Nefertiti Jones, the electrifying and deeply grounded performer/singer-songwriter who's voice and insightful lyrics have been heard, felt, and seen from San Francisco to New York continues on the road to fame and stardom with her latest release appropriately entitled "Here and Now." Until now, her achievements have been staggering. Nefertiti's performance at the 1997 Lilith Fair, in Portland, Oregon (Where she was the finalist in the national songwriters contest) landed her a spot on VH-1, and myriad of newspaper and magazine interviews followed. With noted influences such as Fiona Apple and Sheryl Crow quickly coming to mind, somehow, it's Nef's "Angel in blue jeans" voice that beckons wonder. As Nef's obvious "ready for Fame-look" and gutsy lyrics continue to win her praise, she strives for more. In early 2000, Nefertiti ventured back to her hometown, to find new inspiration and challenges. It was there, in Manhattan (a place that can easily test endurance of most upstart artist) served as the backdrop for her latest effort "Here and Now," featuring the uncompromising "Mindfield" and the wispy narrative "Lisa Marie." Leading the front of the pack is the hard-hitting crunch of "Blue Lotus," a crafty tune that goes for the jugular as the albums final song. Nefertiti's blend of urbun pop and rock is what makes her sound her own. She proves that it is not all in the look, but the music.