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atoosa - Sound Travels Up (atoosa 2000)

by Elizabeth Nitz

   atoosa is a talented singer/songwriter from Downtown Manhattan with a dedicated following in the area. Her second album, the self produced Sound Travels Up, has a mellow, folk pop sound that is well put together and refreshingly unrushed. The first song has a bit of a Shawn Colvin sound -- the sweet, edgy voice, the upbeat melody but with the addition of a beautiful, dark piano line. "Radio" has a Tori Amos ballad spirit with complex piano work topped with an emotional vocal spiral.
   atoosa is adept at vocals, piano, and guitar and is not afraid to be backed by a host of musicians on a variety of other instruments. Each song has a different arrangement and therefore a different sound. "Lions and Stars" has so much going on, and like a complex painting, draws the listener's attention back and forth on a tour of everything. Contrast this with the final song, "Yours", which is barely a tragic whisper of a voice and a few chords on the piano. Both songs are masterfully done and reflect her unique style.
   For more information visit www.atoosa.net