Joni Rodney is new soul sista from Toronto Canada. She's a an engaging singer/songwriter that is hard to put in a specific genre, though if you ask her she'll say she just makes soul music. She loves her music to be recorded as live as possible which immediately sets it apart from the programmed "R&B" of today. She is strongly influenced by such soul masters as Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and Aretha Franklin. You can also hear that she loves jazz and gospel and has certain pop sensabilities. In her music, you'll find melodies that you can remember after listening to them for the first time. You'll feel like this is a girl that you could have a cup of coffee with in a funky cafe. Her style of writing is such that you will not be digging for the meaning well after the tune has ended. Joni is engaging to watch live. There are no airs of arrogance, and she certainly isn't trying to be a diva. She'll catch your ear with her powerful pipes, but sing with such honesty that you feel like she's singing just for you. Her audiences often feel that there is really an exchange going on when they go to see Joni. She'll talk to ya, make silly jokes and let you in on how certain songs came to fruition. Whether you see her backed by a full band or doing an acoustic set at a cozy venue Joni NehRita is not an artist you'll soon forget.