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 comtemporary 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 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!"
~“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. |
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING (cont.) ~ "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!!!!" ~"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" (Lenny Post) ~"This March release by singer/songwriter
Sandy Zio was five years in gestation, according to the liner
notes. This vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist has a gorgeous alto
voice, and stellar players (including Billy Joel's drummer Liberty
Devitto) on this 13-song effort. Sandy wrote six-and-ahalf tunes,
four come from indie composers, plus Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed"
and The Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun." The music
here is guitar/piano-based pop. I enjoy the horndriven "Sister
Madelene," the newborn-welcoming "Baby Baby," the
gorgeous "When I Get Near You" and the somewhat pensive
"Overjoyed." Get your copy locally or visit www.sandyzio.com
for information. Ricky Flake is a former punk rocker and a music
fan who lives in Biloxi." ~"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! ~Sandy, ________________________________ Click HERE
to read an interview with Zio in the US 1 paper. ________________________________ Dalecast
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