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New Jersey-born artist Marla Lewis dazzles with her latest single, “Te Quiero A Ti,” which is available in Spanish and English renditions.
This track radiates an enchanting groove and ambiance, with Marla’s impeccable vocals floating over a sophisticated arrangement of flute, piano, acoustic bass, electric guitar, drums, and lush backing vocals. It’s bossa nova bliss that lets her voice truly shine.
The story behind “Te Quiero A Ti” is just as captivating. Marla struggled with the lyrics until her friend Dave Kinnoin stepped in. This collaboration led to the song’s first appearance on her “Songbook” album. Years later, a Grammy networking program introduced Marla to Melissa Sanley, a multi-talented artist who translated the song into Spanish, provided vocal coaching, created the cover art, and sang backup vocals. Marla calls this serendipitous meeting “a real-life angel” moment. Melissa’s contribution transformed the song, infusing it with new energy and depth and giving Marla’s warm, romantic vision a fresh, vulnerable vibe.
Listen in here:
“Te Quiero A Ti” celebrates new, universal love, and it is truly timeless.
Marla’s diverse musical influences, from the jazz elegance of Ella Fitzgerald to the lyrical beauty of The Beatles and the soulful storytelling of Carole King and James Taylor, can be heard in her unique style.
Her dedicated elementary school teacher background has deeply influenced her music career. Her passion for educational children’s music led to the Grammy-winning success with “Leap of Faith” and acclaimed albums like “I Love to Talk to Plants” and “We All Laugh in the Same Language.”
Both albums, produced by the renowned Bob Stander, garnered prestigious awards such as the Parent’s Choice Gold and NAPPA Gold, showing her ability to make education entertaining to learn.
Marla’s venture into smooth jazz and American standards marked a thrilling new chapter in her career. Her first album in this genre, “Songbook,” produced by two-time Grammy award-winning producer/engineer Bob Stander, features 14 original tracks that critics have described as “pure bliss.” Standout singles like “Blue Horizon” and “Kill The Lights” highlight Marla’s sophisticated vocal style and ability to evoke deep emotion through music.
Building on this success, Marla released “Songbook Volume 2 (SBV2),” further exploring smooth jazz, cabaret, and American standards. This album, also produced by Bob Stander, comprises six original tracks showcasing Marla’s vocal talents alongside an accomplished ensemble: Mike Ricchuiti on piano, Teddy Kumpel on electric guitar, Rob Jost on acoustic bass, Matt Miller on drums, Erik Lawrence on sax, Daniel Sadownick on percussion, and Adam Minkoff and Gabby Scherba on backing vocals influenced by the Manhattan Transfer. The album’s first single, “Enchantée,” achieved remarkable success, reaching #1 on the World Indie Charts and #2 on the Euro Indie Charts.
“Te Quiero a Ti” is a must-listen. With the song already climbing the World Indie Music Charts, its English version has impressively reached #7 worldwide.
