JUST PERFECT...NARDI POSSESSES A GREAT VOICE
by Brent Raynor for Now Magazine, Toronto Canada

Top notch playing by Steve Bright and Larry Crowe highlight the latest from Nardi. It's kinda like your mamma's stew that you used to hate but now appreciate after too many years of eating out - it's just perfect after trying that four-course dinner party deal for the umpteenth time. Daniela and band play in a wealth of styles from folk to world to classical yet at the root are a jazz band, and Nardi possesses a great voice that can shift personalities with ease. I'd be willing to be her favourite album is Joni Mitchell's Shadow and Light, but while Joni came off as genuine and inspired, Nardi at times sounds contrived. Fortunately, brilliant harmonica playing by guest musician Tortoise Blue means not all is lost for the Chapters coffee-drinking, book reading crowd.

...REMINISCENT OF JONI MITCHELL IN JAZZ MODE
by Diane Wells for Wholenote Magazine, Canada

Daniela Nardi is a cool, smart, straight talkin' Toronto-bred woman with a soft, rich, smoky and soulful voice. As a songwriter, she produces the kind of intelligent, honest, wordy, free association reminiscent of Joni Mitchell in jazz mode. Songs of love and independence, unresolved feelings and human potential not yet realized with a solid sense of the spirit beyond. In other words, the richness of life experienced with many questions left unanswered. Although songs like Mr. God (a passionate rant on injustice) and Hands (on the theme of healing) seem on the surface to stem from contemporary viewpoints, they both underline the concept that the divine is within us and fully realizes itself through human action. Joining Ms. Nardi who handles vocals and piano (acoustic and Rhodes) are Stephen Bright, bass and Larry Crowe on drums and percussion. Special guests rounding out the arrangements are Tortoise Blue, blues harp and organ, Neil Donnel, background vocals, John Johnson, soprano sax, George Koller, acoustic bass, Chase Sanborn, trumpet and flugelhorn and Jim Tate, guitar. Daniela studied at York, specializing in the areas of composition, electronic music and performance, 20 th century music and improvisation. She has done her Alma Mater proud.

ONE THINGS IS TRUE - BUY THIS DISC
by Amy Anderson for Edson Leader, Canada

Old sounds are new again - thanks to a new Canadian jazz artist.

The jazz performed by Daniela Nardi on her latest disc One True Thing has a bit of a twist as some country twang is rolled in throughout   the album.

The song "Mr God" has a similar sound to Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow, accompanied by harmonica and electric guitar. But the next   songs is completely different genre - though still with a hint of the same vocals.

Distinct old fashioned trumpet and lyrics also flow in and out of the melody, creating unique yet traditional music.

Daniela Nardi does sing throughout the entire disc but the way she manipulates her voice to be both country and classical jazz is impressive. There is also a hint of folk in the album, reminiscent of Norah Jones.

The songwriting and sound from Nardi is much like the folk-rock of Jones but also has the rock inklings of Jon Bon Jovi and Dave Mathews.

The 11 track offering from Daniela is a plethora of variety and the entire disc is a guessing game as to which genre will be explored next.

There is always a hint of classical jazz complete with piano and highly trained vocals on every track.

But the way the band can sound unique in every track is almost like a compilation disc - with a variety of bands on the album.

Of course, it is just the band being versatile and magnificent while doing so, with a few Toronto jazz musicians on hand to help out.

The song "Crazy Jane" is classical jazz but it is also strong in meaning. It describes the sorrows of a woman wanting help from religion and the community, but she is so lost and can't be helped. She wants to feel the love she once held.

The words come through with power, over top of the saxophone and light cymbals.

One True Thing blends an earthiness and sultriness with soul searching imagery. The songs range from longing for love to innocence to the pain of life.

The disc is excellent - everything is represented evenly but with each song having a completely separate sound.

Nardi does more on the disc than sing. She has lent her songwriting ability as well as her pianist skills to compile this fantastic disc.

Nardi is a graduate of York University's music program and was a student of the Humber College Jazz Program.

Her previous releases include a solo voice/piano four song cassette and self produced four song independent CD featuring the trio entitled "Spadina Sessions"

One True Thing was also produced by Daniela Nardi.

POWERFUL YET INTIMATE
by Paul Donnelly for eJazznews.com, UK

Landing someone with an epithet like a "Norah Jones who has paid her dues" isn't doing them any favors, comparisons being odious and all that. So I've tried to ignore it and in any case I'm not convinced that Jones bears repeated listening. Nardi however, has an arresting voice that on one track reminded me of Joni Mitchell, just certain vocal inflections that recalled her singing around the time of "Hejira".

