Upcoming CD, "Both Sides" is in the works and is due for release in the fall. Sneak peak coming soon.

Stay tuned!

Think of Rosemary Clooney and Doris Day, such great jazz singers like the aforementioned give the proverbial newcomer a serious run for their money. Minneapolis-based, soulful singer/songwriter/ pianist Alicia Wiley takes listeners on a sentimental journey that will leave their senses revitalized, awe-inspired and yearning for days gone by. Wiley’s vocals are refreshing like a crisp, sunny spring day, revealing to listeners a young woman with vocals that are clear yet soulful and surprisingly relevant. Music lovers want substance not fluff and that is exactly what Wiley’s new album, “Halfway Home” delivers.
The tracks on the album are beautiful and could stand alone as solo piano like Jim Brickman, but mixed with soft and emotive vocals is certain to gain her some attention. Somehow she reminds me slightly of a mellower Sarah McLachlan mixed with Norah Jones. “Little Green” is a sweet track that is so descriptive that you could almost swear that you can picture the story as she sings, “choose her name she will answer to/ call her green the winters cannot not fade her/ call her green …he went to California / hearing that everything is warmer there so you write him a letter say her eyes are blue. . .” While the track titled, “Halfway home” gives listeners another descriptive story set to music and full of feeling, “I’m halfway home, halfway to where you are/not yet certain its so good shouldn’t have come this far/not so lost not so out of place/ not so lost not so faraway/ is it that we have no faith/ just waiting till tomorrow to believe/ shouldn’t let the daylight pass us by/ to close to being on the same side/ its time to celebrate/ all we’ve ever known the way I see it now it isn’t all for sure.”
Wiley has put together a much happier compilation of tracks than previous albums and shows that variety really is the spice of life. Slow sensitive songs are mixed with sassy rhythm driven tracks like, “Spell” and “La Jugadora,” which translate to the player. “Halfway Home” is a dazzling album that has a luster akin to that of a polished jewel. Wiley’s artistry is masterful and showcased throughout the entire album not only through her ability to tickle the ivories but to also belt out a voice that is heavenly and full of soul.

By Tammy Reese (RIFT magazine)