"A powerful statement of intent from the girl, something that will and
has put her on the map the world over." - The Talk Magazine
http://www.myspace.com/astrellaceleste
Donovan's middle daughter kicks off U.S. visit in New York City as
pair of major televised performances prepare for broadcast.
As her Euro-buzz crests with a high profile performance slot at the
prestigious 2007 Isle of Wight Festival and a surge of oversees radio
airplay, pop-jazz chanteuse Astrella Celeste is heading to New York
City to kick off the June 4, 2007 digital release of her U.K. hit
single, "Dream" and promote her guest appearance with her father on
his upcoming PBS television special. The Donovan Concert: Live in L.A,
will start airing nationally the same week "Dream" goes on cyber-sale
and will be featured on the iTunes home page. (Check local listings
for air dates and times.)
Born to rock 'n' roll royalty as the middle daughter of Donovan and
embraced Born to rock royalty as the middle daughter of Donovan and
embraced throughout Europe as "The '60s Love Child with the 21st
Century Spirit," Astrella is scheduled to arrive June 25 in New York
City for several days of industry meetings and media activity while
re-acquainting herself with the country where she spent much of her
unusually blessed childhood and a portion of her adult life.
"I was born in America and have lived here half my life," says
Astrella. "It feels like home. I can't wait to come back."
"Dream" is currently in radio rotation throughout the United Kingdom
and is spreading throughout Europe, gaining steady spins in France,
Spain, Italy and Germany amid significant European press coverage in
the Sunday Times Magazine, Hello and the Daily Mail, among others. In
the U.S., Astrella was seen last month performing a duet rendition of
"Dream" with her father when the PBS special first aired exclusively
on Long Island's WLIW-TV in a concert benefiting the David Lynch
Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace. The
Donovan Concert: Live in L.A. was taped in January at Hollywood's
esteemed Kodak Theater (home of the Oscars).
Also in support of her single release, Astrella will be seen singing
"Dream" by a global TV audience, as her Isle of Wight main stage
performance - along with those of the Rolling Stones and many other
legends - is being recorded for worldwide telecast (and airing live on
BBC4). Astrella makes her Isle of Wight Festival debut on June, the
weekend immediately following the digital release of "Dream."
"Dream" is a driving fusion of jazz, pop and country showcasing
Astrella as a songwriter who creates exceptionally personal, soulful
and sensitive music with a sweet, almost innocent quality. She
alternately recalls such icons as Liz Phair, Shania Twain and Natalie
Merchant while capturing the lyrical and relaxing spirit of Donovan's
psychedelic folk-rock classics.
"Dream" is the first track from Astrella�s upcoming 6-song EP
Blue
Star, due in the fall. (Its title is the Spanish translation of
Astrella-Celeste.) "Dream" was written by Kevin Hunter (of Sheryl
Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club), Astrella's writing partner on the
rest of Blue Star. It's produced by Yoad Nevo (Sugababes, Goldfrapp)
with string arrangements by the legendary John Cameron (Les
Miserables, Jose Carreras). Astrella's core band is Rat Scabies on
drums, Andy Hobson (Pretenders) on bass and Carmen Squire (daughter of
Yes keyboardist Chris Squire) sharing backing vocals with Astrella.
As beautiful as she is talented, Astrella's career has been richly
developed through collaborations in the studio, on stage and in home
jams with David Gilmour, Brian Setzer, Graham Nash and the Happy
Mondays, to name but a few. Astrella�s easygoing style is a
reflection
of the charmed life she's led since childhood. She released her first
single in Italy at age 8, which led to the Pope asking to meet her,
and spent her youth in acting schools and dance troupes before working
with her father providing backing vocals and touring with him.
"My dad will always be my biggest influence," says Astrella, "but I
also love Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Sade, Tori Amos, The Cardigans ...
I could go on and on."
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