That track "Crazy Jane" is outstanding and has a melody that may not immediately impose itself on the listener's consciousness but like some of Mitchell's, it is insidious and her vocal delivery is subtly insistent.   Her trio, Steve Bright (bass) and Larry Crowe (drums) plus saxophonist, John Johnson, know a thing or two about subtlety too, utilizing warm bass and sketches from the percussion corner.

The cd's opener is also attractive though in a different way. "Woman Me" features some scalding harmonica from Tortoise Blue as well as throbbing bass, both of which offer a primal palette for Nardi's soulful delivery. It's bluesy with a strident groove and somewhat sarcastic lyrics.

Her choice of instrumental embellishment is impeccable throughout and is especially apt on "Hands" where the cool trumpet of Chase Sanborn slides over the subtle samba rhythms set up by acoustic bass and guitar. Her vocal is again effortless and without affectation, delivering the lyrics emotively whilst retaining a sense of calm. This is also true of "Winter Birds" an atmospheric song enhanced by her brooding piano, some wisps of frosty, muted horn from Sanborn and singing electric guitar from Jim Tate that creates impressions of flight through chilly air.

What I find particularly appealing in this work is the quality of her voice as it shifts with consummate grace between styles. It is powerful yet intimate, smooth but, when necessary, assertive. I look forward to hearing from developments from here on.

COMPLETELY ENVELOPES YOU IN ITS MAGIC
by Stuart A. Hamilton for Zeitgeist, Germany

It's rare that an album comes along and completely envelopes you in its magic. If you're lucky it happens once a year. And this year, the magic album comes from the Daniela Nardi. The Canadian press seem to be labeling her with a Norah Jones tag, and I suppose its apposite, as far as fusing jazz, soul and country, in a similar fashion. But it's a lazy tag and there is an awful lot more to Ms. Nardi and her cohorts.

A classically trained pianist, the early 80's saw her change instruments to bass guitar and take up songwriting, becoming involved in various bands and songwriting projects. Eventurally, her roads led to York University where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music (Honors). Since leaving university, Daniela has been working as a composer for various independent film projects, as well as performing on the other side of the lens as an actor and voice over artist.

However, the mid 90's brought a time which forced Daniela to stop all work, move back home and heal. It was during this time that Daniela turned to her songwriting and after a year of pre production, recording, mixing and mastering, "One True Thing" was gifted to us.

Blurring the lines between musical genres, her sultry, evocative voice, is augmented in splendid fashion by the other trio members, Stephen Bright and Larry Crowe, with an array of Toronto's finest jazz musicians adding some sublime touches, with an especial mention for the harmonica stylings of Mr. Tortoise Blue.

This is a flawless selection of songs, which has been on permanent play for weeks. Whether it's the samba of "Hands", the bitter sweet acoustic beauty of "Crazy Jane" or the reaching out, languid, searching and wanting expressed in "You...so Beautiful", this is an album of rare beauty. Things rarely move quickly, but when the pace quickens as on the blues drenched "Mr. God", it shows that Daniela can handle just about anything she desires.

By far the finest album I've heard this year (and I've heard hundreds), this is absolutely essential.

ANOTHER CANUCK NEWCOMER WITH TREMENDOUS PROMISE
By Bruce Mitchell for The Daily Courier, Canada

Canadians Diana Krall and Bet.e & Stef recently held down four of the top ten jazz spots on the American sales charts.

Daniela Nardi is another Canuck newcomer with tremendous promise.

She has a rich talent that could easily see her follow in the footsteps of her northern colleagues.

Nardi writes thought-provoking lyrics from her searching soul and intellect and this can be heard in abundance on her pointed and sarcastic first single Mr. God.

But my favorites here are the sultry samba of Hands, the languid balladry of After the Sun Goes Down and the poignant and arty symbolism of the pretty Winter Birds.

There is no doubt that Joni Mitchell has had a great impact on Nardi's phrasing while there is some clever, retro 70's jazz/funk found on Face of the Moon.

Daniela Nardi's remarkable beauty away from her piano and microphone can't hurt her career chances either as she looks like a dark eyed Canadian version of Salma Hyak.

An articulate and expressive new jazz/pop talent to watch.

