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Sports loss is definitely music's gain. That is confirmed by the release of The Little Things, the superb full-length debut album from young singer/songwriter Claudia DiNatale. As a teenager growing up in Windsor, Claudia was a star high school athlete, excelling at soccer, track and field, cross-country, volleyball, and basketball. A volleyball scholarship was in the offing, but a seriously torn anterior cruciate ligament shattered those dreams. Happily, music was on hand to capture her youthful energy. "I have always had a passion for music, ever since I started taking piano lessons at age six," explains DiNatale. "Right at the time I hurt my knees, I had been recording a demo. The injury just made my decision to focus upon music easier." Claudia's formidable vocal talent became apparent early, and it led to starring roles in school productions of such musicals as Evita, Oliver, and Fiddler On The Roof. "At 16, I started to take music more seriously," she recalls. "I took classical lessons to better my voice and a couple of years later I started to do demos. I never sat and thought, 'one day I am going to be a famous singer,' but it has worked out that I am pursuing it professionally.'" With any justice, fame will be in Claudia's musical future. The Little Things is a stunningly accomplished album, with top-notch musical and production values complementing her pure voice and accessible yet intelligent lyrics. Reference points would include the stylings of Sarah McLachlan and Dido, but a strongly individual talent emerges from these tracks. The hauntingly melodic title song (and first single) is already generating airplay, and there is a treasure trove of radio-friendly gems awaiting discovery here. Soulful ballads like "Get Love" and "Love Wins Everytime" nestle comfortably alongside more upbeat material ("This Little Universe," "All Illusions"). The Little Things was recorded in New York City with noted producer/musician Rob Arthur (Keri Noble, Jeff Arundel). Claudia wrote all the material, mostly in tandem with Rob. "Usually I would write the lyrics and Rob would arrange the music or chord structures," says Claudia. "It worked well, as having someone with different input can help open your eyes and mind." This dynamic duo had previously collaborated on DiNatale's first recording, an EP entitled My Life In 5 Songs. "There has been a lot of growth since then," she notes. "The lyrics have matured, and The Little Things is much more from the heart. It is a little more alternative, and the EP was more pop." Claudia got her feet wet with the EP, and now plunges in, head and heart first, on The Little Things. The development in her songwriting is even more impressive given that she is relatively new to the craft. "Prior to starting this project four years ago, I had never written a song," she says. "I was sort of thrown into a position where I had to write, but it came naturally. I am now pretty happy about my writing skills, and I can't wait to write even better music." With the release of The Little Things (via Fig Leaf Enterprise, Inc./Under The Radar Music Group), DiNatale has assembled a band and is looking forward to displaying her well-established prowess as a performer. This is indeed an artist to watch very closely. Check out the artist's website: http://www.claudiadinatale.com Track List: 1. The Little Things 2. Wishing 3. Been With You 4. All Illusions 5. Get Love 6. INot Gonna Take Me Down 7. I Don't Wanna Cry 8. Our Little Universe 9. So Simply 10. Blindfolded 11. Love Wins Every Time 12. The Little Things (radio edit) Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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