Envision a clear glass of water. This is the image of Inohs Sivad's voice. Her music, wrapped around her voice forms a sound that is an experience in originality, truthfulness, emotions and warmth. There's a relationship between Inohs Sivad and music that just happened. It came without her asking. So, in her eyes, she's received a gift bag of talents that range from singer, songwriter, arranger and producer. She is a complete package. The story goes that during a time in her life when her days were particularly dark and she needed an outlet to express what was going on inside, she picked up the acoustic guitar. She wasn't completely unfamiliar with the instrument, since it was one of a number of instruments she'd been encouraged to learn as a child growing up in Pontiac, Michigan. It was, though, one of those instruments that turned out to be a passing fancy, much like the others. But, when she picked up the guitar as an adult, she found medicine in its 6-strings and taught herself to play. Inohs Sivad's first independently produced cd release, IS, is her catalog of life's lessons and experiences. There's the thoughtful Hmm, her response to national tragedy; Apple Pie, with its ironic patriotic drum beat, speaks of the lives of African-Americans through history; she soulfully sings about infatuation and love in Crush; sensuality oozes on Chocolate Brotha; and she expresses the need for rest when life becomes overwhelming in the jazzy Time Out. The title song IS, is a song of self-acceptance. Taking to the stage in live performances has been a welcome addition to her gift bag. Her versatility as a performer is shown in the style of performance packages she offers. She performs with a six-piece band; as an acoustic duo of guitar and upright bass or as a solo acoustic act. Each style lends way to a different dynamic in the Inohs Sivad sound. The band experience is energetic and engaging; the duo is rich and lush in depth; the solo acoustic set is personal and intimate. These performances express the many sides of Inohs Sivad and her SoulAlternative fusion of folk, rock, jazz and electronica. Envision a clear glass of water. This is the image of Inohs Sivad's voice; clear and untainted.