Ivana Santilli

ACCESS MAGAzINE (MARCH 1999) Listening to "Brown", the solo effort from Ivana Santilli, the striking former member of the hugely popular funk-soul outfit Bass Is Base, you get the distinct feeling that she was bursting with sweet ideas that for reasons unknown didnít make it to the fore in that particular ensemble. Like a gourmet chef, this singer/songwriter/classically-trained pianist has carefully assembled those ideas - superlative arrangements, thoughtful songwriting - and lovingly cooked up a warm, organic and seductive sound she refers to as "yesterday, today , tomorrow soul", "Sun Has Set", "caramel Sky", "If Ever I Fall", and the wicked live jungle jam, "Sun+Moon=Tomorrow" offer ample proof that Santilli has ears cocked not just to the past but to the future. More importantly, Brown reminds us that the light has not yet gone out on elegance and sophistication in R&B/soul. THE TORONTO SUN (APRIL 18, 1999) The much-anticipated solo debut of this former member of likable Toronto funk-pop trio Bass Is Base brims with Santilliís warmth and self-confidence. The resulting R & B - soul stew is due in no small part to her numerous skills and talents. As composer and ar... more...