Ella Starr, the self-titled album, was an entire year in making, prompting some to wonder: Why so long? The reason is that rushing a work of art would be risky and could diminish key nuances in each composition. That would be an injustice to the creator of the music and the recipients of it. But like a skilled artisan, each eclectic track was meticulously chosen to complement neighboring songs on this long-awaited production. Countless studio-hours were spent recording and listening to submissions, tweaking, and striving for the perfect touch. With a plethora of songs to choose from, it boiled down to eleven unmistakable tracks, the melodious tracks you are about to enjoy. Track 1, “Addicted,” is a vibrant, up-tempo tune with a sizzling dance edge that underscores Ella’s creative aptitude; whereas track 10, “Get Thru,” sports a neo-soul vibe and an unforgettable message to lovers. To some it may seem that these tunes are too divergent to be on the same album and that they defy nomenclature. But the reason is simply this: There is something for everyone on this voluptuous Touched Sound Records (TSR) release. You’ll find traces of neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, and then some. For instance, track 6, “Fantasy Love,” sports a contemporary jazz feel infused with a smidgeon of neo-soul. Mind you, much of what you fancy on this project depends on the mood that captures you. Ella Starr’s unique versatility is magnified on track 11, “Summer Rain,” which is a flowing novella and a mellow crowd-pleaser. The budding songstress wraps her soothing voice around each improvisational lick with the skill of a Jill or a Whitney. Each carefully-chosen song has a concise meaning, and this is made no plainer than on “Where Do We Go from Here?,” a moderate-paced ballad with an enchanting lyrical content, written with R&B singer K’Jon. Ella is more than a fine singer; she is a fine pianist and a prolific composer. Add to this, she possesses a poetic flare that rivals many of the best street poets. The Columbus, Ohio-based recording artist, in collaboration with co-producer Brandon “B Jazz” Scott, has “sculpted an omnibus,” said one industry insider, “that has wings.” And Arnie Amber, a DJ at FM WMBS radio in Uniontown, PA, said: “Ella Starr is a good singer, and “Ain’t No Woman,” a popular song on this album, “is fun to listen to. I’ll play her singles again, and I enjoyed interviewing her.” A good thing about this album is how it uses material from different composers. Much like the truly great albums of the past, such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, which utilized prolific writers from across the spectrum, the A&R at TSR saw the wisdom in multiplicity. We hope you will savor this production and will include it with the cache of music you most enjoy. -By Phil Brown