Renée Asteria

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

World music

Status:

Most recent release, Maz Raz (with Razteria, 2013)

See also:

Renée Asteria's myspace page

Renée Asteria's facebook page

Comparisons:

Marisa Monte, Sade

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

Renée Asteria's fusion of styles is very pleasing to the ear. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

Recommended first album:

Renée Asteria is the only one we've heard

Recordings:

• Renée Asteria (2005)
• Faces of Agent Double E / Caras de Agente Doble E (2007)
• RazteRia (2010)
• Maz Raz (with Razteria, 2013)

Renée Asteria

Release info:

2005—self-released

Availability:

See Renée Asteria's site

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Renée Asteria—lead vocals, backing vocals, rhythm guitar

Guest artists:

Craig Gurwich—backing vocals
M. Delaney—rhythm guitar, lead guitar
M.C.—bass
Anthony W.—keys
Chris W.—drums

Produced by:

R. Asteria, D. Maglerek, and C. Gurwich.

Comments:

Renée Asteria's debut seems very relaxed and its many influences coexist happily. Her smooth vocals and the music mesh well. The reggae stylings of "Sweet Ben" come across as natural and not forced. "Cry of Ecstasy" captures the joy and pain of being in love. It doesn't resort to anything exaggerated and its funky underpinnings work well. "Open Mind" is a pretty ode to well, open-mindedness. Asteria sings beautifully as ever. She's clearly a real talent. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

Thanks to stjarnell@yahoo.com for work on this entry.