with the decadence of hope and the elegance of nostalgia. Accented with lush strings and jazz piano, the spilled silk harmonies on the singer’s second release complement, but never overpower, allowing Farrell to braid her vocals with an almost playful nuance.
Luminous is the only album ever produced by the late Dave Matthews Band horn player, Leroi Moore. Moore may have heard hints of others in Farrell; the passion of Joni, the swoon of Norah, the strength of Etta, more likely however, he heard a dynamic young songwriter ready to bloom.
Luminous is that blooming, and pays ample tribute to the vision of Leroi Moore, and beauty itself.
Ben Evans, Executive Editor, "Fogged Clarity"
Before the tragic and untimely passing of LeRoi Moore (Dave Matthews Band's horn master), he made a musical discovery that was clearly very special. This gem was evident in the singer's passionate voice, which is smoother than burnished marble. LeRoi saw that "it" quality in Samantha Farrell and was determined to grow and mold her talent into something exceptional. The eventual product is titled Luminous. Completed after LeRoi's death, it was the last thing LeRoi put his golden touch upon/produced, and features a couple all-star horn players (John D'earth and Bobby Read) sitting in on a few tracks. The eleven-track sophomore album by Ms. Farrell is one which after you've listened to the whole thing you're left feeling like your throat should be sore from sitting in a smokey lounge listening to the next Blue Note starlet........
Ethan Zimman, Editor, Keep it on the B-side Music Blog
Heard the word? A few reviews for Spiritus...
.... It’s her voice which draws you in, a soulful mix of Van Morrison’s country hospitality, Ella Fitzgerald’s jazzy range and Fiona Apple’s modern honesty. As best ..ed on her new CD, Spiritus, the curly-haired, bespectacled singer is a truly modern folkie, weaving tails through her stories, but connecting with listeners through her voice. .... Farrell manages to tie Spiritus’ eclectic mix of sounds together by wearing her emotions, and more importantly, her soul on her sleeve.
-Mike Greenhaus, Staff Editor, Relix Magazine.
"The whole CD is great from start to finish. Creative vocals, expressive lyrics, and catchy melodies make it almost difficult to believe that this 11-song album was recorded and mixed in only four days of studio time. "
Writer L. Anne Carrington, Indie Music Stop
"samantha is awesome."
-my brother
"Spiritus" is available on Itunes! For instant gratification, click on the link below, or just search me in the store. ..
I coming to your show in Jan! I was having a listen when I saw you would be out in LA. Love your music girl. I just put some new tunes up if you get a min...
Howdy, friends! I played "Ill Have Somebody Else"(-bonus track)on the newly GRAMMY nominated cd, Willie and the Wheel (Willie Nelson and AATW)!!!!!BRAND NEW SONGS UP TODAY! and the band just got on reverbnation..check it out..www.reverbnation.com/therubyjaneshow
We are finally ready to start promoting my 'I Surrender' single with my album, 'Ella Trip' coming right after -yey!! What d'ya think to the video teaser?
Hi Sammy!! Your myspace looks great! You might remember me from Bowdoin when you came and talked to a couple of us about music careers and such. It was so great to meet you. Just wanted to let you know that I've updated my myspace and I would love your opinion sometime if you get a moment :) Thank you again for all your wonderful advice, it was so refreshing to speak honestly with someone about a music career, especially someone who is involved in music and who is so nice and down to earth! Keep in touch!
..
Online Now!
