“ Sylvie Marie Chakra Bleu - 'I'd Rather Stand Alone'   BWH Music Group’s Keepin' It Country, Vol. One, by Various Artists, contains an eclectic mix of 17 songs by today's best independent Country artists and songwriters. With great storytelling and heart-felt performances at the core of each song, the album spans traditional and contemporary Country music. Off the compilation, Chakra Bleu’s song "I’d Rather Stand Alone" offers a beautiful and moving love song about love and loss. Chakra Bleu recounts a melancholic, yet sweet love story in her song “I’d Rather Stand Alone.” The song begins as a duet between acoustic guitar and voice. The bright guitar compliments the warmer timbre of Chakra's vocals as she opens with the chorus. “I’d rather standalone my love, if I can’t have you. I’d rather walk through life alone, if I’m not next to you. I’d rather stand-alone my love, if I can’t hold you. I’d rather walk through life alone, if I’m not loving you.” Soon, the accompaniment builds with the addition of bass and delightful, legato melodies on the fiddle. After the first verse, an instrumental break introduces light percussion and keys to liven the arrangement. The overall arrangement is exquisitely tasteful. With each passing verse, Chakra swoons listeners with beautiful vocal phrases that relay the emptiness she was feeling without her love. Somehow, when Chakra sings you feel as though she is singing just for you - she conveys such a personal and intimate touch. Flourishes of backing vocals add sparkling depth as the song continues to build from chorus to verse, to bridge. I'd Rather Stand Alone" has a melody that truly feels like an old friend. It has the sound of yesterday and today as if the song always was and will always be, it was just waiting for the right artist to reveal it. Chakra Bleu has written a classic, a song that artists in years to come will want to cover and that is the highest form of flattery you can give a songwriter. In today’s brash world, a love song that goes deep beneath the surface and expresses honest feelings with simple words is breathtakingly refreshing. The one word that comes to mind after hearing “I’d Rather Stand Alone” is “timeless.” 'Keepin' It Country, Vol. One' is available on all major digital outlets. For more information about the album and artists, visit BWH Music Group. About Chakra Bleu Chakra Bleu is a singer-songwriter who has a broad Americana style that includes country, pop-rock, r&b and reggae. Playful, intriguing and empowering describe how this captivating artist connects with her audience. Chakra Bleu has released nine albums to date. Off her 7th album, the single "All of Me" charted #2 on the Top 40 as well as #1 on the Indie Top 40. The second single, "The Shadow," went to #4 on the NMW Top 40. Off her 6th CD, Souvenir, five singles simultaneously bedazzled the charts. Off Chakra Bleu’s fifth album,You're the One, the single "When I Hold Your Hand"charged the AAA and Americana airwaves, charting #5 on the STS Top 30 Indie chart and #27 on the STS Top 40 Main chart. Her  prior single, "Hopelessly In Love," from the Seize the Day album, scored big as well, making it to #16  on the national A/C chart. Chakra has received airplay from various cuts off her CD’s on Top 40, A/C, Country, AAA, and Americana radio in the U.S. as well as Europe. She has been the Spotlight Artist at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and a BMI Showcase Artist. She is an Arena Award recipient - this prestigious community service honor has been granted to only a few artists including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Jo Dee Messina. ” - Sylvie Marie

“ Tree Fortin Chakra Bleu - 'I'd Rather Stand Alone' Off BWH Music Group's 'Keepin It Country, Vol. One' by Various Artists, "I'd Rather Stand Alone' is a great way to get acquainted with Chakra Bleu's talent as a writer and performer. Chakra Bleu is a prolific singer-songwriter who has a broad Americana style that includes country, pop-rock, r&b and reggae. She has a vast library that include nine albums to date. Chakra's musichas resonated with fans all over the world and dozens of her songs have charted on just about every major chart. She has also been the Spotlight Artist at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and a BMI Showcase Artist. She is an Arena Award recipient (this prestigious community service honor has been granted to only a few artists including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Jo Dee Messina). It is said that sometimes "less is more." Chakra understands the art of not crowding a song and letting it