About
Composing songs since she was a mere five years old, music has been a major part of Oria’s life since the beginning. She was only nine when she first picked up the flute and it quickly became her primary instrument. She became a very accomplished flutist very fast and as a freshman at Westfield (New Jersey) High School, held the first chair in the prestigious wind ensemble for three years. During this time, she was also writing and singing her own music and began recording her compositions at age 14. A year later, she traveled to Nashville to record her music, working with the top session players - many of whom show up on Don Henley’s most recent release “Cass County.”
Her debut CD, titled “Yellow Paint,” was completed before her 17th birthday and featured 13 original songs. There was one cover song on the CD -“What A Wonderful World” – a duet with legendary soul rocker Southside Johnny. “Yellow Paint” received rave reviews both in the United States and abroad, and had extensive airplay in Europe. Adolf Goriup, a critic with the German magazine/website Folk World, wrote: “The 17-year-old Oria has taken the charts by storm on a debut album.” He went on to say “Oria has a strong and powerful voice.” He called “Get Back” his “favorite” song on the album and noted it “is a rousing soulful and funky song.” Oria is currently touring as a lead and background vocalist with Glenn Alexander & Shadowland. She also performs regularly in the New York City area, mostly singing her original compositions and jazz standards and working with many great musicians.