Astrella Celeste / The Hotel Cafe / Los Angeles, California / Oct 29th / Pop
Reviewed by Tori Kyes
There
are very few children of famous artists that go on to make something of
their own career, and even fewer whose music is actually enjoyable.
Astrella Celeste, on the other hand, has proven that she should not be
lumped into this category, because the daughter of the infamous
singer-songwriter, Donovan (“Mellow Yellow”), has been working hard over the
past few years to carve out her own niche in the music scene. On October
29th, during her final performance of her month-long residency at the Hotel
Cafe in Los Angeles, Astrella Celeste proved that that she is a very good
artist in her own right.
This gig was not only the last of her residency concerts, but it was also the last performance before Celeste returns to the studio to record some more of her original material, and that being the case she pulled out all the stops, to ensure that this was the most notable of her concerts, by inviting special guests to join her on stage, such as; her father Donovan and Paul McCartney’s guitarist Brian Ray. This was a show that you did not want to miss and obviously others felt the same way as they packed the Hotel Café, leaving standing room only.
For those unfamiliar with true impact of Astrella’s musical heritage, take note, that she won global critical acclaim with her first hit single in Italy at the ripe age of nine, particularly from the Pope. She then continued her singing career by joining her father as a backup singer for fifteen years. After taking the time to collaborate with some of the world’s most renowned producers and songwriters, Astrella Celeste finally embarked on a solo career, with her album Dream, a body of work that contributed much of the Hotel Café performance's repertoire.
Backed by a band, Celeste began her set with the first track from Dream, the song “Kiss,” which has an addictive melody and features the fun side of Celeste’s music and artistry. The lyrics are brilliant and are enveloped in a lighthearted melody that reminds one of the earlier music of Sheryl Crow.
Belting out the lines “Take it easy, what’s your hurry? / I can see no need to worry,” from her fun loving pop song “Take It Easy,” Celeste evoked the need in members of the audience to dance or perhaps just left them wishing for a peaceful stroll down a sidewalk. She then transitioned into original tunes “Rain,” a crowd favorite “Dream,” and “The Way We Are,” the title track from her EP.
We had now reached the point in the evening when it was time for Astrella Celeste to introduce her first special guest, Donovan, and in an epic demonstration of humility, pride and adoration, the two held hands and praised each other’s accomplishments before launching into the song “Unbelievable.” Enhancing the aura surrounding this concert even further, Celeste then invited guitarist Brian Ray, who plays with Paul McCartney, to join Donovan and her on stage as they performed Donvan’s “Sunny Goodge Street,” (also covered by Judy Collins). This trio of superstar proportions then delighted the audience by playing two of Donovan’s better known tunes “Sunshine Superman,” and “Mellow Yellow.”
Although, Astrella Celeste’s talent as a solo artist is not to be denied, there is also no questioning that the highlight of the evening was watching and listening to her perform with Donovan and Brian Ray. Donovan and Celeste were magical together and Ray only added to that magic with his gorgeous guitar riffs. This was a spectacular performance on a very special evening.
It is however Astrella Celeste’s grace, the gift for performing that she possesses and her humble, yet glowing demeanor that gives her the ability to lift the listener’s spirit and makes you feel alive. When she emerges from the studio and recording her next album, be sure to keep your eyes open for her next concert, you will not want to miss it.
To listen to the music of an outstanding artist, Astrella Celeste please visit her myspace site by clicking here.
October 29th, 2009
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Los
Angeles based writer Tori Kyes is the CEO for plastick.media a digital
entertainment group that specializes in new media for the entertainment
industry (digital marketing, cutting-edge video, press / public relations,
design and branding). IVisit Plastick Media online at
http://plastickmedia.com