PHENOMENAL PIECE OF WORK... DANIELA NARDI IS A MARVEL
by Naomi DeBruyn for Linear Reflections

Most people think that reviewing is a breeze and some days it is, but there are others where it isn't. Like today. I've got a stack of CDs in front of me and my mood isn't the greatest. I've got to listen to these discs and not let my mood influence what I'm going to say or feel from the music. Easier said than done, honest! Four CDs later, I've found one that I can work with in my rather maudlin frame of mind. This is an incredible artist, whose hybrid jazz sound has me listening with serious interest and budding enjoyment. The different musical facets to be found within one track are incredible. There are components of jazz, classical, soul, pop, folk, as well as world, all integrated into one dynamite sound that is distinct and very much owned by Daniela.

Vibrant and intense are words I'd use for Daniela Nardi. Daniela has composed all of the tracks on this disc, except for one written with two other members of her band. Members of her band include Steve Bright (electric bass) and Larry Crowe (drums, percussion). Some special guests include: Tortoise Blue (harp, organ), Neil Donnel (background vocals, arrangements), John Johnson (soprano sax), George Koller (acoustic bass - tracks 2 & 6), Chase Sanborn (trumpet, flugelhorn) Jim Tate (guitars).

While the music is unbelievably smooth and filled with a vibe that'll set anyone moving, Daniela has a voice that reaches out and gets completely and totally personal with the listener. Not something that every vocalist can claim, but all would kill to have! Daniela's vocals are like a finely aged shot of whisky - smooth, with an edge, warming you from the inside out!

Daniela has been involved in music from early on in life, and has even obtained a bachelor of fine arts in music (honors) from York University, specializing in the areas of composition, electronic music and performance, 20 th century music and improvisation.

"Woman Me" begins this deliciously extravagant listening experience, and was written with Steve Bright and Larry Crowe. An edge exists here, delineating the change from youth to woman and giving this track a rather "skittish" sound. A blend of the sultry and the innocent, containing a richness that will satisfy any music lover's palate!

Shades of Santana reached my thoughts while I was listening to "Hands". The Latin rhythms reached the nerve endings and had me trying to dance while seated and writing - an interesting combination to view I'm sure. //"Hands made to hold/hands made from grace/hands made to spread love/yet intention got misplaced..."// It is amazing what can be done with a simple touch, a simple gentle caress. When you think about the hands through time and the touches...you can easily be swept up and carried away. Hands are a very important part of life, and I never really thought about that until I listened to this song.

I was intrigued by the title "Winter Birds" and the melody caught me right away. Between the lyrics and Daniela's vocals, I received a case of the shivers. I'm wondering if the same thing will happen in summer's heat?! Though everything around you dies in the winter, the spring comes, bringing with it new life and an abundance of food. The message found in this track is one of enduring for new beginnings and such as the birds must in winter's cold. It is a brilliant piece of compositional work, and the electronic effects are amazing.

As I said earlier about the first track, this CD will satisfy any music lover's palate. It's a phenomenal piece of work and one of the best I've heard all year long. Daniela Nardi is a marvel, and the music industry needs her desparately.

DOWN TO EARTH EMOTION AND MUSIC
By Ray's Reviews on MSN Groups

One True Thing, the beautiful debut studio album just released by Daniela Nardi evokes quite a few sentiments and moods - melancholy and yearning hitting the top of the list. This disc, which is dipped in jazz as well as a variety of other tastes and textures, also invokes the vocal spirit and attitude of country pop's Amy Sky. But the one word that keeps coming back to my mind when listening to this disc is "Earthy".

While the musicianship is second to none, the music is in no way, shape or form, uppity in the least bit (as some jazz tends to be). There's no glitz, glamour or gloss, just real down to earth emotion and music. And Nardi's voice is solid as they come, but she sure knows how to wind it up with emotion.

Nardi, a magnificent pianist and her exceptional bandmates, drummer Larry Crowe and bass player Steve Bright, are joined in the studio by some pretty amazing talent. Standing out are blues harp master Tortoise Blue and soprano sax god John Johnson, who leave their well carved marks on several cuts.

Leading the pack are:

Woman me, the jazz pop opening track that features some wailing bluesy harmonica and some superb, deep funky bass;

Hands, a super smooth and low key but extremely captivating number highlighting some nice, romantic trumpet, an exceptional Spanish guitar solo and some neat little triangle percussions in the background;

Mr. God, a blues drenched , in your face kind of song, with boppy feel, nice/rude blues guitars, ripping piano and some beautifully wailing harp;

And Face of the Moon, another bluesy tune with superb soprano sax wailing and pop-country-jazz influence.

