Quimi
Artist:  Quimi
Label:   Independent

With a fresh pop voice, boasting a full range of clarity and soul, Quimi comes on like a bolt of gospel lightning on this debut CD completed with production support from the CCM artists, The Katinas.  The professionalism on this CD is considerable without detracting from the strength of the central talent this 19 year-old singer-songwriter from Turlock, California, brings to her craft.   While the styles and instrumentation varies, the focus is on a hybrid of jazz, rock, soul and Latin sound.  It works better than it sounds in words.   The musicians give a nice polish to every song with Spanish guitars, jazz rhythms, soul-based keyboard and layered background vocals that soar around Quimi's lead vocal in a way, which is both inspired and skillful.   All of this and the music is entirely danceable too.      
 
The songs center on her relationship with Christ.   Her feel for the reality of her love affair with her risen Savior is what drives the songs.  "Speak to Me," is a song of longing for communication from Christ.  It's a rare song about listening to God.  "You're All I Need,"  brings in the all encompassing dependency we share on God. She also brings in Spanish lyrics.  Quimi is a tri-cultural artist drawing from her Japanese, Hispanic and American background.  This diversity has carried over into her style and lyrical approach, but her theme is ever centered on the universality of God's love through Christ in worship and surrender.  
 
To find out more about Quimi go to her website:  http://www.quimialaniz.com/

Terry Roland