Truth Be Told” is an album that maintains perfect balance, an equilibrium that only a truly great artist can manage. In this particular case, it is a flawless achievement that has led the editorial teams of Paris-Move and Bayou Blue Radio to include this album in their list of “Essentials.” |
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“Her voice, full of sorrow, of having loved and lost, is magnificent. Her voice has the ability, strength and emotion to connect to the audience, which is why she excels in live settings. Truth Be Told is a big step forward on her musical quest.” |
“Listeners will find all sides of Wells’ multi-dimensional artistry throughout “Truth Be Told” as she transcends genres with complete ease, encapsulating the essence of life's complexities through a medley of emotions and sounds. Through its soul-baring narratives and masterful musicality, the album emanates Wells’ indomitable spirit and her unequivocal talent in crafting an aural journey that resonates deeply with the soul.”
– Wesley Derbeyshire, Mediaversal | Truth Be Told
“She' the real deal… equally convincing whether showing grit, gratitude, worry or winsomeness.”
– Rob Lester, Sound Advice/ Talkin' Broadway | Truth Be Told
“'Truth Be Told’ is a remarkable testament to Angie Wells' emergence as a jazz artist of exceptional caliber. Her innate talent, nurtured by a lifelong passion for music, shines through in every note, captivating both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. With this release, Wells firmly establishes herself as a significant presence in the contemporary jazz landscape, leaving no doubt that she has indeed arrived on the scene, and she is here to stay.” |
“Wells has the kind of voice that stays with you, particularly when singing her own songs. The lyrics are probing, often relating to social injustice as well as having, in the case of "Talkin' All Under my Clothes," a risqué sense of humour… At the end of the day, it's Angie Wells who leaves the lasting impression." |
“Her natural feel for the gospel and blues comes through in her inspired mashup on “Moanin’/Work Song.” Yet, the nuances and dynamics of her voice shine brightest on the ballad, “I Wish I’d Met You,” the piano duet arranged and beautifully accompanied by Nelson. Having built a strong following in southern California and in France, it’s time that Wells’ music becomes more widespread which should deservedly happen through this fine recording.”
– Jim Hynes, Making a Scene | Truth Be Told
“Truth Be Told is an enticing journey that showcases Angie Wells' exceptional talent as a vocalist and songwriter. An enchanting musical journey that showcases her exceptional talent and heartfelt storytelling. The album strikes a perfect balance between soulful melodies and a few well-selected cover songs." |
“While applying the soulful, equally intimate/sensual and emotionally powerful strut of her vocals to reworkings of cross-genre classics “Accentuate the Positive,” “Here’s to Life,” “Moanin’/Work Song,” “Nick of Time,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and Nina Simone’s smoky, simmering “Do I Move You,” Wells also includes a few other crafty and lyrically pointed originals, most notably, “Where the Livin’ is Good” and “Talkin’ All Under My Clothes. Spiritually, she grounds everything in a unique homage to the faith of her ancestors.” |
“In a beautifully, immaculate and dazzling performance, Jazz songstress Angie Wells debuted at Chelsea Table & Stage in New York City in a mosaic of colorful and textured joy, sensitively and spirit. Angie’s showcase was a tenacious adventure. Along with her supreme and talented band she held the hearts of her audience a willing hostage with her magnetic charisma with both original and old school jazz tunes, many from her new album “The Truth Be Told”. The evening echoed with joy and memories. It held the huge and enormous tumbling sphere of human emotions….a show that will be remembered forever. 5/5 Stars"
– William Randolph, New York Weekly Times | Truth Be Told
"One of the top female singers based in Southern California, Angie Wells is heard in excellent form throughout her latest recording.Truth Be Told is a well-conceived CD that showcases her versatility and musical talents." |
"I love this record… Angie Wells has a warm and tender voice that can also be vigorous, biting, challenging by turns. Give this a spin, maybe it will move you too. |
"Wells spreads her stylistic arms wide, heading at lightspeed right through the COVID pandemic toward “Truth Be Told”. She made the best of that time thinking, composing and producing a cogent and integrated socially focused recording. Wells carefully weaves her social statements in her choice of material to compose and cover. “Truth Be Told” elbows its way in and demands to be heard...and heard again."
