"HOLD ON"
Review By Marcus Purnell . . . .
Once in a while you receive a track for review that strikes such a place in your heart that you freeze very much like a deer in headlights. It’s music that not only holds you transfixed, but also is emotionally packed with personal history or perhaps has the potential to make history in your life. Such is the case of the debut of the American-born Greek politician Yvette Jarvis as featured on John Key’s "Hold On".
DOING IT ALL: Yvette Jarvis, aka Sivraj, is an
American-born songstress turned Greek politician
and African-American activist. Check out her
featured vocals on John Key’s "Hold On."
This track combines outstanding production from Key with the debut vocal stylings of Yvette Jarvis (aka Sivraj). Jarvis is in fact the sister of Boyd Jarvis, the legendary musician and house music producer. Key delivers a quality product here, with clear dedication from the production quality all the way to the actual pressing. His understanding of the original material from Santana leads to a brilliant reproduction that is only outshone by Sivraj’s smooth vocal commitment.
Yvette Jarvis is an American-born songstress turned Greek politician and African-American activist. Jarvis has an amazing story of success and personal perseverance. She graduated from Boston University magna cum laude with a degree in psychology. After moving to Greece she became the first African-American woman to play professional basketball in that country. Additionally, she became the first black city council member, was the first paid female athlete and the first black person to speak Greek on national television. The combination of Key’s attention to detail combined with Jarvis’ rich vocals stopped me cold the first time I heard this track. Her vocals remind me of the first time I heard Lisa Stansfield’s solo album. This vocal richness combined with the original material written by Ian Thomas makes for a treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Influences
Jazz - Blues - R & B - Soul
Billie Holiday, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight,Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Lynne
"Yvette Jarvis" aka SIVRAJ. . .
The "Cover Queen's"
repertoire spans Jazz, Blues, 70's, 80's & 90's hits, and is just
perfect for parties, weddings & office events, and your listening pleasure!
Yvette landed in Greece in the early 80's, in love, full of fascination & ready for adventure! Basketball was her first stop. She became the 1st African American to play in the Greek league for PAO and led her team to their first national playoffs & to two consective 3rd place wins! Modelling was next. This dynamic, sassy, native New Yorker took the runways by storm! The 1st African American to speak Greek on national TV in a cosmetic campaign whose fame spans the decades! To this day she is remembered as "Madison"! Her slogan "Opos Ameriki" became legend & Yvette's name a household word! Up next....Television! Yvette co hosted the 1st video music show in Greece, called "BEATBOX" giving her once again another 1st. Her television career spans over a decade, playing in sitcoms, hosting talk shows & variety game shows. Her biggest TV success came when she teamed up with the notorious Dimitri Pappanota for the hot trendy gossip show "Myths & Realities" . The dynamic duo led tv ratings and their show was a no miss!
The late eighties found Yvette's adventurous spirit ready for more and during a fashion show she performed in character, songs by Tina Turner! Well as serendipity goes there goes Yvette and this was the beginning of this chantreuse's love affair with the stage! After 2 years of intensive vocal training at the National Academy of Music and many more with the incomprable Julie Massino, Yvette embarked on a singing career, working with some of the best in Greek showbiz!
She has been a sought after talent ever since. Three American Ambassador's Nicholas Burns, Thomas Miller & Charles Ries commissioned repeat performances for the Embassy 4th of July Celebrations, Veterans Day, Christmas, Tribute to 9/11 Victims & many other embassy functions.
Club dates and venues have been her home since 1989, with 3 tours for major multinationals companies all over Greece to add to her list of accomplichments.
In 2002 Yvette became the 1st African American in the History of Greece & Athens to be elected to the City Council of the city of Athens.
Jazz - Blues - R & B - Soul
Billie Holiday, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight,Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Lynne
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT - "PINK"
