www.allgigs.co.uk, January 2006
Music Review by Elly Roberts
A well established household name in Austria, New York born Sumitra releases an adventurous contemporary Jazz album.
Purists may well snub her cutting edge stylings, which would be a great shame. Sweet - voiced Sumitra has plenty to tell both musically and lyrically, ranging from race and heritage issues in the modern world, to love and insecurity. The ‘Indian Girl‘ sometimes adopts an MOR feel, (though not an out-and -out approach in the Katie Melua formula) is countered by complex rhythms, all beautifully harnessed over the easy flowing tracklisting format. Mostly using low-fi genteelness, she uses simple acoustic guitar strumming, balanced by her husband and guitarist Alex Machacek, and rhythm section of drummer Mario Lackner and bassist Tibor Kovesdi, as they collectively pull together some sublime band work. High on the agenda both vocally and musically is an undeniable love affair with melody which effectively drives the album on its rollercoaster of compositions, which in most part are accessible to the uninitiated and casual Jazz fan. Just for fun, she even throws in a bit of funkiness through track 7 At The End, without losing the genre’s sensibilities. As a package, the composite outcome of |Indian Girl is an effortless and relaxed offering. In terms of songwriting she’s way ahead of her peers.
Of its type, this is a top class and sophisticated album.
Top tracks : Destiny 2001, My Love’s Like A Red Red Rose.
Elly Roberts


www.minor7th.com, September 2005
"Indian Girl", 2005 Sumitra describes her music as "pop songs in a jazz setting." It would be very difficult to describe her music as either pop or jazz - it's too intelligent for pop, too accessible for jazz. The two acoustic standout tracks are "Destiny 2001" and "One Life," the former because of an oddly-metered contagiousness, the latter because of the message. Alex Machacek is an exceptional legato guitarist in the vein of Holdsworth whose guitar work on "Indian Girl" is exceeded only by his keen ear for nuance in his role as the producer of this CD.
Alan Fark


www.mariaalsatti.com, August 2005
Refreshing honest glimpse into the heart and soul of a remarkable NEW artist
Independent Reviewer: Maria Alsatti
The vocal ability of Sumitra, as displayed in Indian Girl, shines through this CD with a defining 'ease' as easily as it takes us on an intimate journey of life through lyrics which are articulate, stylized and most effectively lathered in conviction. Coupled with the finesse of the consummate musicians which surround Sumitra's 'smokey, deliberate yet plaintive' sound, this CD emerges unique, and, one quite able to stand 'separate' from what has been served the recording industry of late. Owning a diversified and 'large' collection of CD's, this one remains at the top of my list for it's sheer simplicity and honesty which somehow dares the listener to be drawn directly into the heart and soul of it's artist. Finally, a refreshing billboard highlight...,well worth shouting about!!!


www.musesmuse.com, July 2005
Best Songs: If My Clothes Were Torn, I'm Afraid Of The Dark,
My Love's Like A Red Rose
Sumitra, a singer/songwriter/musician, who was born in New York, raised in Vienna, Austria, schooled in London, and now lives in Los Angeles, would get My Muse's Muse Award for the most miles traveled if I gave one out. But I don't, so she will have to settle for the most interesting story. During the course of her education, she spent 5 years in England and 2 years in the U.S. Both her parents are from India, where Sumitra maintains strong ties. She claims she very often feels like just another "Indian Girl," which is also the name of her latest project.
While she sites Billie Holiday, Chaka Khan, and Sade as an influence, it's the Nancy Wilson like vocals that speak to you. Her standout track, and the project's most commercial song, "If My Clothes Were Torn," is a unique, if not eclectic, mid-tempo track that inspires introspection. The snazzy guitar intro catches you off guard and fades into the background, dramatically introducing Sumitra's smooth, but strong vocals. The vast majority of this project will appeal to those who love alternative jazz flavored music with adult themes, pensive lyrics, and mellow music. Not a bad accomplishment at all for an Indian Girl - or a girl of any race for that matter.
Gian Fiero


www.collectedsounds.com/cdreviews/indiangirl, July 2005
I've been listening to a lot of folksy pop lately, which I adore, but it's always nice to plop something different into the CD player. This is a very pleasant, soothing CD. I guess I'd call it somewhere between jazz and R&B with a touch of world beat thrown in. Sumitra's voice is lovely. It's smooth, but smokey and sexy. Reminds me a little of Sade. Not that the voices are similar, they're really not, it's just that kind of sexy feel. The instrumentation here is very professional, these people sound great together. Obviously all very talented musicians and writers.
The production is also first class, there's a very warm, full feeling to this recording.
If you're looking for something to 'set the mood' (if ya know what I mean) this is a good bet.
Stand out songs: Indian Girl, I Know it's Late, I'm Afraid of the Dark (and no, I don't only like songs that begin with the letter I, it just turned out that way).
Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds


