Tadia Rice

SOLACE OF THE EYES is music for the soul. This CD is beautiful! Tadia's vocal ability is impressive - with tone and pitch as perfect as you can get. Tadia's voice is smooth as a violin and strong enough to reach the depths of your soul. This is feel-good music for anyone.  Amon Bourne, singer/actor, Los Angeles, CA

SOLACE OF THE EYES is a solace to the soul. It is truly captivating, enchanting, and downright soul-stirring. I've listened to it many times and am becoming increasingly inspired and intrigued by the poetic life and humanist visions of the poet Tahirih (I'm compelled now to read up on this Persian poetess - she was certainly inspired!). Tadia's voice is amazingly versatile and truly gold-spun, her tracks beautifully and elegantly composed and performed. The content and delivery lends very well to imagery, to heightened senses and imagination (for me at least). I think it's a powerful and extraordinary artistic tribute to the spirit of an amazing woman, certainly advanced for the times in which she lived. Jesse Fish, student, Seattle, WA.

SOLACE OF THE EYES is a retreat for the ears. This is not an ordinary CD! Tadia's voice brings depth and richness to an eclectic mix of music. She is equally adept at jazzy, bluesy selections as well as pop and ethnic folk. A treat for world music listeners. Sharon L. Barnes, Visual Artist, Los Angeles, CA

SOLACE OF THE EYES is my first choice, whether at home alone or entertaining friends. Its soft jazz and beautifully sung vocals fit any occasion. For anyone who's never heard her, Tadia's voice is like a gift from God. It's like the voice of an angel who sweeps her vocal hand across my forehead and soothes me. She can't be compared to anyone else. She has a unique sound and style, and every note is heavenly. SOLACE OF THE EYES is soothing to my heart, and Tadia's performance is solace to my ears as well. Vic Natkin, Los Angeles, CA

My first impression after listening to SOLACE OF THE EYES was how very lyrical, warm, expressive, and well modulated Tadia's voice is throughout the entire CD. Tadia's sensibilities and nuances of the lyrics and phrasing, and the variation of her vibrato, reminded me of an expressive jazz saxophone player interpreting a Duke Ellington or Billy Strayhorn ballad. I greatly appreciate the creative imagination of the music composers, Ellis Hall and M. S. Rice, in rendering unique musical settings for each of the poems used to create each song. The tendency for composers to write settings that imitate traditional musical environments was avoided, yet intimated in subtle and effective ways. This created an overall impression of integrity without resorting to direct imitation. In my opinion, this is excellent writing, again reflective of the genius of Ellington and Strayhorn. SOLACE OF THE EYES is an excellent CD deserving of wide
distribution, thereby, creating a greater recognition of and for the distinguished artistry of Tadia. Marvin "Doc" Holladay, Jazz Baritone Saxophonist

Tadia, wow! An outstanding musical experience. Excellent music and lyrics easy to listen to. SOLACE OF THE EYES is inspirational as well as soulful, a gem of a CD - hopefully more to come. Well worth listening to. This crosses all types of musical backgrounds and will make an exceptional gift. David Goldstone, Vice President, Panasonic Hospitality Division, New Jersey.

Tadia has a voice of satin water, satin soul. It is a joy to listen to the music and voice of this woman. If you need a calming and relaxing CD to listen to this is it. She brings to life the words of a great poetess, Tahirih, and defines what "poetry in motion" really means. Venture into the voice of Tadia and learn about a woman by the name of Tahirih, who was a revolutionary in her own right.  Christine Weaver, Chicago, IL

A WOMAN AND HER WORDS
The Story of Tahirih

A WOMAN AND HER WORDS is a remarkable theater production based on the true story of Tahirih, a woman whose compelling but obscure life has been hidden from the western world until now. From the opening scene to the show's dramatic and triumphant conclusion Tadia gives a performance that is spellbinding. She brings Tahirih to life and becomes the 19th century notable Persian poetess and Eastern woman writer with haunting power. From suffering to serenity, from victim to victory, it is the quest for truth that grounds the lead character in her story. It is Tahirih's ultimate triumph that leaves the audience feeling empowered. The intellectual mystery of Tahirih’s heroic life and her literary works demonstrate her enduring commitment to an ethical imperative for a new age. She was far ahead of her time, and in spite of her untimely and tragic death, her courage remains an inspiration to all. Ongoing historical events of the nineteenth century Western world are juxtaposed against the dramatic circumstances of Tahirih's life in Persia, allowing the audience a more global context with which to relate to the story of an Eastern woman who defied convention. Parke McAlister, whose journalist character is well developed, is a witness to the legend of Tahirih. He weaves a verbal tapestry of his time and world as he includes the plight of women, slaves, Native Americans and struggling nations around the globe.

