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| Astrella Celeste, daughter of Donovan, released "Blue Star" Astrella Celeste, daughter of the legendary Donovan and rising star in her own right, decided to reschedule the release of her highly anticipated mini-album as record labels began expressing serious interest in her. MusicDish Network has been promoting this pop/jazz/country singer & songwriter and her mini-album, "Blue Star", since the beginning of the summer in connection with its release on October 30th through Donovan's new independent label, Donovan Discs. As a result of intense interest by record labels in both the UK and US, Astrella Celeste and her management decided to pull the mini-album, delaying the release of what will now be a full-length album until the summer of 2007. Astrella travelled to New York and Los Angeles in order to meet with label executives and assess her various offers. She joined producer Yoad Nevo in his UK recording studio on November 6 to continue writing and recording tracks for the new CD. In other news, Astrella was recently informed by the Montel Williams MS Foundation that her single 'KISS' would be included on the MS Music Fest compilation. All proceeds from the sales of the compilations will be donated to the Montel Williams MS Foundation, which was established in October 2000 to further the scientific study of the debilitating disease known as Multiple Sclerosis. Astrella Celeste's music captures the lyrical and relaxing spirit of her father's music, whilst fusing jazz, pop and country in a way that is unique to her. Her songs are very personal, soulful and sensitive with a sweet, almost innocent quality that expresses a beautifully casual yet spiritual lifestyle. Astrella's career has been richly developed by working with other musicians in recording sessions, performances and/or home jams, amongst them David Gilmour, Brian Setzer, Donovan, Mark White, Happy Mondays, and Graham Nash, to name but a few. Musicians are drawn (almost moth-like!) to Astrella with the result that the credits for 'Blue Star' (the Spanish translation of Astrella Celeste) make for interesting reading: written by Astrella with Kevin Hunter (of Sheryl Crow fame), the record is produced by Yoad Nevo (Sugababes, Goldfrapp), string arrangements are by the legendary John Cameron (Les Miserables, Jose Carreras) with Rat Scabies on drums, Andy Hobson (Pretenders) on bass and Carmen Squire on rhythm guitar and BVs. Having performed on stage since her childhood (releasing a single in Italy at age 8 which led to the Pope asking to meet her), Astrella spent her youth in acting schools and dance troupes before working with her father providing backing vocals and touring with him. She says, "My dad will always be my biggest influence but I also love Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Sade, Tori Amos, The Cardigans... I could go on and on." write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |