SIMONE WADDELL & DAMIEN COOPER featuring JAMES NAPIER “Calling You” Single Review

(19th July 2024)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

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The gorgeous new single from one of Australia’s leading contemporary jazz artists; Simone Waddell. The track has been described as “a superb arrangement. The dance of vocals, harmonies, and guitar is sublime, and will send shivers up your spine.”

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Simone Waddell, Damien Cooper with James Napier’s collaboration on “Calling You” is a hauntingly beautiful acoustic ballad that showcases the exceptional talents of three talented Australian artists. The song, infused with tender emotion and raw authenticity makes you sit up immediately to take notice.

Close your eyes and you might actually be in a smokey jazz club in a city that never sleeps. We shouldn’t be surprised given that Simone is an award-winning artist and is well-known as a killer contemporary jazz singer with nimble versatility and a master of multiple genres. Damien is a gifted guitarist who comes through with his thoughtful and delicate approach to playing. “Calling You” creates the perfect union between the chanteuse Simone and Damian.

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Opening with the light, haunting touch of a guitar melody, “Calling You” immediately sets a reflective and intimate tone. Simone’s vocals are deeply golden in tone, rich and impassioned. She shows her talent to know when to be restrained and when to let her emotions unfurl with effortless grace in this song. Like a breeze, singer James Napier wafts in complementing Simone’s graceful tone adding light and shade to the moody song. James is a regular on the Sydney jazz scene known for his contemporary and nimble vocal style. Their ability to weave their vocals around each other with perfect timing elevates the emotional resonance of the song.

In “Calling You” the trio have crafted a song that bleeds with longing. The song evokes themes of nostalgia and old faded memories of love and loss wrapped in the tight bind of the passage of time. Astutely they have left a lot of space in the soundscape which stirs something evocative deep inside. Certainly this is one for the ages in it’s classic approach. If you love contemporary jazz or just insightful, sharp songwriting then “Calling You” will beckon like a siren.

“Calling You” proves that powerful doesn’t have be loud and over produced and that the simplest approach delivered by three professionals can land a devastating hit. Add it now to your Sunday afternoon playlists or when you want to have a moment to reflect in life’s quieter moments.

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Simone’s voice is fresh and impassioned and simply a joy to listen to.– Erik Zobler – Grammy Award Winning Producer & Engineer

In this crowded, noisy world of allegedly “unique” singers/performers, Simone distinguishes herself as an extraordinarily pure singer and performer. – George Massenburg – Iconic Grammy Award Winning Engineer

Simone is a gorgeous singer, her talent of Kate Ceberano proportions.– Eric Myers – The Australian Newspaper

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Follow SIMONE WADDELL

Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify – Apple Music – X – Soundcloud – YouTube

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Press Release 12th July 2024 (below) HERE

‍SIMONE WADDELL & DAMIEN COOPER featuring JAMES NAPIER release new single “CALLING YOU”

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