If you believe that dreams of becoming a pop music diva are restricted to the very young, this startling and beautiful debut CD “All That I Am” by Sandy Zio will change your mind. Zio, a singer/piano player with a big dream and a voice to match, makes no apologies for putting out smooth, adult contemporary music with a message that is so familiar and yet unique all at the same time. After 5 years of writing, recording, and producing these songs... her journey finally makes it's first stop with 13 timeless songs. She surrounds her smooth alto voice with some of the finest
musicians in the pop world. From Billy Joel's bandmates Liberty
DeVitto and Richie Cannata, to the Tower of Power horns along
with great studio players, indie artists, and of course her own
piano playing. This CD is a seamless musical effort and a guilty
pleasure to many who enjoy artists like Josh Groban and Eva Cassidy. Sandy has also been fortunate enough to have recently opened for John Ford Coley and has shared the stage with such well known performers as Richie Cannata (Billy Joel), Julio Fernandez (Spyro Gyra) , Tony Beard (Paul McCartney), Joel Rosenblatt (Spyro Gyra), Glen Burtnik (Styx), Bobby Bandiera (BonJovi), Teddy Royal (Fats Domino), and Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel). Some of the performances on her debut album include these fine artists with their credits listed below: Richie Cannata (Billy Joel, The Beach Boys)
- Tenor & Soprano Sax WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: ~"The CD looks and sounds great!"
~"Singer and pianist Sandy Zio’s
album All That I Am has an adult contemporary sound that well
suits her lovely voice. Throughout 13 mostly original songs, Zio’s
melodious singing is showcased amidst tasteful arrangements and
clean production. Though Zio plays piano on many of the songs...it
is Zio’s pure voice that truly focuses the disc, and All
That I Am’s sweet instrumental work gives her a great platform
from which to showcase it. (Robbie Gennet,
Keyboard Magazine) ~“A polished and confident 13-song collection featuring
two notable covers (versions of the Carpenters' hit "We've
Only Just Begun" and the Stevie Wonder-penned "Overjoyed")
and some solid originals.” ~“The 30-something vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist has
a gorgeous alto voice, and stellar players. 3&1/2 Stars" ~“Do you remember when soft rock and great songwriting
with a strong voice dominated the airwaves? If you long for those
days, then get this CD and feel like you are back there –
at least for the duration.” (Read full review HERE) ~"Naming Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi
as vocal influences, Ms. Zio has a smooth alto voice, and sounds
a little like the late Ms. Carpenter. The songwriting, performances,
clever arrangements ... make All That I Am easy to like, a guilty
pleasure to music lovers who enjoy artists like Josh Groban and
the late Eva Cassidy." (Read the entire interview HERE) ~ "Sandy Zio's debut arrives and her sound is fresh
and enjoyable. Zio has lived a little before making her debut
and it shows in her songwriting maturity and easy vocal cool.
The title song is as lovely as the first day of spring, Zio's
charismatic vocal over a memorable tune. "Someone To Love"
is a ballad that avoids easy cliché and would sound great
on the radio. She covers the Carpenters "We've Only Just
Begun" and gives it a modern sheen, while retaining the originals'
sensibility. Zio's vocals are easy on the ear. "Sister Madelene"
is funky and brings a necessary change of pace. Zio handles it
with great spirit. Her album is a great listen." ~"The CD is so great!! I am really enjoying it." `"Not many people can cover Karen Carpenter's "We've
Only Just Begun" and make it work. I love your version." ~It’s refreshing to discover a new voice infused with
the maturity and inspiration found in Sandy Zio. Her debut album
“All That I Am” is a solid production of 13 enjoyable
tracks which skillfully and artfully combine the elements of soft
rock, country, and jazz. She delivers the melody with a natural
ease and charisma that begs the listener to sing along. Zio’s
cover of “We’ve Only Just Begun” is brilliant
in its delivery with its funky groove. Her arrangement of “Overjoyed”
is a smooth and simply beautiful rendition of one of my favorite
Stevie Wonder songs. Dim the lights when you listen and let Zio’s
voice over joy your senses. The song that will get you up on your
feet is “Sister Madelene” as it is the strongest and
most dynamic track on the album... Zio’s voice resounds
with vibrancy and life that will have you dancing and singing
along the very first time you hear it. This is a quality debut
album featuring great songwriting and talent. A sonic treat from
start to finish, “All That I Am” has a consistent
and cohesive sound that can be appreciated and enjoyed time and
time again. ~ "Sandy! I absolutely "LOVE" the album.
