FRONT PAGE Back Next Page Cover & Table of Contents Fancy Living Magazine Nov. 2005.
DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR
SOPHIA DALLE: A new great Jewish talent...A refreshing breeze of unusual artistic genre.
By Valerie Constand
Most
recently, the London Monthly Herald published a striking piece on Sophia
Dalle. A relatively newcomer to the cabaret scene in New York City. But this
American singer brings with her wealth of talents, originality and
mystifying artistic personality. She is not your common cabaret singer. She
is unusual in her stage appearance, her dialogue, her lyrics, most certainly
her looks and the message she conveys on and off stage. On one hand, she
could remind you of Gloria Swanson, the divas of the black and white movies.
And on the other hand, she projects you onto a futuristic world of music and
the sphere of a passionate and sensual cabaret of tomorrow. Among the most
characteristic features of this singer are two striking and dominant
aspects; First, her personality. Second, her magnetism as it begins to
transform itself into an irresistible musical and melodramatic aura which
radiates through a warm and an exquisite lyrical dialogue with herself, the
world of music and intellectual sensuality. This is what Maximillien
de Lafayette, some of the critics in Paris and myself feel about Ms. Dalle.
Singers from all walks of life and different styles project different
persona on stage. Some of them live into two parallel and different worlds.
One
personality for the audience and another one for themselves. And through
their talent and uniqueness, they attract the public and attain fame. And
there is also, another breed of artists who attain greatness and excellence
through a modest but more truthful path. They do not wait for the
glitters, nor for flashy signs of neon to pump up their names in light.
Greatness in art is always expressive in eloquent silence. And when this
silence bursts out, the magic and the talent of the artist burst out as well
in one thousands splashes of lights and flames. You would have this
impression once you talk to Ms Dalle. Her lyrics are profound and
heart-felt. Her musical incarnation is genuine and warm. Her dialogues are
intelligent and stimulating, and above all, her persona is electrifying.
Sophia
Dale is an enigma to me. A pleasant and complicated enigma. I love her
presence because Sophia Dalle makes me explore meanings and surroundings I
have not dared to explore or imagine before. Almost all the Parisian cabaret
melodramatic stars engaged themselves and their feelings into a direct
rapport with their public. Sometimes, it was through their intimate stage
projection, and sometimes through their persona-music synchronization. Call it
talent, call it packaging, call it business. It works! Ms. Dalle has those
assets, although, she never marketed herself as a cabaret diva or a femme
fatale. Ironically enough, she is a femme fatale and a grande diva in the
making. My predictions are modest and precognitive. Sophia Dalle is going to
take New York City by storm. Go see her at "Don't Tell Mama" cabaret in New
York. You will have the best time of your life. This could be an unusual
musical experience to remember for long time.
FRONT PAGE Back Next Page Cover & Table of Contents Fancy Living Magazine Nov. 2005.