There are 11 regular tracks plus a hidden instrumental gem that rips out in super-fast jazz improv style.

This may be the first disc by Nardi but it will certainly not be the last.

ARRIVAL OF A VERY SPECIAL TALENT
by Tom Plewman of The Madrigal, Canada

Only two weeks before writing this, I had not heard of Daniela Nardi, a Toronto jazz composer/pianist/singer. The lady's anonymity will not last much longer. This is one of the most impressive debut discs by a Canadian artist I've heard in the Madrigal's 25 year history. One True Thing heralds the arrival of a very special talent.

Both as a songwriter and singer Ms. Nardi reminds one of Patricia Barber, but with a smoother flowing musical sound and lyrics. Most of her music works in a jazz piano trio format but the addition of an occasional harmonica gives her sound a blues edge similar to Norah Jones. However, the one dynamic that makes this young lady's sound so distinctively appealing is the way she infuses a traditional jazz style with her own pop-influenced musical hooks. I've never heard anything quite like it before.

And oh yes, Daniela Nardi has a wonderfully expressive voice and an accomplished piano style. Very strongly recommended.

LIKE A SOPHISTICATED GLASS OF WINE TO BE SAVORED
by Stacey Board for Muse's Muse, USA

I would summarize "one true thing" as lilting groovy soulful jazz. This is not overcomplicated intellijazz. It is keyboard based pop with a jazz influence.

Nardi's gorgeous keyboard is the framework for each piece. Her voice is deep, smoky and steadfast while the tones of the keyboards she plays vary their dance around it. Imagine Natalie Merchant, subtract her tremolo and add a much more diverse songwriting palette. Nardi gets soulful, sweet and sassy. She uses her heart and her brain in her lyrics.

Every one of the musicians and performances are excellent. The arrangement is relaxed and appropriate. The accompaniment stays in the scenery and expands it, never stepping up front to be in the way. Nardi did an astounding job of self-producing the CD.

"Hands" is one of my favorites because I'm a sucker for well done latin jazz. Nothing on the CD is ever rushed, and yet it all sounds perfectly tight and flawlessly played. This CD like a sophisticated glass of wine to be savored.

OOZES STREET SMARTS, DREAMY VOCALS
by Ian Scott for The Victoria Star, Canada

Nardi has been writing songs for the past 15 years and her maturity of composition comes to the forefront with this debut effort, which she also produced. Some of Toronto's finest jazz musicians added flavor to this delicious musical stew.

A sensual blend of many styles, One True Thing oozes with street smarts, dreamy vocals and simply solid instrumentation. Nardi's voice sounds relaxed and full on numbers that range from worldly to latin-tinged soul. The jazzier tunes offer proof that cocktail music has never been so intoxicating. I recommend this album. It's hardly been out of my CD player since it arrived in the mail. If it took 15 years to create a gem as One True Thing, the wait was more than worth it. I just hope it doesn't take as long for a followup. For the full lowdown on this memorable release, go online at www.danielanardi.com

A WONDERFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE
By Sarah French for eJazznews.com, Canada

The recent release of Daniela Nardi's self produced disc "One True Thing" is a wonderful listening experience. Her lyrical style is fresh and her vocals are superb. It is very refreshing to hear a Canadian woman sing about love, religion and soul searching without sounding whiny as her counterparts. This disc is a wonderful blend of jazz, pop, rock and soul.

Opening with the original song "Woman Me", Daniela hits us hard. Lyrically superb, this Bluesy number featuring harmonica from Tortoise Blue, shows the tough, yet feminine side of Ms. Nardi. The second track "Crazy Jane" is another song with fine vocals and piano from Daniela and a great bass vibe courtesy of George Koller. The light rock sound of "Face of the Moon" would make the radio airwaves quiver. "Still Asking" has a Tori Amos like approach, but with keen originality.

The supporting musicians on the disc really help set the tone and brilliance behind the lyrics and vocals. The core members are Daniela on piano and vocals, Steve Bright on electric bass and Larry Crowe on drums. Special guest personnel include Jim Tate (guitar), John Johnson (soprano sax), Chase Sanborn (trumpet/flugalhorn), Tortoise Blue (harmonica), George Koller (acoustic bass) and Neil Donnel (background vocals/arrangments)

"One True Thing" is mixed wonderfully and the production is simple yet grand. It is 11 smooth and easy tracks that make for incredible listening pleasure. For more information on how to obtain a copy of the disc, visit www.danielanardi.com