- C. Michael Bailey, Wild Mercury Rhythm | Truth Be Told
"Not only is this album intimate and personal for Angie, it shows off her excellent musicianship. When combined with her stellar, sensitive, soulful and swinging musicians, they all knock the entire project out of the park! We so appreciate Angie’s storytelling and her work as a guide through these chapters. What fun to be a part of her artistic life and witness her make things come alive when she sings. Thank you, Angie.” |
"The “Truth Be Told” is that jazz enchantress Angie Wells is like a seductive alchemist who transforms both anguish and joy into a narrative of truth through her poetry and song. It’s as though she’s on a spiritual quest and the universe itself propels her Chariot of Fire….”Truth Be Told” is also her most recent album release via Café Pacific Records which was produced by John Clayton." |
“Angie Wells is a fine new voice who knows how to deliver great tunes: swinging and soulful.”
- Joe LaBarbera, jazz drummer
"Angie Wells is a jazz singer with a rich beautiful sound and a big beat. She understands the meaning of a lyric and really makes it come alive. It is a pleasure to work with her and I know people will enjoy her." |
“Angie Wells has a warm, beautiful voice. She gets inside a lyric and tells you the story. She lights up the room as she weaves her way through the Great American Songbook. She’s definitely one of the talented and dedicated new jazz singers who should be heard.” |
"Some vocal recording debuts are tentative and readily sound as such. Not so, for Philadelphia born singer Angie Wells. On her newly minted Love and Mischief, she spins out eleven (including one bonus track) mostly standards (with two originals) that are burn-the-barn smoldering with a centripetal swing. "
-ALL ABOUT JAZZ | Love and Mischief
"Wow. This sounds like Nina Simone would have sounded if she just decided to swing. With an appropriate old school set card in the tracks, Wells doesn't feel like she's going for an old school vibe so much as she is just giving a bunch of songs that resonate with her a solid work out. Jazz vocal fans that want to feel some back in the day stuff by a young modern will have their ears really perk up here. Well done." |
"This terrific debut release features an impressive range of styles on a mix of covers (some well-known, some less so) and original tunes. Wells’ voice is warm & pleasing. Tight accompaniment is piano, bass, drums, add trumpet on several tracks, add guitar on #2. A guest male vocalist provides a warm baritone on tracks 8 and 10." |
"I give Angie and her players a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98 for this fine album"
-Contemporary Fusion Review | Love and Mischief
"Angie Wells, vocals; Raphael Lemonnier, piano; James Leary, bass; Kenny Elliott & Washington Rucker, drums; Mathis Haug, guitar; Harry Kim, trumpet; Bili Redd, guest vocals.
Sometimes a CD cover can snatch consumer attention and create interest in a recording project before one even listens to the artist. Angie Wells delivers on such a cover, classy in her white, skin-tight dress with a large, red flower decorating her shoulder. The music is as dynamic as the gorgeous photo cover by Chad Finley. Wells opens with Blossom Dearie’s jazz standard, “Peel Me A Grape.” She has her own unique sound and style. This artist exemplifies, from her very first tune, that she’s willing, able and determined to put the “S” in Swing. I love the Kenny Elliott drums on this production. Those drums push the group and accentuate the crescendos and excitement inspired by the vocalist.
“The Moon is Swinging on A Line” is an original composition by pianist, Raphael Lemonnier, with lyrics by her guitarist, Mathis Haug. Wells also contributes to the lyric al content. It’s a haunting ballad, with bluesy changes that engage the artist’s smoky voice to deliver the story of a New Orleans street and a lost love affair. She sings with expressive conviction. The tempo and minor changes are dirge-like, with Haug’s guitar prominent on the fade and during his solo. I wish I could have heard more of Haug’s rhythm guitar licks throughout. I feel he is mixed way too low during the mastering of this project. “She Ain’t the Kinda Girl” is another original by Lemonnier & Wells, arranged as a blues shuffle, where James Leary pumps his upright bass like a weight-lifter pumping iron. He lifts the bar and makes the music sweat, while Lemonnier pounds the piano in a raucous, downhome-bluesy way. His solo is outstanding and gospel tinged, reminding me a lot of the late-great Gene Harris. Wells sings lyrics with raw emotion and sincerity. You hear this quite clearly on “You’re My Thrill.” Harry Kim is sensitive and tasty, with trumpet improvisations that enhance the vocalist’s delivery and sweeten the mood of the song. I love those Elliott mallets on “Nature Boy” that percussively propel this ballad into a Bolero. Bili Redd brings his silky, smooth baritone to a couple of duets with Ms. Wells, on an “I’m In the Mood for Love” medley incorporating “Moody’s Mood for Love” and also on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” This Is a fine start for a premier recording that introduces us to a naturally endowed jazz singer on her way towards a propitious outcome."
- Dee Dee McNeil Musicalmemoirs.com | Love and Mischief