Santina King's new eponymously titled first album gives ample proof that she is one of the freshest sounding guitarist-singer-songwriters in roots New England, a young woman who's making progress on her journey to craft her own "acoustic fusion" music from elements of blues, jazz funk, folk and indie alternative music. This western Massachusetts native is emotionally direct with her storytelling,  not the least bit opaque or pretentious. The album appears on Bella Records and is produced by Santina and co-producer-engineer Danny Bernini.

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She pledges allegiance to individuality, though she's quick to reveal that close attention has been paid to the poetic music of the one and only Ani DiFranco. "I look up to her not just as a talented musician, but as an empowered and strong woman. If she could do it, so could I".

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Santina's performances have intimacy and a sense of purpose, whether following her heart on "Being Clear", stumbling over romance with "Fool", or conjuring mixed emotions in four more riveting song performances.

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Santina grew up in a music-rich environment. She picked up the beat early, playing piano at age 6 and inspired by her keyboardist mother, a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. Santina's assured guitar playing goes to the core of her compositions. "Guitar is my true passion", she acknowledges. Most guitarists rely on traditional tunings to produce their music. Not Santina. She first picked up the acoustic guitar at age 13. Her father, an accomplished blues guitarist, showed her how to play a chord and she almost immediately broke away from standard tunings to craft artful, rich chord progressions of her own. "I was off and running before he had a chance to teach me further".

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Whether heard on her new recording or in a concert setting, Santina King demonstrates her musical intelligence and passion. Blending elements of jazz, funk, blues and a taste of folk with her unique guitar tunings and impeccable song-craft, Santina King is a maturing young artist who has arrived.