Tika Simone lives up to her name -- as an artist, she's a compound of the exotic and familiar, the extraordinary and the timeless. This contrast is equally bright in both her voice and songcraft. While Ms. Simone borrows some inspiration from the innocence, vivid melody and fun of early '90s R&B in her music, her vocals seems to flow from a few decades prior, carrying with it the sweetness of Patti Labelle in her prime, and the power of vintage Aretha (if she wants to take it there). Simone, whose music is also informed by the events of a dramatic adolescence spent between Richmond Hill, Jamaica, Oakville and Rexdale, is a classically-trained pianist (at the Etobicoke School of The Arts) with hundreds of original compositions in her mental Rolodex. She also has a charismatic presence and a wicked sense of humour, one which threatens to distract from her total-package artistry. Part of her appeal is her truth, and that includes calling out the lameness of much soul music on the radio, even in her immediate environment. Wack singers, beware. Simone has a busy year ahead. Progressing from her work as a studio singer in New York City, the singer/songwriter is off to Los Angeles, where she'll begin recording that fire with an up-and-coming producer. Those who've seen her perform cannot deny her talent and promise. It's not even a question of expectations -- simply await big things from the unforgettable Ms. Tika Simone. JASON RICHARDS – Now Magazine, 2007
