Cynthia Layne, a new sensation on the Neo-Soul scene

Cynthia Layne
Takes the Neo-Soul Scene by Storm
with CD and Award-Winning Video

KJCD/Denver PD Mike Fischer describes vocalist Cynthia Lane as "a cross between Jill Scott and Jamiroquai," and he's not the only one who's digging her CD "Beautiful Soul" (Owl Studios).

With the release of her second album, Beautiful Soul, Cynthia Layne has captured the hearts of the neo-soul music scene. In addition to steadily achieving critical acclaim for this CD release, her video for the single, "We," won a Gold Ring for Cinematography - Black & White at the Ad Club Indianapolis 2008 Brass Ring Awards on February 27, 2008. You can find more info on the Indy Ad Club awards at: http://www.indyadclub.org. This is a highly esteemed awards ceremony for all of the advertising and marketing firms (including video editing and music jingle/sound design studios) in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. A copy of the video can be found at www.youtube.com/owlstudios or www.myspace.com/cynthialayne.
A new voice on the rise, Joe Montague of www.RivetingRiffs.com proclaimed, “The album Beautiful Soul wonderfully captures the passionate vocals of singer Cynthia Layne, whose vocal styling is reminiscent of soul queens, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight.”
A darling of the Indianapolis tour circuit, Layne is known for her ability to tease her audiences with a mixture of styles from blues to jazz. It was the recording of Beautiful Soul that brought her back to R&B. "I listen to a lot of music styles and grew up on R&B music," said Layne. "I wanted to do an R&B album to reach more audiences and listeners. I think there is a little something for everyone on the album. For example, "All I Need" has a more singer/songwriter vibe; "I Can't Change You" is more jazz; "Be You" is more neo-soulish and "Free Yourself" is plain old school funk.”

Regarding her vocal style, Layne said, “The sound is very fresh and original; and lyrically has substance, which is refreshing in today’s music. Several of the songs have strong positive messages that address the media, love and life. I feel that everyone has a beautiful soul”

“If you leave with only one impression of Cynthia Layne after listening to Beautiful Soul, it would be that her voice nourishes the soul.” - Susan Frances, JazzReview.com