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Press quotes

“… she proved not only can she elegantly deliver her soul repertoire, but also she can cut the stage up So You Think You Can Dance style. Respect. I’m impressed.” – Leona Devaz, Weekend Notes

“… a powerful and unlimited voice…” – Xpress magazine

Shameem_SecondCity_itunes_CoverImage_1600x1600The Second City album

“… an explosion of soul. Her piano and voice take you on a journey to a world full of positivity, love and understanding. Her first single from the album titled Under One Sun is as inspiring as it is catchy.” – Alasdair Mcdonald, Sydney Morning Herald

The Second City, is an uplifting and contemplative soul-pop record brimming with rich vocals, infectious R&B rhythms, jazz-infused melodies and spiritual undertones… filled with beautiful messages.” – The Brag

“Shameem is a classy crooner, effortlessly laying down smooth as silk soul and RnB tracks, while exhibiting an impressive vocal range and tonal flexibility. Or, expressed less technically, she sings like a funky angel.” – BMA Magazine

“This album blew me away. I’m not going to lie, this isn’t my usual type of music, but Shameem is such a standout that I had to give it a try anyway! And I’m so glad I did. This soulful, enchanting collection, with a distinctive jazzy feel… an honest, refreshing album.” – Love ‘Em

“… a fun and enjoyable blend of meaningful tracks with highs, lows and twists. Of the many themes within The Second City, unity and equality are a stand out, two hot topics in the current Australian environment.” – Aaron Bryans, Xpress magazine

“Shameem’s 15-track album is fascinating Sunday arvo, lounge material… mannered rhythms and layered, sultry vocals. Hit single, Under One Sun’s catchy hooks and charming melody make for a highlight… a textured and sexy compilation.” – Thomas Munday, The Music 

IMG_5826 copyLive performances

“[Shameem]’s songs had a deep, soulful resonance that captivated the audience, propelled by a strong rhythmic backing… The whole band worked in unison to create a rich tapestry of colour…” – FasterLouder

“Shameem’s vocal suppleness and song-writing talents were on display. Her melismatic improvisation and scatting shone as her tones varied between angelic and forceful. Shameem’s dynamic charisma was apparent to all while her band pulsated. The performance had all the reminiscence of Jacques Prevert, the R&B of Angie Stone, an Ella Fitzgerald treatment with the tightness of a Gil Evans score and the pace of The Brand New Heavies; unplugged and lashed with exuberance.” – Lady Lex, Scene Magazine

“Some performers need the audience to listen long and carefully before anyone gets that there is something good going on. With Shameem you’d have to be locked in a lead-lined room to miss this lady’s sparkle. Her charisma and sheer energy on stage command attention and the listener is rewarded with a swinging, soulful sound – this is what jazz is all about.” – James Morrison, Australian jazz virtuoso

Shameem_UnderOneSun_single_cover_higres“Under One Sun” single

[Under One Sun] is a wonderfully light track that follows her acclaimed debut single Beautiful Soul… its message is both lovely and fitting… it’s refreshing to hear someone so young write with such powerful social conscious… a meaty, soul driven pop song.” – Cameron Nicholls, Howl & Echoes

 

Shameem_Single_Sleeve-cover_lowres“Beautiful Soul” single

“amazing voice Shameem. Soul sister. Four stars.” – Rosie Beaton, Triple J

Beautiful Soul is a feel-good number… The powerful message is set to a classic R&B styling with a catchy hook and filled out with a live band feel, a refreshing change from the electronic sound that’s prevalent in R&B nowadays… with a voice like Shameem’s, Beautiful Soul is anything but a dampener. The video and single will uplift your spirit and have you grooving from the moment you press play.” – Kitten Jam, SoulBounce

“… the ultra-catchy Beautiful Soul. The tune’s built around some tight beats and features some cool piano and an ear-worm of a chorus. The vocal is spot on and the whole package stands comparison with one of Shameem’s heroines, Alicia Keys… it makes soul sense to keep an eye on Shameem in particular and Australia in general.” – SoulandJazzandFunk

“Shameem – Brisbane Jazz Club July 28” – Scene Magazine (Brisbane) live review, 01/08/12

The Brisbane Jazz Club was hectic this Saturday evening; it was like unfurling a surprise gift. A classy supper club, the beautiful cityscape posed a wonderful setting to the stage of a simple jazz rhythm rhythm section with bass, guitar, keyboard supported by a grand piano and a jazz kit propping the backup vocalist and vanguard of Perth singer-songwriter Shameem. Covers of ’90s tracks from Jon Secada’s ‘Just Another Day’ to Erykah Badu’s sassy ‘Certainly’, and a stunning unplugged piano version of 4 Non Blonde’s ‘What’s Up’, were worked in alongside originals from Shameem’s self-titled album. A charming stream of patter explained the history of each song. From the strawberry coloured birthmark on her cheek for ‘Strawberry’, to a woman’s perspective in a male dominated world with ‘Yin’ and the funky groove of ‘Parents & Children’, Shameem’s vocal suppleness and song-writing talents were on display. Her melismatic improvisation and scatting shone as her tones varied between angelic and forceful. Shameem’s dynamic charisma was apparent to all while her band pulsated. The guitar wandered in and out of melodies, the keys enhancing textures, the drums abounding with rimshots while the bass remained at the centre of this controlled cataclysm. The performance had all the reminiscence of Jacques Prevert, the R&B of Angie Stone, an Ella Fitzgerald treatment with the tightness of a Gil Evans score and the pace of The Brand New Heavies; unplugged and lashed with exuberance. There’s nothing like the vibrancy of live music. Package it in the Brisbane Jazz Club with top musicianship and it can’t be beat.

Lady Lex, Scene Magazine
Photos: Quite Chaos

“On the Record: Shameem Taheri-Lee” – Drum Media review, 02/02/12

Most could easily agree that jazz music is all about charisma, and some of the best jazz is that which can reward its listeners with a soulful, swinging sound. Perth-based singer/songwriter Shameem Taheri-Lee showcases an unmistakable talent and passion for constructing songs infused with groove and R’n’B to create a distinctive approach to music and her self-titled CD.
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“The Soothing Melody of Shameem Taheri-Lee” – Heartbeat blog article 30/11/11

A shimmering wave of beautiful jazz music entices the lucky ears of civilians down under in Australia. This lovely wave  has traveled into my ears delightfully sending my whole aura into a state of sheer euphoria. The music comes from Shameem Taheri-Lee, an artist who protrudes an essence of chill vibes from her light and smooth voice. A mixed array of emotions arise from her song “Sleeper on the Night Train.” It pulls my senses to full attention with its enchanting piano and guitar playing. The tune embodies a message of choosing one’s own destiny instead of just waiting for it to choose you. Her voice slowly flows through the chorus like a gentle river rocking a boat on a calm night. This song is so soothing to the ears that I could almost imagine singing it to my future children when I put them to bed one day. The tranquility of her voice could rock a sweet child to sleep and help them dream of courageous ventures because of the ambitious words of her charming melody.

(See article online here)

Faster Louder article 22/03/11 – “Perth Street Culture and Arts Festival”

“… soul acts such as Shameem Taheri-Lee whose sultry vocal style and the sensual musicality of her backing band enthralled audiences and captivated onlookers…”

Northbridge, infamous for the ne’er do wells and folk of dubious moral character that stalk its foreboding streets at night was transformed in to a veritable fête de la musique last Sunday for the Perth Street Culture and Arts Festival. Located on William Street, stretching from the Moon Café by Newcastle Street to the Perth Mosque, the festival was relatively small in size, however whatever it lacked in quantity it easily compensated for in quality.
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