The seven very different women of Durham, NC-based Stella have a varied repertoire that includes folk/traditional (from America and other lands), gospel, doo-wop, pop, Celtic, sea chanty, and a few unusual numbers the group describes as 'compulsively eclectic,' such as 'Emoni Ennen,' a traditional Finnish song. Performing before appreciative crowds in North Carolina, the group finally wanted to answer 'Yes!' to the question, 'Do you have a CD?', and 'Gimme Stella' is the result. The group's creamy, complex harmonies are featured on 16 songs, mostly covers, but there's even an original tune, 'She's a Rocket,' inspired by Stella member and writer Alison Jones' 12 year old daughter. Lou Reed's 'Sweet Jane,' 'I'm An Old Cowhand,' Joe Tex's 'I Want to Do Everything For You,' Jerome Kern's 'The Way You Look Tonight,' the traditional folk tunes 'Building a Home,' 'Fire Down Below,' 'Oh My Little Darlin',' 'Moonshiner,' 'I'll Fly Away' and 'Sorrows Away' are all sung with joyful feeling. A particular favorite of ours was 'On Children,' by Ysaye M. Barnwell, based on the words of Kahlil Gibran. 'Gimme' is a wise, impressive first CD. Recommended.