unfold. "Id Rather Stand Alone" utilizes instrumental simplicity (less) to convey deep feelings (more). The opening is a simple folk guitar. It's pretty and mellow, introspective and reflective. Leads are played by a fiddle and piano adding beautiful melodic motifs to the melody. The entire arrangement is just very tasteful. Chakra sings the chorus first which is brilliant because the chorus is one you will never forget. Somehow, in a few simple stanzas, Chakra says what we have all felt after losing someone we were very in love with. She is incredibly honest as she sings what she feels and brings it to life through music. The chorus is like a love poem. I’d rather stand alone my love - If I can’t have you. I’d rather walk through life alone - If I’m not next to you. I’d rather stand alone my love - If I can’t hold you. I’d rather walk through life alone - If I’m not loving you." If you would rather stand alone, then follow a cookie-cutter music path, then "I'd Rather Stand Alone" is for you. Fans of folk, country and Americana will go crazy over Charka Bleu's music as she encompasses everything fans of these genres respect: timeless songwriting sung by earth-kissed vocals, honest and poetic lyrics, beautiful blue-grass tinged instrumental leads, and lovely acoustic guitar to hold it all together. It's simply flawless. Chakra Bleu's single, "I'd Rather Stand Alone," can be found on BWH Music Group's "Keepin' It Country, Vol. One. For more information on Chakra Bleu, please visit her artist profile pageon BWH Music Group. There you will find links to Chakra's website, social media, videos and more. For more information on 'Keepin' It Country, Vol. One' by Various Artists, please visit the album release page. #ChakraBleu#ChakraBleuIdRatherStandAlone#IdRatherStandAlone#BWHMusic Group #KeepinItCoountry#KeepinItCountryVolOne#CountryMusicReviewBlog ” - Tree Fortin

“Chakra Bleu's latest project "Living Life Grand" is a wonderful trip through many of the styles of music that make up what is now considered Americana. Her beautiful melodies remind us of what's been missing lately. Image 12 songs that don't ALL SOUND ALIKE! There should be a number of singles here, and I think "I'd Rather Stand Alone " could be a signature hit. I hope you enjoy "Living Life Grand " as much as I did. Paul Castoe  President,  TSAI ” - Paul Castoe

“Chakra Bleu Releases ‘All of Me’ Single and Video Chakra Bleu is building on her success as a chart-topping Americana/rock/pop artist by releasing “All of Me“, the title track and second single from her most recent album. The “All of Me” single was distributed to radio on April 18. The Nashville, Tenn., artist co-produced the recording with legendary musician John Billings, a former bass player for the late Donna Summer. An accompanying video was produced by Ray Boone of Music City Video. “‘All of Me’, is a savory treat of pop-rock and R&B — sweet and sultry with a shake of sass,” said Bleu. “The album’s first single, ‘The Shadow’, has done extremely well. I can’t wait to see what happens.” “The Shadow” recently hit number four on New Music Weekly’s mainstream Top-40 chart. It reached number one on the NMW Indie Top-40 chart, where it remained for six consecutive weeks. The artist describes “All of Me” as an “electrifying song” that is about moving forward freely and confidently in love. The video shows the artist tearing up a love letter and covering it with daffodils on the floor. She eventually speeds away on a motorbike, leaving her love-lost past behind. A high-energy stage performance with full band shows off her gritty vocals and elaborate finger work on electric guitar.“All of Me”, which is being released by 1746 Records, is available for 99 cents. The new single, as well as other songs on multiple albums, are available on her website at www.ChakraBleu.com , iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-of-me/id882273855?uo=4 , and all major online stores, including CD Baby, Amazon, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Sony Music Unlimited. A free video download is available on YouTube https://“All of Me” was recorded in Nashville at Funky Tymz Studio. It features Bleu on vocals and electric guitar with contributions from veteran session musicians John Billings on bass, Brice Foster on drums/percussion, Tom Britt on lead and slide guitar, Ronnie Godfrey on keyboards and organ, and Dana Robbinson saxophone. The single is being promoted to radio by music industry veteran Gary Lefkowith. Whiting Publicity and Promotions is handling publicity. “All of Me” rocks away the pain with soaring vocals, crying guitar, driving bass and soulful sax. “Nothing’s binding me now… There’s no baggage dragging me down,” Bleu sings with emotion. “I’m open, light, and free as a breeze… It’s just you and me.” ” - Chuck Whiting

