Nia
Biography
"You show me love flamboyantly and I’ll respond without propriety"
Veteran singer/songwriter Nia has continued exploring issues of faith, love and life in a new collection of predominantly self-penned songs. The noticeable difference is the passionate love of life that leaps from the songs.
'Cappuccino Girls' is destined to become a favourite for all her fans, but it will undoubtedly win her a few new listeners along the way.
Since her 1987 debut album, Nia has touched on many musical styles from praise and worship to pop and even hints of country on the no.1 hit Martha – which is beautifully re-recorded on Cappuccino Girls in a Nora Jones vein. This 2006 release is a culmination of all the styles we've loved from Nia these past 19 years.
Stand out tracks include Ruth's Song, which paints a picture of Ruth and Naomi – or any two friends walking a difficult journey - and the strength they bring to one another to reach their destination. Also, For Such A Time As This – a 3½ minute capsule of the story of Esther. The lyrical imagery will not fail to draw you to see yourself in the life of this unexpected Queen.
Life has taken some interesting turns recently for Nia, who grew up in Wales and now lives with her husband Neil in Herefordshire. "This album came about as a total surprise really... having got married and stopped touring two years ago, I didn't think I'd ever be making another recording – but I guess God had other plans!"
Nia has spent much of the past decade touring to help raise awareness and funds for the Smiles Foundation, a charity which she co-founded and of which she is still a Trustee. She sees this album as a natural, God timed shift to music that captures the hearts of women. "I hosted a women's conference at my home Church in March 2006 and decided that it would be nice to write a couple of songs for it... 2 weeks later I'd written a whole album!"”
It's obvious that this 30-something woman still has songs to sing and stories to tell. Waiting For Mr Darcy a witty, catchy number about girls waiting for 'Mr Right' will surely have girls laughing and sighing simultaneously. Then the breathtaking ballad All Of Me, which she wrote for her Mr Darcy, Neil, and sang to him at their wedding ceremony in June 2004, will undoubtedly capture all girls who love chick flicks and/or shopping!
However, the masculine readers should not be put off by all this girl-talk. Whilst the needs of women were at the forefront of Nia's mind on this project, it is by no means a "women only" record. It's for anyone who finds themselves on life's journey wondering if there's something deeper, greater and bigger than life as we know it.
So pop in the CD, indulge in a frothy cappuccino (or a cup of tea if that's your preference!) and sing along with the Welsh Cappuccino Girl... "Drink from the deep – for Your love is better to me, much better than wine."