This Hawaii-born songstress stirs deeply with her words, yet brings a laugh when you least expect it. Her songs take you from new love to abiding faith, from despair to joy, and from the seamy side of Vegas to the buoyant hope of childhood dreams. Try it. Youll like it. Oh . . . who is she? Just a young woman with a guitar, a pure voice, and a million thoughts to share. Elina walks a fragile balance between the soft, laid-back music of her Hawaii childhood and a sharp-focused delivery honed from her years in the competitive L.A. entertainment scene. And shell strike a chord with you. Speak to my Heart, the first of a dozen originals on Elinas debut album Elina, conveys what all of us yearn to know when we first fall in love: Just words are not enough to show me youre in love . . . speak to my heart . On the other side of love, a bolder Elina is freeing herself (in track 10) from a match that really sucks: I can tell that youre angry by the look upon your face. I should ask you for forgiveness for forgetting my place. But, boy, boy . . . I dont want to! Favorite places on Oahu a lighthouse, a moonlit pier, a garden overlooking Chinamans Hat are recalled in My Friend and Lucky, the latter being a sassy duet about married life by Elina and her husband, Tyrone Wells. They also team up in Constantly and Breathless, expressing the faith that brought them together. Elina is currently on a college concert tour with Tyrone, who produced Elina and co-wrote some of the songs, including Dream Like New York, which was selected for the end-title and soundtrack of Foxs new animated film, Everyones Hero. A blend of folk and pop-rock, this debut album has been received as comfort food for the soul. Go on...have a helping.