McAlister's voice and mannerism's are realistically 1800's. His character establishes a credible and intimate relationship with the audience while Tadia delivers the poetry of Tahirih with a strong vocal personality and a mystical quality to match. Her voice vibrates the house as she explores melodic expressions with a sweet sensuality that can only be described as a silky-velvet wrapped in satin. Powerfully controlled, Tadia is a master of vocal color and texture singing jazz to new age, gospel to spoken word, pop ballad to operatic -- all as fitting tributes to her subject. Tadia's vocal quality shines with a glow that matches her character's reputation as the most beautiful woman of Persia. What I also believe is that Tadia conveys something else to the audience without any words: that she has an undeniable spiritual bond with her character.

A WOMAN AND HER WORDS makes important points about social equality, and the never-ending challenge of the relationship between men and women. This show is well worth seeing, maybe even twice depending on your gender. Adam Abraham, Editor, Continuum Magazine.

A WOMAN AND HER WORDS is absolutely sensational! This theatrical music drama tells the story of Tahirih, the 19th century poetess and legal scholar, using her unpublished poetry and the global context of her time. This is a bold yet sensitive production tackling issues of self-discovery and the realization of one's value as a human being. Tadia, as playwright, actress, singer, meanders with ease through different styles of singing, never once leaving the audience behind. The production is remarkable for its simplicity, clarity, and emotional and intellectual presence. Bongi Mohale, CUE Newspaper, Grahamstown, South Africa This is an artfully staged show mixing the poetry of a nineteenth-century Persian trailbreaker, with music running from new age to gospel/blues, and socio-religious exposition. Tadia, who wrote and stars in the production, portrays the Persian woman who was the first known woman to drop her veil in the mid-1800s in the company of men. With non-stop music assembled into a marvelous soundtrack, Tadia gives a dramatic recitation punctuated with moving songs. She is a solid singer with all the throaty power of a Mahalia Jackson, and at the same time her delivery had the soothing qualities of an accomplished bedtime storyteller. Tahirih’s poetry, vivid in romantic images, has a cadence and style that should find -in these translations- a wide audience. Tadia is a very accomplished speaker and singer, and the audiences most receptive will probably be those who enjoy listening to well-sung poetry. Ron Youngblood, Entertainment & Staff Writer, Maui News, Maui, HI

The music pierces the acoustics of Maitisong, the actors connect so well and are so synchronized with events of the time, one finds it difficult to tell the difference between the actors and the real act.

A WOMAN AND HER WORDS - The Story of Tahirih is a musical that tells the story of Tahirih, a 19th century girl scholar; a child-mother and theologian who breaks age-old traditions. Tahirih rises up to become a spiritual teacher, and a leader among her people. Her quest for knowledge and truth expands her intellectual horizons, and instills in her an uncommon self-assertiveness. Through her poetry, she advances her cause in the struggle to emancipate humanity from the clutches of illiteracy and serfdom. Tahirih commands respect as well as a significant number of followers. She protests against the veil, which has become an emblem of oppression that silences and conceals a woman’s life. The veil dictates psychological and physical bondage. Tahirih renounces being a shadow woman, and un-shrouds herself through a dramatic act of unveiling not only herself but also the truth. She becomes so prominent that she is thrown in jail, and although executing women is against Islamic law, Tahirih is throttled with her own silken handkerchief. Her body is thrown in an uncompleted well, and is never found or claimed. But her legacy subsists in her poetry, and in her mystical teachings that demonstrate the power of her words. After 150 years, Tahirih continues to be a great inspiration to humanity thanks to Tadia, the actress/playwright who brings her to life in an unforgettable performance. Supported by Sello Sebotsane who plays six other characters.

A WOMAN AND HER WORDS is a story that not only stays with you, but empowers the audience as well. Bobana Badisang, Mmegi Newspaper, Gaborone, Botswana

History comes alive when Tadia performs A WOMAN AND HER WORDS - The Story of Tahirih. With song, poetry and prose, the life of this remarkable heroine takes form. Tadia artfully uses different musical styles with a full range of vocal color and texture. Tadia mystically carries her audience on Tahirih’s spiritual journey as she articulated and promoted the emancipation of women at great personal peril. Tahirih’s strength and courage is reflected in a strong and vibrant voice that resonates throughout the hall. As Tadia moves through the episodes and stages of Tahirih’s life, one is struck by an unflagging commitment reflected in the consistency of performance. Tadia never falls out of character. Taken as a whole, the performance is an emotional experience giving greater insight and appreciation to this unique heroine and the price she paid for a cause whose time had come. The audience leaves with a sense of assurance that neither the heroine spokesperson, nor the cause itself, will ever be forgotten. John Kolstoe, Author, Developing Genius.

visit: www.tahirihassociation.org/