Full Review

Angela Sclafani, Bell Jar Review

Angela Sclafani is a New York City-based singer-songwriter who has independently released three original EP’s, HISTORY, YOUR GHOST, BLOSSOM, and an EP of re-imagined Stevie Nicks hits. Sclafani’s original music combines confessional lyrics with enthusiastic and expressive vocals. Her thoughtful songwriting has made her a two-time first-place winner of the Great American Song Contest’s Adult Contemporary category; her music has been praised for its “engagingly original lyrical story, inventively appealing imagery and smartly crafted melodic design.” In addition, she is a 2019 Fred Ebb Award Winner, a 2018 Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist, a 2018 Richie Jackson Artist Fellow, and was awarded the Anna Sosenko Assist Trust Grant. A New York City-based songwriter, performer, and theatre-maker, she is a creative and multi-hyphenate artist that often synchronously performs, writes, and co-produces her projects. Because of her versatile work in music and theater, Sclafani has had the opportunity to perform with renowned artists such as Todd Almond, Courtney Love, Shaina Taub, Heidi Rodewald, and Years and Years. In addition, her work has been performed in venues such as The Beacon Theater, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 54 Below, Ars Nova, and Rockwood Music Hall. Sclafani earned her BFA at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts after studying within Playwrights Horizons Theater School, the Experimental Theater Wing, and Stonestreet Studios.

Sclafani is now releasing her latest single titled “Bell Jar,” which was produced by Katie Buchanan. “Bell Jar” has an inviting cross of pop with folk and Americana elements. Sclafani’s vocals are warm and convey the folk/pop melody beautifully with the sounds surrounding it, and her experience in theatre has given her lyrics an engaging storytelling element. The song uses vocal backgrounds and a song form that builds and evolves over time and was inspired by Sylvia Plath’s 1963 novel, The Bell Jar. The lyrics reflect their literary imagery, and the instrumentation also caters to a cross-genre appeal. Buchanan produced, mixed, and mastered to serve Sclafani’s vocal style perfectly, with the result that will win your heart and listening time. Overall, “Bell Jar” is a solid single by a creative, multi-talented artist that brings a lot to the listening table; you will undoubtedly want to take a listen to this one. That’s the short of it!