“Chakra Bleu releases sweet, sultry “All of Me”    By Dave Carew    In the early 2000s, when the East Nashville rock scene was infinitely less potent than it is today, one of the artists bravely carrying the pop/rock torch across the river was Chakra Bleu. Described by some as “Nashville’s answer to Fleetwood Mac and Heart,” This act galvanized its die-hard fans with electric female harmonies, soaring guitar solos, and a uniquely uplifting songcraft it dubbed “empower rock.” Fast forward to 2014: The mantle of Chakra Bleu is carried by lead singer/songwriter “Bleu,” who has released a string of solo albums and singles that have lit up Indie and Americana charts. Now—on the heels of the particularly acclaimed Souvenir—Chakra Bleu has released the R & B-flavored All of Me, described by its principal creator (Bleu) as “sweet and sultry with a shake of sass!” “I aimed for All of Me to embody an exquisite five-course meal, delighting the listener in a savory listening experience,” says Bleu. “That experience includes (1.) soulful songs (2.) rich vocals (3.) lush production (4.) top-notch musicians and (5.) a special dessert, including the ‘empower song’ ‘The Shadow,’ which is food for thought, upbeat, and insightful.” All of Me features stellar production work from Nashville pro John Billings, who also engineered and played bass on all tracks. Mr. Billings played with Donna Summer and the Monkees, among many others. Another stand-out contribution is offered by saxophonist Dana Robbins, who has played with Aretha Franklin, Delbert McClinton, Chaka Khan, and others. It all adds up to a welcome surprise for Chakra Bleu fans . . . with equal emphasis on “welcome” and “surprise.” If the “old” Chakra Bleu sounded like Fleetwood Mac or Heart, this entrée is like an Anita Baker album splashed with Bleu’s patented lyrical vibe of love, hope, and good will. It’s a new direction for the beloved artist, and one she walks with inviting confidence. For more information, please visit:http://www.chakrableu.com/   Editor’s Note: “Underground Nashville” covers artists, authors, musicians, poets, political figures, and other compelling people and happenings not typically covered by the mainstreamNashville media. It also presents reflections and commentary from an underground/indie perspective, offering “thoughts from the shadows of a great American city.” Dave Carew   ” - Dave Carew

“Chakra Bleu writes and performs soulful, intricate compositions about the trials of life. Inventive and impassioned, she plays music to empower the soul.” - Noel Murray

“ Chakra Bleu – You're The One   Review by: Donald StrachanYear: 2012Produced by: Chakra BleuLabel: Independent releaseTracks:1. More Than Fine2. You're The One3. What It Is4. Sunflower Of My Dreams5. Someday6. When I Hold Your Hand7. Every Bit Of Me8. Lucky Charm9. All Day Long10. More Even More11. Your Loving Eyes12. Imaginary Lines13. Don't Go There Again14. Rockin' The Bistro15. Pinch Me16. I Feel The Same Chakra Bleu is a musician who appears to be perfectly happy in her own skin and follows her own path, not aiming to attach herself to any fleeting fads and fashions. She produces her own distinct fusion of rock/Americana/pop to offer a range of upbeat and insightful songs that have more than a hint of inspiration about them.This album contains a pleasing range of songs to lift hearts and minds. I was pleased to note a timeless quality about most of it. Whilst the songs all retain a freshness and vitality, there are many of them that I could just as easily imagine listening to back in the 1970s and on. I imagine she achieves this perfect blend by having the knack of matching instrumentation and arrangements to moods and emotions without feeling in any way constrained to comply with any restrictive genre classification.I always hesitate to pick out 'favourite' tracks as selection often depends very much on my own mood; having said that, however, 'More Even More' and 'Imaginary Lines' do stand out after my first few listens. But that might say more about my current life than it does about the artistic merits of the songs. At the end of the day I believe that it is more important for music to embrace and enhance emotions, than it is for it to tick all the technical proficiency boxes; sometimes pure technical perfection can be particularly uninspiring!Her press release list a range of adjectives to describe her ability to captivate audiences – 'playful, intriquing, soul-searching, enriching, embracing and mystical' being some of them – in my opinion she certainly ticks these boxes. ” - Donald Strachan

