GRIME, SILK AND THUNDER - ULTRA NATE
Unlike rock/electronic- or DJ-branded artists, dance music artists — those singers of songs — rarely get the mainstream respect they deserve. Ultra Nate may reverse this with “Grime, Silk and Thunder.” Working with an armful of producers and artists, including StoneBridge and Chris Willis, Nate manages to temper her rhythms of the night with sturdy pop sensibilities. A glittering, tech-soul cover of the Pointer Sisters’ “Automatic” has already topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart, while its visually arresting video is a YouTube sensation. Songs like “Give It All You Got” and “Feel Love” are as gorgeously uplifting and anthemic as Nate’s 10-year-old international hit, “Free.” In a clever and smart move, Nate reinterprets two of her early club hits (”It’s Over Now” and “Scandal”) to winning effect. At the center of it all are Nate’s sublime blues-tinged vocals.(BluFire/Silver Label/Tommy Boy) Reuters/Billboard