www.Smother.Net, July 2005
World Music, Adult Contemporary, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Classical
Vocal jazz and pop artist Sumitra is prepared to shake off any comparisons to other female singer/songwriters with her crafty and dynamic album “Indian Girl”. Having traveled the world at an early age, she picked up music influences from all the places she lived along the way. That translates well to her songwriting, which boast a significant pop influence but also has a soulful jazz background. The lyrics are intrusively intimate but are also easily decipherable. Intriguing and certainly an artist that you’ll want to follow.
- J-Sin


www.kweevak.com, July 2005
Sumitra is a singer, songwriter and pianist, although her latest thirteen track CD has no keyboards or piano. Instead, Sumitra wanted the instrumental focus to be heavy on guitars and rhythms. Rock instruments may be the core of the music but her sound is also a blend of jazz, pop and a dash of her South Indian culture. Sumitra's songs also revolve around her powerful and versatile vocals. Sumitra pens songs that are emotional and enduring. Sumitra's style has been compared to Ricky Lee Jones, Billy Holiday and Sade. 'Indian Girl' is the soulful opener featuring subtle yet strong instrumentation and compelling lyrics and vocals. 'If My Clothes Were Torn' starts off with sizzling guitar leads giving way to Sumitra's potent vocals and a solid beat. 'I Know It's Late' has a jazz feel flowing on soft, sultry instrumentation that allows Sumitra's singing to float to the top of the arrangement. Sumitra and her band our first-class musicians crafting songs that are captivating and timeless!
Recommended Tracks: (1,2,4) [USA/CA 2004 - web]
(Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)


www.DiscoveringArtists.com, July 2005
Sumitra Nanjundan's album displays her cultural mix of places she's lived and the person she is in this jazzy collection which is ideal for mature listeners. "I Know It's Late" reminded me so much of a Kate Bush song, while her vocals had a Norah Jones edge. The rest of the tracks are an interesting mix of acoustic strings that had a spiritual feel. You can even sense her own culture in "One Life." I don't think this is the typical DiscoveringArtists.com album, but it's worth a mention if you're in the mood for something eclectic.
Favorite Tracks: I Know It's Late, Empty Fields


www.leonardslair.co.uk May 2005
With the looks of Diana Ross and a voice that could rival any jazz singer of recent years, Sumitra Nanjundan stands out from the usual crop of female vocalists. Brought up by Indian parents, she has spent time in New York, Vienna and England and the cultural mix is evident in the songs on 'Indian Girl'. Although most of the tracks feature atmospheric jazz arrangements, Sumitra is spiritual on the title track, earnest on '20 Years', revamping 80's soul on 'Destiny 2001' and - on 'Orange & Gold' - she even recalls the idiosyncracies of Kate Bush. Lush, post-midnight hour ballad 'My Love's Like A Red Red Rose' is another highlight but the key track is arguably 'I'm Afraid Of The Dark' which features Sumitra at her most honest and emotional. In short, this is a relaxed and moving record that is the perfect showcase for Sumitra's restrained and intimate style.
Jonathan Leonard/Leonard's Lair


Concerto, August 2004
sumitra’s parents are from India, she was born in New York and moved to Vienna at the age of two, where she has spent most of her life. She still feels strongly connected to her Indian roots and the sweet sound of her voice does remind us of this. In 1998 she formed a duo with guitarist, Alex Machacek. ‘indian girl’ developed out of their collaboration. They create gorgeous music together, harmonising at all levels. Whether on electric or on acoustic guitar, Machacek shows a deep understanding of the music, showcasing sumitra and her songs perfectly. His spherical voicings lend themselves to sumitra’s subtle, fragile style. Sometimes he blends together with her in unison passages and only on occasion does he drift off into a short solo where you catch a glimpse of his technical ability. The rhythm section is made up of Mario Lackner on drums and Tibor Koevesdi on bass who also contributes to a beautiful duo piece on the album. The song material’s unique, creative, original and intuitive character are convincing. This is a must buy. Sigi Schneider / CONCERTO


Jazz Zeit, August 2004
The ‘indian girl’, sumitra has grown to become an independent musician with her very own, unique ideas. Her latest CD bears witness to this development, accompanied by her partner Alex Machacek (guitars), Tibor Koevesdi (bass) and Mario Lackner (drums). Sumitra’s melodies relate to her roots, to her origins – be it her Indian heritage or her ‘American connection’ (sumitra was born in New York). The album presents a collection of finely woven pop songs in a jazz setting – far beyond any clichés. sumitra’s high voice is backed seamlessly by fine musicians. Alex Machacek plays a significant role, leading the artist with his guitar and allowing her to lead him. And thus an album displaying unforeseen, extensive melodies and a very homogenous sound has been created – a convincing and gratifying piece of work. Christian Bakony