Product Description Rhian Benson is a new African/British artist with a distinctive mix of R&B/soul, jazz and reggae. 'One of today's brightest new prospects, mold-breaking music straight from the soul' says USA Today; Oprah Magazine calls her 'simply celestial' and Vibe Magazine describes her music as 'a unique blend'. Singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Rhian Benson has a fascinating story to tell. Born in Ghana, West Africa, she grew up surrounded by music. Her father, from the Ashanti tribe of Ghana- is a guitarist; her mother, from Wales in Great Britain- is a singer and her grandfather led a big band in the '50s and '60s. Rhian took up the piano while a child and has been writing songs and poetry her whole life. Now a resident of Los Angeles, she also lived in India and England while growing up and studied at the London School of Economics and Harvard University. Gold Coast, her debut album is already receiving critical acclaim from publications as varied as the Los Angeles Times, Performing Songwriter, Honey and Billboard. All songs on Gold Coast were written by Rhian and composed by her on guitar and keyboards. In addition, Rhian co-produced the album along with Grammy Award-winning producers James Poyser (Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Jill Scott) and Bob Power (D'Angelo, Tribe Called Quest, Me' Shell Ndegocello). Review Some packages seem just too good to be true. Rhian Benson was an articulate and well educated woman (MBA) before she embarked on her musical career. So, she is able to control her musical destiny far more seriously than most artists. She is drop-dead gorgeous and her voice has a sultry quality. It's unfortunate to often hear her compared as just another Nora Jones;, when Rhian Benson's depth and intensity frankly put Jones down a notch. Benson wrote all of the songs on this debut CD which is amazing as many new artists don't dare (I was shocked to note that Nora Jones scarcely writes any of her own material, as lovely as her voice is). Ladies, listen well to Benson's lyrics on her track 'Invincible'. Well worth the buy! --tirefire123I first heard this CD while listening to WCLK online out of Atlanta, Tavis Smiley intervied her and played samples of most of the songs. Not only did she appear very humble to be soo beautiful as I now see, but she was intelligent, heartfelt and compassionate. She discussed her life in her hometown of Ghana and her migration to Los Angeles, both being Gold Coasts. Her music is authentic and her Song Sing to A Child almost brought tears to my eyes, she said that the children in Ghana inspired it. She's true to herself and her music and lyrics are reflections of that. I also like Say How I Feel and Spirit. Her voice is different and her music is really nice. This is a star rising...one to buy! --musical_empressI love this album. I have had the pleasure of seeing Rhian perform twice in LA and I was very impressed each time. To describe what this album does to me would be too difficult, but suffice it to say it REALLY moves me. Rhian's lush vocals adorn beautifully arranged tracks that transport you to a land where the bittersweet becomes the beautiful. My faves are Sing to the Child, Young Girl, I'm in a Bind and Invincible. The music is richly organic and I kick back to it when I'm stressed out. Thank you Rhian for bringing your wonderful spirit into my life, I need it. --A Customer
D**A
Love the Album
If your only frame of reference is hip/hop then this album is not for you. If you prefer football stadium concerts as opposed to intimate jazz club performances then the album is probably not for you either.But If you love jazz, appreciate someone who can actually sing, and musicians who actually play instruments, then you will love this album. I like all of the songs very much, but my very favorite is "say how I feel". I just wish the CD were an enhanced one that had the video on it.Listening to Rhian is very soothing for me, and being a woman I very much appreciate the message in her songs. If I am lucky she will come to town so I can hear a live performance. I very much look forward to following her career and buying more of her music.
M**I
Wonderful
I was watching VH1-Soul (which is NOT in every State, unfortunately--like Tampa, FL) when I saw her video "stealing my peace of mind." A few weeks after that, she was performing at a Borders book store in San Diego, CA. I took a few kids from a group home where I worked...a few of them were in tears! Her voice is even MORE beautiful live (and so is she) and she really connected with the audience--she met all of the kids from the group home and just had a lovely spirit.The review: The CD is great!!! It takes me to another place, mentally and spiritually, when I need that escape. I look forward to hearing more from her...For now, I go on YouTube to see her videos. Jamilah
J**P
This is a really good CD
I really didn't know what to expect when I purchased this CD, but needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a REALLY good CD. Ms. Benson is right up there with jill scott, angie stone, bridgette mcwilliams and others. if you like neosoul, sade, vivian green, goapele and others, you'll definitely like this CD. I played it for several friends and EVERYONE asked "who is that?" "it's nice!" This is a very listenable CD, great to play when entertaining folks, or when you just want to sit back relax and enjoy a mojito or two! (smile) Definitely a "go and buy" recommendation.
R**.
SEDUCING!!
I first heard the single "How Does It Feel" on the radio and I had an instant attraction to this groove. I soley purchased this album on that single. Upon listening to the full CD I have fell in love with Rhiann. Her music is soothing,the grooves have definite passion and they compliment her soulful words. I am extremely happy with this buy and I urge anyone who loves soulful, jazzy music with a carribean flair purchase this CD.
J**D
Five Stars
Great album and eventually gave it away.
P**S
Serene with jazzy-funk
I purchased this CD after hearing Say How I Feel on the radio and wanted it in my collection. After reading reviews, I decided to chance it, hoping i would like the entire CD. Rhian has a soft, sweet sound, her own but also a bit reminiscent of Gaopele, what I listen to while getting myself together for a long-awaited evening out. You know the kind...a nap, long bath, freshly painted toes and nails, etc.
K**S
RHIAN AT HER BEST
I am surprise Rhian Benson never had more commercial success. This is a great CD and the song arrangements are excellent. VEry nice night music or when your driving alone in your car
P**S
Five Stars
Great Buy!!!
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