Scene and Heard – CCCXVI : All I Could Do Was Cry –  Sophia Evangelina (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

There is a rich tradition of artists using covers as a calling card, though maybe a better word is standards in this case, as Sophia Evangelina has chosen such an iconic song to announce herself with. And why not? They say that you only get one shot at making a good first impression and as they go, this is well….pretty impressive! Originally written for and performed by Etta James, but possibly better known in more recent musical circles from Beyonce’s version as she played the troubled blues diva in the film Cadillac Records, Sophia is nothing if not brave to follow in such footsteps.

But what Sophia Evangelina brings to the table is the perfect blend of historical resonance and pop modernity, with a voice which feels equally at home in the golden age of such blues-soul gems and at the cutting edge of the pop game. She steers the perfect course between the two channelling a retro vibe but never feeling like she is resorting to pastiche and for such a young voice managing to imbue the song with the required depth of emotion.

As calling cards go, its a memorable one and with an album due out that mixes covers from this era with original songs, she seems the perfect artist to rejuvenate those classic and keep them alive with a new and younger audience. We all know how great such iconic songs are, the art is keeping them alive with the next generation. Sophia Evangelina is just the girl for the job.