MANDA

Album Review for American Songwriter Magazine by Paul Zollo (Conversations With Tom Petty, Songwriters On Songwriting)
Review
Manda
Keeps On Turning
Bath Records
Songs of timeless appeal that shine with the spirit of authentic Americana. Beautiful, compelling melodies with poignant lyrics sung with a sensual, sultry authority that hovers somewhere between Aimee Mann and Chrissie Hynde. Manda's songs reflect a woman's perception of love and life, but it's an empowered vision that shimmers in the tilt of the words and the zen vigor of the vocals. Almost all of the songs are co-written with an assembly of gifted tunesmiths (including Cody LePow and Guy Erez, the producer) but are united by a tender compassion and singular focus. The title song is slinky and arch; it's funny and mysterious, catchy but not cloying. Manda knows her way around a catchy hook, but does so with genuine heart and no scarcity of soul. Erez's production and musicianship throughout is solid and ideal – propulsive tapestry drum rhythms underscore rich, real textures of guitars, keys and harmonica. An absolutely stunning cover of Pete Townshend's "Blue, Red And Grey" is a delightful surprise, a brew of desire, grace and whimsy from an artist whose time has come. This is good, this is now.
*to be published in the next issue of American Songwriter Magazine
“Unique, real, compelling, and beautiful – words that describe L.A. Music Awards Female Singer-Songwriter of the Year.”
Manda is a true California girl with a bit of hippie mixed in for good measure. As a sixth generation Los Angeleno, she's well rooted in a town that's mostly transient. Manda began her music path at age 6 playing ukulele and singing, and by the time she was a teenager she was fronting her own rock bands performing all her original material. After studying at Berklee College of Music, she returned to LA to pursue her career as a singer/songwriter. In 2005 she won the LA Music Award for Independent Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year, and in 2006 she won the LAMA for Rock Single of the Year. Manda just completed her independent debut album produced by Guy Erez entitled "Keeps On Turning." Although not yet available in stores or online, albums will be available at her live shows. Her style is embraced by those that appreciate Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Lucinda Williams.

Manda at the Key Club - Review of 6/26 Show
By Al "The Limoman" Bowman
Sincere. Pure. Truthful. All of these words describe the amazing style of Manda, a magnificent artist with a deep and powerful voice. A strong and sexy presence on stage, Manda did a memorable show that left a packed club in stunned disbelief. Opening with her nominated single called "Mr. Madness", Manda held the crowd's interest from start to finish.
Not only does Manda play a flawless guitar, but she can also blow a mean harp. Seeing a woman perform in this manner is really quite a sight. Manda is more of a conductor than anything. Leading her four piece "orchestra" like Montovani, she continually maintains a high level of competency on stage. It's no wonder she was the top vote getter for Female Singer / Songwriter of the Year at the 2005 Los Angeles Music Awards.
Finding a woman with a baritone voice is pretty rare on a music scene that is overloaded with sweet voiced singers. So much of what she communicates with her lyrical content is based on actual real life experiences, not something she was inspired by from another artist she may have heard or be a fan of. I so enjoy watching her perform, not just for her stellar good looks, but for her one of a kind melodies as well. Manda is a winner, pure and simple. For any label fortunate enough to sign her, they will be counting their blessings all the way to the bank.