I find myself putting it on here at work and transforming to a
tranquil place. You do yo thang, girl!!!!" -"Sandy Zio’s debut album, All That I Am, is a
good, solid adult contemporary CD. With a rich, soothing voice
that took me back to the hay days of Gloria Estefan and Amy Grant,
with accompanying music to match, Sandy Zio is an emerging artist
that can hold her own vocally and will appeal to anyone who is
looking for a new mellow pop CD to add to their collection. ...she
pushes herself vocally, displaying pipes impressive enough to
stand next to any pop diva, and even shows a little attitude....the
vocals are impeccable, and the mood is intoxicating. ...All That
I Am is a tasty little album by an emerging new talent."
(Read full review HERE) |
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING (cont.) ~"Dear Sandy, ~Love the cd babe. Good work. Your voice sounds
incredible. I just had a ~"Girl this was surely worth the wait!!!!! You sound fabulous! Superb job on the entire album! Sounds awesome......GREAT MIXES, PLAYERS, VOCALS, AND MASTERING!! I am so happy for you!!!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you ...... WOWIE ....ZOWIE!!!!!!!! Love and luck and blessins for you ....XXXXXXXXXXX" (the late Lenny Post) ~ ...about the CD – I love it - - - -
between the performance and the writing AND the presentation WOW!" ~ "Wanted to congratulate you on your debut
album! Beautiful songs in a variety of styles all rendered quite
well (a rare thing), a beautiful voice and intelligent lyrics
... and globally a wonderful vibe and professional production!
Good luck with your musical adventure, it's very very
promising ! -Lucie" ~"Don't Stop Taking" is exactly what
music listeners will be guilty of when they check out the new
CD from Princeton, New Jersey native, Sandy Zio..."All That
I Am". Her debut album sets the tone for what looks to be
a promising music career for this "Born to Entertain"
artist. The three strongest tracks on the CD are the Title Track
along with "Don't Stop Talking" and "Sister Madelene."
The title track, which kicks off the album provides a soothing
melody that Zio is credited for writing both the lyrics and music.
"Don't Stop Talking", which is destined to be a catchy
radio hit, is driven by creative lyrics and percussion work. I
dare you stay in one place when you listen to the grooving melody
of "Sister Madelene." It has a horn section and backing
vocals, which put it over the top. Another notable track on the
CD is "Someone To Love," which is a very pretty song
that uses a beautiful arrangement of strings and hammond organ.
Overall the musicianship and production of the CD is top notch.
Zio's voice has an edge that will make the natural romantic melt,
while satisfying the true rocker at heart. This is an album worth
checking out! ~ "Hi Sandy, I am so glad you happened
to stop by on Thursday. And I am also Double glad that you had
your CD with you. I loved the entire CD, The upbeat sounds and
different tempos are just so enjoyable. Thanks again, Barbara" ~ "I never told you this before but, I
really ~ "Sandy, We enjoyed your singing on both
your CD & at Harbor View in Cape May on 7/13. Hope we get
to see you again in August when you're there. You are clearly
the absolute best performer we have seen on the waterways during
the afternoon events for the last 19 years. Some that were good
at different places along the SJ waterways moved on quickly to
doing shows in A.C., but they were clearly not as good. We never
followed any of them to know if the southern most areas of SJ
waterways became launching pads - or just another gig. But PLEASE
COME BACK - AGAIN & AGAIN. See you in August." ________________________________ Click HERE
to read an interview with Zio in the US 1 paper.
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