PAULA VALSTEIN

live from JOES PUB march 28/2008 by Paul Bashour!**************************************************** *************"Power, unpredictability and emotion pour through every minute of this distinctive performer's songs. A pianist and guitarist as well, Paula Valstein will hypnotize you live with her soulful voice and unguarded persona." --NextBigHit.com ************************************************************ ***** Silky songstress/pianist lingers over soulful arrangements... --CMJ Music Marathon 2006******************************************************** ********* Twisty, clever melodies drive the dramatic pop tunes of local singer-songwriter Paula Valstein...--Time Out New York******************************************************** ********* Singer Paula Valstein wowed the crowd with her soulful stylings...-- WBAI radio benefit --www.thevillager.com*************************************** ************************** Paula Valstein appeard next with a joyous set, her beautiful voice and aura filling the room....--www.antifolk.net********************************** ******************************* ...This is my first time seeing Paula, and she blew every single one of us away with her performance. Metropolis is projected in the background and seems to coincide visually with every emotional and aural climax in the songs. The band is very tight and sound amazing ... Paula's voice is strong and passionate and still pitch-perfect....--Jessi Roberts/Local Correspondents ************************************************************ *****Paula Valstein has a story to tell and combined with some of New York City’s most talented musicians, this story can be heard in a way so unique that any listener can relate and understand. Raised in the bohemian city of Tel-Aviv, Paula discovered her Grandmothers Piano at the age of four. At age six Paula fell in love while composing songs taken from her mother’s poetry. With the fire it ignited the drive and passion followed suit and she enrolled in the most prestigious music school Israel has to offer. Just four years later, she would play her first concert to an audience exceeding one hundred eager listeners. At fifteen with the piano mastered and the creativity blossoming, she took her love for Classical music and cross pollinated it with the world of song-writing. Combining her passion for both genres, Paula started to discover a voice of her own. Music became an outlet for Paula to voice the turmoil surrounding her in the beautiful landscapes of the Middle East. This voice found a place in listener’s hearts and a strong following began. A favorite at the countries most attended rock and jazz festivals, Paula’s unique style set her apart from other musicians. Among the most memorable festivals was the 2002 RED SEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, where the nationally televised event allowed Paula’s passion to shine thru into homes through out the entire nation. With interest now at fever pitch and the year coming to a close, Paula performed to a sold out audience at the world famous ISRAEL OPERA HOUSE, as part of "THE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ CONCERT SERIES". With a new year came new challenges for Paula and she set her sights on moving to New York City to make all her dreams a reality. After making such a name for herself in her native country, it only seemed fitting to take the next step and break thru the demanding NYC music scene. It didn’t take long for the sophisticated listeners and respected musicians of the city to love and respect the talents of this beautiful Songstress. Paula became a regular in all of the intimate rooms of New York, and became a staple in the world renowned East Village Songwriters scene. Fans lined the blocks to hear her sold out shows at such renowned venues as ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, THE BITTER END, TONIC, JOE'S PUB, THE LIVING ROOM, THE KNITTING FACTORY, PIANOS and THE CUTTING ROOM. Those fortunate enough to get inside the clubs watch an artist at work, weaving with effortless mastery from high energy syncopated grooves to sultry velvet laced ballads. Audience members leave with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment as Paula reaches out with her words and energy to touch the souls of each individual listener. With Paula Valstein comes a breath of fresh air in the music industry. Her music is so honest and telling it compels the listener to share their own stories thru any outlet available. It is not everyday that we come across a talent so exceptional and unique as Paula Valstein. !