“With “Souvenir” Chakra Bleu’s delivers an inspiring set of light feathered, yet emotion concentrated and insightful tunes. And it’s a set that definitely deserves her international recognition. Generally, this is an up-tempo collection bursting with positive vibes. Chakra Bleu gets caught teasing out the nerves of wonderful county music, crossed with notable pop/rock influences. And she definitely found the way of keeping things fresh and original. As a result “Souvenir” stays pretty much devoit of clichés.  Chakra Bleu sings with sugary beauty and her voice, often carrying a slightly bluesy edge, incites magnetic intensity. She provokes beautiful melodies on “Sweet Surrender” and her passionate voice seems to be flawlessly tailored to the menacing atmosphere of “Sabotage”. She remains commendably subdued through the captivating “Still In My Dreams”, her vocal delivery staying elegantly attuned to the haunting, yet subtle slide guitar howls. You’ll sigh, and sink back gently into your chair. As far as riding those country and zydeco tunes, Chakra Bleu executes that lot with considerable aplomb on “Free Again”.  With “I’ve Got It Bad” Chakra Bleu never sounded more predatory. The simmering guitar work that stayed displaced for most of the album is suddenly resurrected and put to good use here. On the other hand, “Love Meant To Be” and “She Walks Alone” come as masterful cocktails of graceful pop and country.  There are a couple of numbers here content to take the back seat, still “Souvenir” is full of infectious tunes blossoming in musically well raised surroundings. Not surprisingly, the end result is a sweat-soaked pleasure.  7 out of 10A review copy of this album was provided by the record label 1746 Records. Daniel Pavlica  -  The Rjocktologist” - Daniel Pavlica

“    Album Review by Dave Carew: “You’re the One” by Chakra BleuProduced by Chakra Bleu and David Henry Anyone who has ever seen a Chakra Bleu live show knows how it affects you: The vibe of joy, peace, inspiration, and empowerment hangs palpably in the air … and you leave the club somehow feeling better about your world, knowing there is music like this, thoughtfulness and creativity like this. Much of that vibe is attributable to Chakra Bleu herself, easily one of the kindest, most caring and gracious artists ever to grace a Nashville stage. Luckily for her many fans, “Ms. Bleu” has a gift that extends beyond her own personality, beyond her unique live shows. It also radiates into the albums she has created over the years, beginning with 2000’s superb The Hidden Mirror and culminating, most recently, with You’re the One (released December 2009). Fans who think they know what a Chakra Bleu album is “all about” may—like this reviewer—be a bit surprised by this album…though certainly not in a bad way. Where previous CB albums concentrated on nurturing both the mind and heart, this work—quite intentionally—tips the scales dramatically toward the heart, with all the joy and hope one’s romantic love for another human being can bring you and that other person. The songs here are lyrically simpler than previous CB efforts—but simple only in the sense that “I love you,” at first blush, may seem like simple words. Starting with the jaunty, reggae-influenced “More Than Fine” (which your ears will be treated to as soon as you cruise over to Chakrableu.com), the album proceeds to waft its way through a sonic landscape of everything from pop to Americana to “prog rock,” all spinning around the spiritual axis of what “the one”—your heart’s desire, your soul mate—means to you, how he or she affects your life in the moment and in all the moments to follow. A particular stand-out track is “Sunflower of My Dreams,” which Chakra Bleu, in a recent interview with Underground Nashville, called “the under-current of this album, in that the sunflower itself, and its symbolism, became the theme [of the album]. The symbol of the sunflower includes that of hope, success, fulfillment, prosperity, health, devotion, peace, and happiness.” I could go on and on about how Chakra Bleu’s You’re the One will, in its entirety, help bring YOU those very qualities, but I’d rather step out of the way now, and simply tell you this:  If love is important to you—if you think it’s what matters most—you’ll hear that affirmation profoundly in this first-rate new collection of songs. David M. (Dave) Carew is editor of “Underground Nashville” and the author of the novels “Everything