Customer Reviews

Shine! (The Deluxe Edition)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Shine provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my personal resilence. With pieces such as "I Will Tell Myself" and "Find Your Own Shine", I remembered a strength and determination that can only come from within. As I listened to Tonya Marie's words, both in the written form and on the accompanying CD, I was reminded that I am not alone in experiencing the trials and tribulations that Life can sometimes bring. I was also reminded that with each breathe and through careful reflection we can overcome these life experiences and "begin again" (taken from "A Villager Speaks"). I thoroughly enjoyed Shine and have found myself buying it for gifts, referring to it in the classroom, and using it as a teaching and therapeutic tool. I believe that Tonya Marie has a beautiful and powerful voice that soothes, heals, and inspires you to regain your life and be true to your real self. In other words, just as Tonya Marie as recommended, her work inspires and gives you the courage to "Shine".

This is not your ordinary spoken word material. Tonya Marie Evans along with her co-horts Stephanie Renee and Damon "Dizzy Fingers" Bennet brew up some seriously groovy tunes, with styles ranging from house to progressive soul to acid jazz. Tonya Marie's voice is smooth yet commanding and when coupled with Stephanie Renee's own phenomenal voice the result is truly wonderful. My favorite's are "I Will Tell Myself" the danceable, deep house track and "FYOS" a groovy acid jazz track worthy of recognition. This companion cd is truly worth a listen. Unlike most music today it is soulful, inspirational and enjoyable!!

Tonya Marie Evan's "Shine" poetry book with companion Cd may very well become the forerunner for the Spoken Word genre. This poetry book, alone, presents Tonya Marie Evans' honesty, and spirituality. The Cd fulfills the promise of "Finding Your Own Shine," as well exhibiting the smooth vocals of this wonderful new talent.

One track in particular is sure to become an instant hit with both inspirational and jazz radio---"Angry." In this particular cut, Ms. Evans displays her lyrical prowness with perfect elocution, musical savvy and a story of why, "Anger" had to go and what happens when Peace moves in.

For those who are not quite sure of what to make of this new phenomen, the "Spoken Word;" Tonya Marie Evans offers the perfect roadmap. Sit back and listen, "Shine" is balm for the soul and spirit.

Tonya Marie Evans' talent is a bright, steady light. Her Shine! Inspirational Poetry with Companion CD was my first introduction to the Spoken Word genre and I believe our "acquaintance" was meant to be. Not only did her expressive and melodic voice captivate me, but the messages in poems such as "I Will Tell Myself," "Angry Doesn't Live Here Anymore," and "Find Your Own Shine" inspired me to "begin again." The CD was so awesome that it got my creative juices flowing and I've returned to writing poetry. Tonya Marie Evans's words will affirm, encourage, and help you to turn your shine all the way on!

Tanya Marie Evans' poetry has something for everyone, but speaks very intimately to the heart of a woman. The companion CD that acompanies this book of poetry is revolutionary! You can pop it into your CD player while soaking in a hot tub with aromatherapy and truly feel yourself lost in the experience! The CD really makes the poetry in the book come to life. Each poem had a deeper meaning for me once I heard it performed by the author on the CD. This is a fabulous idea!

Inspirational and Finding My Own Shine are not words I
associate with poetry. I thought poetry was rhymes
like, Roses are red, violet are blue, sugar is sweet
and so are you. I am truly grateful that the author
has given me another view of poetry.The poetry in
Shine encourages you to look inward.

Shine is a divine influence. After reading these 48
pages it is my ambition to be 100% of me. A favorite
of mine is titled I Will Tell Myself, I plan to read
this poem whenever others try to define who I am. The
fourth paragraph of I Will Tell Myself read: "I am not
confused - I am convinced that I have greatness within
and I am Superwoman able to leap TALL DECEPTION in a
single bound", wow is all I can say to that.

This author doesn't stop there, she has included the
spoken word as well. This CD is one you do not want to
be without, complementing her poetry is Neosoul and
funk. This blend of music fits perfectly with her
words. Angry Don't Live Here No More is "Da Bomb"I
would love to ride to Philly and be a part of the
audience where she "melts the mic" with her poetry.
Evans' multimedia book is for the whole family. I plan
to read from it at my Black Light Open Mic this month.

Reviewed by Missy

I thought the spoken word cd along with the book was excellent I saw Tonya perform in Chicago in the Summer of 2001 at Romains Gallery in Oak Park, Il. She definitely writes from the heart. The poetry is so powerful and uplifting. I would recommend any one to purchase. My favorites are I will tell myself and shine. The whole cd is wonderful and its nice to be able to read the book as you listen to the cd. I think I have it memorized now. I have had people stop me and ask what are you listening to and where did you get it from. I tell them with a smile. If you are into poetry and would like to have a taste of some true talent I would suggest purchasing the shine deluxe edition.

This is not your average spoken word material. Tonya Marie, along with her co-horts, Stephanie Renee and Damon "Dizzy Fingers" Bennet brew up some seriously groovy tunes with styles ranging from house to progressive soul to acid jazz. Tonya Marie's voice is smooth yet commanding and when coupled with producer Stephanie Renee's own phenomenal voice the sound is truly mesmerizing. My favorites are "I will Tell Myself", the deep house track, and "FYOS" a smooth, groove-ful, acid jazzy track worthy of recognition. This is a disc worth trying...unlike most of today's music this companion cd is both inspirational and enjoyable.

Tonya Marie Evans has effectively called into existence an amalgam of soul brightening well channeled mantras that move through the hearts of the reader/listner of Shine. I am emphatically impressed with this blessed blend of smooth lyrics with seamless musical melody. I am now a fan.