(December 18, 2020) The powerful pen possessed by a skilled songwriter can inspire, motivate, or even heal the souls of those who choose to listen. Those are the spirited ingredients that Sandra Small aimed for in communicating her musical intentions. Since Small was introduced on the 2006 EP World Gone Crazy, she has remained true to her mission statement. No matter how the message is delivered – whether rocking out for “Revolution” or dishing out techno funk with “Balance” – Small embraces several musical languages to drive all her not-so-subtle points home. In 2019, First Listen was finally ready to share the singer/songwriter/musician’s heart with “Calling for You,” about discovering love unexpectedly. More recently, Small’s “Ebb and Flow” taught a lesson of truly overcoming the worst of worst scenarios with the Covid-19 pandemic.
For Small’s return to First Listen, ”Hold on To Your Heart” (Smallwood Music) captures a dreamy, sixties pop vibe with subtle soulful touches. The philosophy behind this track is avoiding being controlled by the ever changing technological sources that may rob one’s joy: “The world keeps on spinning/And I keep on dreaming/The deeper we go down this rabbit hole.” Small brilliantly handles all the instrumentation and vocals, only assisted by drummer Darnell Howard and vocalist Terry Taylor. And Small’s contagious personality throughout the video for “Hold on To Your Heart” is a sheer delight. For enlightenment and entertainment purposes, check out “Hold on To Your Heart.”
By Peggy Oliver
Sandra Small – “Hold On To Your Heart”
