In Volume XXV, issue #9, of Music Connection Magazine, there's an interview with Nikka Costa.

This issue came out way before the CD release, and from what I saw, I decided that I had 2 get her CD.

She mentions Prince twice. "...So I had to succumb to what naturally came out of me, which would be more soul-oriented, Prince-type stuff."

Later, when they ask her about comparisons to Janis Joplin, she says, "...it's a huge compliment. The funny thing is that I honestly only have one of her...records... I'm more inspired by Prince, Stevie Wonder, and artists like Chaka Khan."

By the way, the CD switches musical gears with practically every track. She plays the Wurlitzer (keyboard) and a little guitar, as well, and her husband/producer Justin Stanley plays several instruments on the CD, and has a definate Sly Stone touch on "Everybody's Got Their Somethin'" ?uestlove adds drums on several cuts, including a Led Zep/John Bonham type ultra-heavy groove on "Tug of War", which is one of best tracks on the CD...

Just go get it, and it'll grow on U, like a funky grapevine. I haven't been this excited about a "new" artist in a while.
Peace!