Janita, Smooth jazz Artist

As a teenager she was one of “Finland’s biggest pop stars, and a fixture on radio and television. This week’s Featured Artist is singer-songwriter Janita

Born in Helsinki, Finland

Genre: Neo-soul/R&B and Alternative Rock

Janita was born in Helsinki, Finland, and moved to Brooklyn, NY, USA at the age of 17. beginning her performing career at age 13, and recording her debut album “Believer” at 19. Upon relocating to Brooklyn, she made her U.S. debut in 1998 with a self-titled effort issued on Sony’s 550 imprint. “I’ll Be Fine” appeared three years later.

While the public has seen its fair share of talented young stars over the past few years, few have accomplished as much as Janita. Often compared to Sade, Seal, Bebel Gilberto, India Arie and Jill Scott, Janita began her career at the early age of 13. Before turning 17, Janita had already become a celebrity in her home country of Finland with multiple hits, two Finnish Grammy Awards, numerous magazine cover appearances and an international tour.

When Janita first moved to the United States she worked with the likes of Boyz II Men’s Michael McCary, producer David Gamson (Meshell Ndegeocello, Chaka Khan) and engineer Jimmy Douglass (Missy Elliot & Timbaland). Since then, Janita has gone on to develop a unique sound that combines the elements of the big city and her own past in Finland. Delivering her first non-independent release in the United States, “Seasons of Life” includes 11 organic soul-inspired tracks ranging from the sultry “Let Me Love You” to the beautiful rendition of Depeche Mode’s hit “Enjoy The Silence.” Featuring a 16-piece string orchestra consisting of musicians from the NY Philharmonic and band mates that include many of New York’s top musicians from the recordings and performances of India Arie, Maxwell, Steely Dan, Angie Stone, D’Angelo, Meshell Ndegeocello, Dianne Reeves, and many others, Janita has put together a stellar cast to create a album that critics have called “gorgeous” and “superb.”

In the US and UK, “Seasons Of Life” has already received amazing reviews from industry sources, lifestyle magazines and AC, R&B, jazz, and soul music websites. While some in the music industry are challenged to categorize the unique music of Janita, fans have already discovered her across a wide spectrum of formats and are singing the praises.

~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide