Sainte Fortunat

Helene Attia, Vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Jazz-pop singer, Helene Attia sings in her native languages: French, Italian and English, as well as in Spanish and Portuguese. Born in North Africa, of French- Italian heritage, she came to the United States at the age of two. From an early age, when she first picked up a guitar and discovered that she had been given the gift of song, she has been pouring her heart into her music, singing for audiences with her rich sensuous voice. She has been influenced by such singers as Sade, Nana Mouskouri, Joni Mitchell, Edith Piaf, Carole King, and Laura Nyro. Helene's own genre falls somewhere between Mediterranean jazz, world music and adult contemporary. Her special flavor of music could well be described as 'world jazz.' Whereas she has a knack for offering her own rendition of popular artists' songs, her real talent lies in her own songwriting. Helene's lyrics spell out her life visions and struggles. She has studied voice with renown vocal coach, Judy Davis. At the age of ten, she taught herself to play the guitar and wrote her first song when she was fifteen. Highly acclaimed in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is well known for promoting French culture in concert throughout the U.S.. She has performed extensively throughout the Napa Valley Wine country, in Northern California, including; The Robert Mondavi Winery, Domaine Chandon, Pejus Province, Bouchon, and the Ledson Winery as well as The Mustard Festival, where she was the headliner for 8 consecutive years at the Grand Opening of 'Mustard Magic' in St. Helena, California. She has performed live with many world-class musicians, including keyboard players, Merl Saunders,(the Grateful Dead), Kit Walker, Frank Martin, flute and vibes player, Roger Glenn, and bass-player, Terry Miller. She presented an original song for the European Song Festival, 'l'Eurovision,' in Paris, France. Also on CD Baby is Helene's children's album, 'A Garden of Songs,' which she recorded several years ago in collaboration with her friend, Cheri Dale, who wrote the songs. Helene sang lead, harmony vocals and played guitar on all of the songs on this CD. She also contributed French lyrics to two of the songs. Please listen to this CD, which is listed under the name CHERI DALE on CD Baby's Childrens/family section. Helene Attia's new CD, 'The Eyes of Love,' produced by renown conga-player, Owen Davis (Motown, Les McCann), includes many of her original compositions. Her songs were arranged by virtuoso guitarist, Jack Gates, who also played on the CD. Featured on this album are, Norton Buffalo, (the Steve Miller Band)on harmonica, Rodney Franklin, (Stevie Wonder)on keyboards, Paul Van Wageningen (Sheila E.)on drums, blues guitarist, Garth Webber (Miles Davis), Terry Miller, (Prince,Steve Miller) on bass, Kit Walker, (Windham Hill) on keyboards, Roger Glenn, (Cal Tjader)on flute, Owen Davis, (The Temptations)on congas, and John R. Burr, (Robben Ford)on keyboards. Helene's debut solo album is truly a product of the most powerful components: passion and talent combined. Quotes: 'Ms. Attia shows quite a bit of talent and versatility as both a singer and songwriter. Her humorous verbal interplay with Owen Davis on 'The One Who's Right' and her colorful rendition of 'Estate' are among the highlights of this enjoyable set which is definitely for the open-eared due to the wide variety of styles.' - Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene 'Helene Attia performs classic songs that bathe the lis