“... Doch es ist bei jedem Stück auch die spritzige, sehr Funk-betonte Produktion der Stücke, die das Gusto des Albums ausmacht, auch wenn gerade Songs wie “Carefree“ unterstreichen, wie aufregend und regelrecht explosiv Alana Cahoons Gesang sein kann. Die Tempi des Albums sind abwechslungsreich gehalten und unterfüttern so den spritzigen, wirklich unterhaltsamen Sound des Albums, das irgendwo zwischen klassischem Jazz, Fusion, Soul, und immer wieder Funk, aber auch Pop seine Mitte findet. Abgesehen von der Coverversion des meiner Meinung nach etwas zu überstrapazierten “Fever“ hat Alana Cahoon hier alle Songs selbst geschrieben und produziert, was überaus beeindruckend ist. Fast so beeindruckend wie das Saxofonspiel des Herrn Straub, womit sich der Kreis dieser Besprechung eines hervorragenden, spannenden Albums schließt.”

“Alana Cahoon's new effort is smooth and very easy on the ears. She has a strong voice that she puts to good use on these songs. The opening title song has some of Sade's polished warmth. The version of the oft-covered "Fever" sounds fresh and cool in her capable hands. "Suu Kyi" is a funky tribute to the heroic An San Suu Kyi that resonates deeply. Alana Cahoon has made a strong album. ”

“Welcome to “The Plug” – WomensRadio’s soon to be classified as firmly established weekly feature – showcasing the varied roster of artists/bands/labels whom have recently signed on to share their music with the world via WomensRadio.  Here we aim to effectively “plug” them into WomensRadio.com (and our listener’s headphones) from the get-go with a custom DJ Mix of five or more fresh tunes each week, a short introduction of each artist and more than likely an accompanying video selection. ... Keeping the fire burning bright, Alana Cahoon ensures this week’s episode is funky enough with “Suu Kyi”, while Sweden’s Maini Sorri sweetly serenades the listener on “Like An Angel”. So what are you waiting for, the sparkling apple cider to un-cork itself?  Get out there and start learning more about this week’s featured artists and their music; make a purchase or check out a video for a closer look … just remember where you got ‘Plugged In’ to ‘em first.”

“...Alana Cahoon's voice wrapped itself around the scene, setting a rather romantic tone. Some, like me, were there specifically to hear the chanteuse sing. ...whether you see Cahoon perform or happen to hear her music in the background, it's going to hit you with a seductive wallop. Perhaps better known for her work fronting The Blue Avengers, a smooth r&b and blues outfit that burned with a subtle sensuality and heat due in large part to Cahoon's superb pipes. Solo, she has stylistically separated herself without necessarily trying. It's still got soul, but now it's all hers. Calabrese and Cahoon offer up shifts, tweaks, and twists to her originals and select standards that make the cut. "Usually it connects with me on a soul level," says Cahoon. "If there's a story and it reaches my heart. There's the technique, then there's the spirit. It's the putting the two together that makes the song.”

“Don't Look Back is the product, 10 songs that show off Cahoon as a woman of jazz, R&B, pop, blues and even a little theater. She wrote nine of the tracks, with the exception of that old jazz favorite "Fever," which she delivers with the kind of finger-snapping delivery that walks the sexy line between Peggy Lee and Eartha Kitt. ... a woman who oozes a bit of the bohemian: She spent some time in New York City as the art director of a performing arts theater, and has interests in yoga, painting and drawing. She even lived in Bahrain before returning to her native Rochester. Don't Look Back opens with a statement of where she's personally been for the past year, the smooth jazz and R&B of the title track pondering personal change. "I look him straight in the face," she sings. "It's over now. ..." It's a song that she wrote on New Year's Eve. "A very reflective time," she says, "It's about myself and about inspiring other people. I think you're faced with changes all the time.”

“Alana Cahoon Don't Look Back The title cut opens with a soaring sax that helps usher in positive lyrics that affirm her new direction. It’s apparent right from the beginning that Ms. Cahoon has progressed from her Blue Avenger days. She’s feisty and funky on “This Thing,” a sassy number that seems to emancipate her from the past. MANY people have recorded “Fever,” the only cover on the entire disc, but her unique, understated approach keeps it glowing. “Not Worth My Love” has deep R and B roots with sharp lines such as “I turned around and I walked away/Leavin’ behind me a memory in decay.” “Dance With Me Daddy” is smoky and sensuous. A smooth saxophone guides us through this alluring New York jazz club-style song. In fact, even though a number of different types of music are heard, one of the common threads is the sax and flute heard on many of songs. “Warmth of My Soul,” an instrumental, brings us in for a smooth and soft landing.”