Harlem-born, France-raised singer Traciana Graves is both physically striking and musically very interesting. Part of a refreshing new breed of artists (including such artists as Sparlha Swa and Kuku) who combine world, folk and acoustic soul elements into a unique sound, she has teamed with V. Jeffrey Smith (The Family Stand) for her debut album, Songs of a Prodigal Daughter. Graves alternates languages on the disc as easily as she moves among musical genres, resulting in a notable debut that has already found an audience in Europe and on the East Coast of the US. Check out especially the infectious "My Revolution," which by all rights should be on radio stations everywhere. A nice introduction to a talented new artist.
By Chris Rizik
