Serena Postel
A good friend of mine introduced me to this music by Ms. Postel. I have to say I was quite taken by it. Her voice is unique and her lyrics incisive and penetrating. The arrangements are stellar. I look forward to her next release with much anticipation. Very few independent, or for that matter, major label, albums have moved my soul like this one has. I tip my hat to her and look forward to her next release.
- Babakar Wade, Founder of The Headwhiz Consort Moderne Internationale
"Former busker Serena Postel apparently got her big break when her songs caught the ear of a local film producer. That was two summers ago and in the interim she's also managed to hook up with kindred spirits like Romi Mayes, Jeremy Proctor and Jet Set Satellite. Oh, yeah, and she found the time to put out this fairly effortless-sounding six-song EP, on which her rootsy folk-rock guitar work recalls Ani DiFranco, while the earthy rawness of her voice echoes Holly McNarland or Sarah Harmer. Postel's songwriting chops suggest she won't need to take her act to the street corners again anytime soon -- and be sure to stick around for the bluesy bonus track Bourbon (featuring Australian fingerstyle wizard Dale Willis), if only to hear Postel crack herself up. Sun Rating 4 out of 5."
Winnipeg Free Press, November 11, 2006
***
"This singer-songwriter got her start the old-fashion way, busking, so all she needs to bring her stories to life is her trusty acoustic guitar (even though she's backed by a band on most of the seven tracks). Postel possesses a pure, soulful voice that acts as another instrument when she chooses to dig deep and low or reach for the high notes. The material ranges from stirring alt-folk to tender ballads; the standout track is the live number Bourbon, showing off Postel at her gritty best."
Uptown Magazine, March 8, 2007
*B*
"Postel is an artist just bubbling under the surface of this city's singer/songwrite scene. Armed with a righteous acoustic guitar, a vocal range that takes her from Aguilera heights to throaty near-growls on a torrent of image-laden, emotional words, she's on the right track with songs such as the title cut and 'Don't Go There'. Both tunes showcase a dynamism and a passion that will take her far once she learns she doesn't have to do everyting all at once. At this point, with her material still developing, Serena may be told that she can go the Ani DiFranco route, full of vigour and aggressive emotion, or she can rein things in and explore the less-is-more, melody first approach. I'd advise her to try to incorporate both." - JK
"Serena definitely made her presence known at this year's Brandon Folk Music & Art Festival. As a soloist in our workshops and backed by her band on the main stage, Serena captivated the audience with lyrics that were deeply personal and at other times edgy and aggressive. This was matched by impressive facility on her guitar. Since the summer, I have received multiple request to bring her back again next year. Undoubtedly, Serena is an excellent addition to any lineup." - Matt Duboff, Artistic Diretor of the Brandon Folk Festival
"Serena Postel is a hurricane force vortex of emotion, her ferocious performances are something to behold and be reckoned with."- Dan Frechette, singer-songwriter
"Serena Postel is the real deal....unbridled soul, bottomless energy and captivating intensity, it's what they call real talent. You can't teach what she's got at the core of her music; you either have it or you don't. She has it in spades."
- Aaron Garner (singer-songwriter, Toronto)
"Serena's music draws on a life experience that, when performed, reminds us of the good person that lives in all of us. Her stories are the kind that any woman or man can listen and relate to. She has the energy and talent to deliver so easily what so many of us try so hard to accomplish."
- Jeremy Proctor
"I have to tell you... I was listening to your tracks this morning over my coffee - they are hypnotic... your voice in big bad wolf gives me chills. Just beautiful -this would be the CD that I would love to take on a long road trip on a beautiful autumn day."
- Candor Books & Music
"Wow!!! I can honestly say that its a rare thing for a cd evoke such strong emotions within me... simply beautiful. 5 out of 5"
- Nathan Terin, Sidelined Productions, King's Head Pub
"You are such a slim sip of water with such a f@#$ing fat voice! Where do you find that resonance?"
- Liz Clayton, host @ UMFM 101.5
Folks who have purchased Spare Change from CD Baby have written:
"This CD is one of the most amazing and captivating CD's I have heard in years. Great lyrics, awesome music and a voice that just keeps me wanting more of her music! Amazing 1st CD. I can't wait for the follow up!" - Jason McDonald
"I seriously can't listen to this cd enough....I have even found myself humming Serena's tunes during my day when I'm away from my stereo. Amazing.....if you get a chance to catch a live performance, she is just as stellar in person as on her cd. Fantastic!" - Dawna Rumley
"Seriously, this cd gets better with every play. There's so much going on, musically, lyrically, spiritually, you forget that your hearing it for the tenth time and it's still amazing. The next one can only be better." - Carmen
"Excellent. Best Roots&Blues CD that I have heard in a long time. Seven tracks is not enough for me; waiting with much anticipation for more music." - Emmjazz
"Stumbled across her music via myspace. I found I kept listening to her tracks while at work. I figured I might as well ante up and buy the damn thing. Excellent. Great voice. Haunting at times. Beautiful delivery. Lyrically incisive. I'm very glad I broke down and spent the dough! If I have any complaint is that the CD ends and I'm not ready to quit listening!" - John McGrail
"Not only is her music inspiring, passionate and soothing, she has a lovely sense of humour. You have to check her out if you haven't already. Such an awesome, mega talented woman. She's incredible. Anxiously awaiting the next CD." - Katrina Smith