Means Nothing to Me: A Novel of Underground Nashville” and “Voice from the Gutter.” He also is a freelance publicist and copywriter. Tags: "You're the One", Chakra Bleu, Dave Carew, David M. Carew, Nashville, Underground NashvillePosted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment » Part II– Interview with Nashville-based pop/rock artist Chakra Bleu   Dave Carew Part II – - Interview with Nashville-based pop/rock artist Chakra Bleuby Dave Carew  Chakra Bleu is—hands down—one of the most original and distinctive pop/rock/Americana artists ever to grace the underground Nashville music scene. Inspired by everything from transcendent New Age thought to the soulful stylings of bands like Heart and the Cowboy Junkies (with whom her co-producer David Henry worked), she has forged, over the past decade, some of the most uplifting, eclectic, thought-provoking, and empowering pop/Americana ever created in Music City. “Underground Nashville” recently interviewed Chakra Bleu about her career and new album “You’re the One.” Part II of our interview immediately follows. (Please see February posts for Part I.)   UNDERGROUND NASHVILLE: What is your “dream” for you music? How do you hope people are affected by it?  CHAKRA BLEU: It is always my highest intention that the fans receive a ‘positive-vibe’ from the CD’s and/or live shows. As an entertainer and singer/songwriter, it is important to relate to my audiences. We all work hard. We all want to feel good. We all aspire to feel more joy and completion and acceptance in our lives through our relationships, jobs, health, and connection to the Divine/Universe/Life. Sometimes, we get a glimpse of the meaning of things, when something of relevance is said a little differently…without judgment…meeting our experience “where we are” on the path of life. My highest intention is to inspire the listener to greater heights of joy, understanding, love, health, and overall happiness through my music…whether it’s my love songs or the more introspective songs. Nothing in my songs is a new concept. It’s just written and conveyed a little differently. Yes, I truly aspire to providing an avenue for my audiences, to feel good about themselves and their lives…my songs, voice, and heart offering a journey to a little more joy in this unpredictable life… inspiring them through my pop/rock & Americana songs…inspiring them through my love songs and empower-insight songs. For more about Chakra Beu, and to listen to her music, visit chakrableu.com Coming soon in “Underground Nashville” . . . a review of Chakra Bleu’s new album “You’re the One.” David M. (Dave) Carew is editor of “Underground Nashville” and the author of the novels “Everything Means Nothing to Me: A Novel of Underground Nashville” and “Voice from the Gutter.” He also is a freelance publicist and copywriter. Tags: Chakra Bleu, Dave Carew, David M. Carew, Nashville, Underground NashvillePosted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment » Interview with Nashville-based pop/rock artist Chakra Bleu February 26, 2010 by davecarew Editor’s Note: “Underground Nashville” covers artists, authors, musicians, poets, political figures, and other compelling people and happenings not typically covered by the mainstream Nashville media. It also presents reflections and commentary from an underground/indie perspective. As I told ‘The Tennessean’ in 2008, “since moving to Nashville twenty-five years ago, I have met people whose lives do not remotely reflect the caricature of what many outside our city presume to be a ‘Nashvillian’ or the Nashville experience.” “Underground Nashville” thus explores the soul of the city, not its surface—offering “thoughts from the shadows of a great American city.”  Interview with Nashville-based pop/rock artist Chakra Bleu   by Dave Carew Hailed by fans in the 2000s as “The Fleetwood Mac of Nashville” for their vibrant, female-centered pop/rock sound, Chakra Bleu became a mainstay of the Nashville club circuit for more than five years, until leaving for the past several years for a performing hiatus and to concentrate more fully on songwriting. Returning in late 2009 as a solo artist rather than a band, Chakra Bleu offers a unique blend of pop/rock that is upbeat, tuneful, thought-provoking, and uplifting. Calling her music “Empower Rock,” Chakra Bleu’s mission, she says, is to “invite [my] audiences to move forward…with pioneering and empowering attitudes that dare to open the mind and heart.” “Underground Nashville” recently caught up with Chakra Bleu (pronounced SHOK-ruh BLUE) to talk with her about her performing hiatus, her return, and her new album You’re the One: UNDERGROUND NASHVILLE: After performing dozens of live shows in Nashville during the first half of the 2000s, you dropped out of the club scene for several years. What prompted that move away from performing…and your return now with You’re the One?   