In the Print and on the Web

Elya Finn

On the web:

"When I Met You" infused with a romanticism that will chill your mind as it warms your heart, these songs present a balance between unfettered hope and utter cynicism. Cheerful, optimistic lyrics of love are balanced with a voice that speaks of danger, risk, and the ever-present possibility of betrayal. The lyrics, written specifically for Elya's voice by Michael Rothenberg, speak in a perpetual doubletalk that conveys more honest romance than could possibly be communicated with mere sincerity. Elya's sensual voice and Siberian accent will flawlessly transport you to the thin line between lies and absolute truth. " (Mary Jo Malo's review of "When I Met You."

Elya Finn, Open Mic Winner, originally from Russia co wrote her song with poet
Michael Rothenberg. Her songs are unique, interesting and intelligent.

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell, January 8, 2006

Elya Finn's previous CD, "Ship of Fate" was a lovely record, but her new one cuts much deeper. Her voice is charming and the jazzy feel of the album is delightful. "It Doesn't Really Matter" is a lovely, romantic song that sees Finn play her piano with great dexterity. "Big Eyes" is a funny, playful song. Finn's vocal is sweet and the melody is great. "Complication" is a wonderful song. Finn sings like a siren throughout. The song's, light, skippy tempo makes it brilliant. "Little Lies" is sparse and has an almost fairground feel to it. The whistled bit is ace too. Finn has developed into a marvelous singer.

Reviews

Russian newspaper "24 chasa"

 Эля – кладезь, многогранность светлых и, как говорят оркестранты «вкусных» мелодий. И всего-то – из семи нот, из семи цветов радуги, которые она умелыми мазками художника-аранжировщика наносит на свои песенные картины. При том её мелодийная палитра органично нанесена на добротное поэтическое полотно, обрамлённое яркой, инкрустированной , собственной голосовой рамой... И всё же, -  лучше она сама расскажет о себе..
By L. Dukhovny

Igor Yevelev:

" I sincerely believe it was one of the best concerts of the year 2007-2008 I had chance to attend so far. It was a real pleasure not only to listen to Elya's songs, but also to see and enjoy all of the performers including her marvelous boys. Never before I had an experience to hear the songs where the words were not really a half of the piece, and the violine have represented not only pure heart of the music but mainly deep soul of it. Thanks again for your great talent and great ability to bring it to the stage."

Reviewer: Allen Combs

"Elya, your music makes me want to fly! Thanks for the gift."

Very enjoyable and unique sound

Reviewer: Steve Krchniak
I really enjoy the mood and style that Elya delivers with her album "When I Met You...". Her tracks contain beautiful chord progressions and arrangements which avoid the typical formula most music suppresses itself to. Elya delivers suspense, romance, anger, adventure, compassion - all in a severly convincing way to the listener. The structure and tones in her music proves that Elya is a very advanced performer and composer, both technically and emotionally. Her songs have vocal lines that easily stay in your mind for a long time. "When I Met You..." was so emjoyable that I bought additional copies for friends and family, so they could be in on the magic too. Personally, my favorite tracks are the first two, but the album as a whole is definitely worth a long-term residence in your CD player. I look forward to checking out future releases by Elya.

Truly art. All good songs.

Reviewer: Michelle Greenblatt
This is truly art. Finally, a cd with songs that are ALL well written. I enjoyed every single song on here, not just the usual one or two. Masterfully sung and crafted.

a modern day Eartha Kitt

Reviewer: Nancy and Steve
Elya's song "Complications" projects a feel not witnessed since the days of Eartha Kitt. The music and lyrics are superb - Elya and Michael are a great production team. How refreshing to hear real musicians and lyricists entering the commercial music scene once again! We enjoy this CD greatly and will be on the lookout for her next album.

Passion :: Reviewer: Stefano

I'm used to listen music with my heart and not with my ears (I think it's the only real way), and I have to say that your music went straight there, delicately but with force. There's a lot of passion, your songs and your voice transmit that. Told that, I can say that your music often surprised me: sounds like a strange but well balanced mixture of different things - jazz, blues (meaning that blues is not necessarily in music, but in your soul that cries and laugh), cabaret and others. Some songs (little lies is my favorite in this sense) made my mind go to the famous Brecht-Weill songs (sure I'm not the first to tell you so), especially the ones sang by Milva and Ute Lemper; again, not just a musical resemblance, a sentimental one. There are such intense feelings in your music, I keep thinking about how a live recording could sound. Can't wait to hear some more music from you, it's so soul touching.

Great performance by Russian sing :: Reviewer: André
This performance has a live quality. The litle surprices keep the music freh and interesting. Singing with a Russian accent works very well. Using some Russian folk (Little Lies) and mentioning Vodka in the lyrics (It Does''t really matter) underline this. It makes the album sound exotic instead of being an album by a non native speaker.

Reviewer: Mike
Elya's music transports you -- one moment sitting in a dark, smokey cabaret with "When I Met You" the next winding down a serene river at sunrise in "Time" -- like her voice, pure magic...

Really amazing work! Reviewer: Gabriel Gudding
The lyrics are amazing and Elya's voice is electric and captivating.-- Gabriel Gudding

Thrilling this CD :: Reviewer: Bill Berkson
"Thrilling this CD. Brecht/Weill of course come to mind, but also the wonderful cabaret songs of Arnold Weinstein & Bill Bolcom on BLACK MAX." Bill Berkson

absolutely beautiful!! :: Reviewer: Larisa Genshaft
Every song brings you into special mood where you can dream and enjoy! Professionally done in every detail. Elya's voice is magic, emotions are true..Absolutely beautiful!! Thank you Elya!

Magic voice:: Reviewer: Sabrina
`Magic voice!Brilliant!Great CD!!!

like Weimar Lenya & postwar Nico
Reviewer: David Meltzer
"Elya's CD is fabulous -- all her songs sound like Weimar Lenya & postwar Nico, lushly affirmative at the same time being edged w/ cosmic weltschmertz. An immensely tasty production." --David Meltzer

A perfect balance!
Reviewer: Joanne Kyger
A perfect and balanced vehicle for poet Michael Rothenberg and singer and composer Elya Finn. Congratulations to them both for this terrific CD!

Simply brilliant!
Reviewer: Galina
Every bit of it is wonderful. It's like you are enclosed in a space with bundles of emotions and soundscapes

Beautiful
Reviewer: Alex Walsh
A beautiful ride through the longing, pain, delight and complications of a tender (or is it tragic?) love affair. The musical arrangements are perfect for Elya's voice. Michael Rothenberg's delicate lyrics don't miss a beat. Great CD!!!

Reviewer: Kyle Ramsay
Finally, a cd worth listening to. All the tracks are great, they flow into and out of each other. beautifully written lyrics, haunting voice.

So much more interesting
Reviewer: Fidessa
This is Art! These songs relate some real emotions and stories, more than the general pap one hears. My favorite CD right now.

Reviewer: annushka
Lovely songs! Beautiful words and charming sensual presentation. Looking forward for the artist’s new works.

Elya's voice and the piano are a perfect mix
Reviewer: Jeremy Dean
Wonderful CD - Elya's voice and the piano are a perfect mix. This is a CD to play over and over and it still remains interesting.

© Elya Finn 2007 All rights reserved