CHAKRA BLEU: Itseemed at that time that [my] efforts were just hitting a wall. The exposure was still strong, in that many folks were familiar with Chakra Bleu. However, it was frustrating that I wasn’t able to reach the music biz. Music City USA and its music biz still primarily focus on country music. Although, some of my roots embrace that [Americana] style, my past two CD’s were pop/rock. In fact, my 2003 CD, Seize the Day, had the single “Hopelessly In Love” promoted on the Adult Contemporary charts by Tom Mazetta, who’s promoted hits for Elton John, Heart, Paul McCartney, Delbert McClinton, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, etc. Unfortunately, this CD didn’t catch the attention here in Nashvegas…my beloved town that I just won’t give up on. Meanwhile, I had made several changes in my band that weren’t feeling quite right. I decided to veer away from the “band thang” and solo it out awhile. Jeez…I mean [being in a band] is like being married to five people at once! [Laughs.] One lover at a time for me is enough, let alone deal with my own schtuff! Being ‘Chakra Bleu’ [just by myself] was such a relief. I felt synced into this comfortable new identity, and took a brief exit from performing live, so that I could fire up very commercial pop and Americana songs that would be favorable to all age groups. I spent weeks at a time in mountain and lake cabins, concentrating on coming up with at least 40 new songs to choose from for the next two CD’s. I chose a CD Planning Committee to help chose the best commercial direction on this new CD, included [selecting] the songs, the theme of the CD, the ‘vibe’, the photos, etc. UN: In what ways is You’re the One distinctive from earlier Chakra Bleu albums? And in what ways does it walk the same pathway as your earlier work?   CB: This album has 16 songs, of which only two are “food for thought”/introspective songs. The direction of this CD was “light-hearted love songs,” which were youthful, upbeat, and hopeful—especially to off-set, if you will, the counter-active struggles of today’s economy, and the stress that is obviously affecting 95% of us. The fourth cut on this CD, “Sunflower of My Dreams” became the under-current of this album, in that the sunflower itself, and its symbolism, became the theme. The symbol of the sunflower includes that of hope, success, fulfillment, prosperity, health, devotion, peace, and happiness. The comments from the fans so far consistently have been that, indeed, this CD is uplifting and hopeful…a light in this darkened time of their lives. So, this CD is on the same “path” as the previous. Each CD contains, first and foremost, the vibe of an uplifting and empowering quality. Also, each CD contains particular songs that offer introspective, message-related qualities. They surpass religious agendas/dogmas, and allow all to question life, hopefully leading to further insights that can bring one more awareness into their life…more joy, simply put! ” - Dave Carew

“Empower-Pop With Substance' is the motto placed on all of Chakra Bleu's promotional material. This artist is actively meeting this goal.  This is a rare commodity in Nashville. Most acts performing live in this town consist of some front person who paid or cajoled a collection of musicians to play with them that night. The revolving doors bring on different players each time and the same players in so many different groups. The musicians are usually fine (this is Nashville) but when they're looking at charts there isn't a band dynamic. Chakra Bleu is different. She arrives with her players that are cohesive and who interact beautifully.  No heads buried in music stands here. They perform instead of merely 'play'. Chakra Bleu's music is in the Pop-Rock/Americana vein. The lyric content is never drab or dreary. The stated intention is to provoke thought and offer ideas that might just improve society. Sometimes mysitcal and mysterious, other times offering basic observations of the muman condition, the music is always sincere and credible.  Chakra Bleu has gotten her music onto playlists throughout the United States and Europe with the help of national and local promoter's, Tom Mazetta and Bill Wence. She is regularly receiving favorable reviews. This is an ever evolving act that seems to be making all the right moves.” - Chris James