Cleo's a Spy - A Stranger's soul
Cleo's a spy - Blame it on her eyes
Step into a world of smoky jazz clubs, moonlit streets, Swiss intrigue, and unforgettable characters. A Stranger's Soul blends cinematic orchestral writing with intimate jazz, creating the soundtrack to Donna Drejza's first Swiss mystery novel.
From haunting trumpet solos to Julian Valentino's warm tenor, every song feels like a scene from a film. Cleo's powerful torch songs remind us that love can inspire... and destroy. Hans Aare's quiet vulnerability and Robin Rutherford's search for belonging weave through melodies that are as elegant as they are emotional.
Standout tracks such as "How Can You Love a Stranger?" linger long after the music ends, sending chills through the soul with their bittersweet beauty. Whether it's a lonely piano, a soaring string arrangement, or a smoky jazz ensemble, each piece invites you to slow down, pour a glass of wine, and let your imagination wander.
This isn't simply an album—it's the score to a mystery, a romance, and an unforgettable journey.
The second album expands the musical world of Cleo's A Spy with richer orchestration, deeper emotions, and unforgettable character-driven performances. Inspired by the second novel in the series, these songs move effortlessly between sweeping movie scores, sophisticated jazz, heartfelt ballads, and moments of unexpected humor.
The title song, "Blame It On Her Eyes," captures the poignant moment when the reserved Swiss physician Hans Aare realizes he has fallen hopelessly in love with Robin. Julian Valentino returns with his smooth, unmistakable tenor, while Cleo delivers unforgettable torch songs that prove one timeless truth: never underestimate a woman with a broken heart.
From playful jazz numbers to stirring orchestral themes, every composition feels cinematic. Romantic duets, haunting instrumentals, lyrical piano passages, expressive trumpet solos, and soaring strings create music that feels equally at home in a concert hall or the closing scene of an award-winning film.
Perfect for lovers of jazz, movie soundtracks, and beautifully told stories, Blame It On Her Eyes invites listeners into a world where every melody reveals another secret—and every song becomes part of the mystery.
Music
Original Music Inspired by the Swiss Mystery Novels
Cleo's a Spy - The Performers
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Robin Hans Cleo Julian Alexa
Meet Cleo's a Spy—a fictional band made up of characters from Donna Drejza's Swiss Mystery novels. They may exist only in her imagination, but their stories, personalities, and music are very real.
CLEO CLEMENT: Drums · Vocals
Cleo's soulful voice is port-wine deep. From scorched-earth torch songs to smoky jazz ballads, she sings with the kind of intensity that seems to say, Watch out—Cleo's in the room.
ALEXA AARE: Double Bass · Flute · Vocals
She may be tiny, but Alexa has power. Her voice moves from soft and intimate to a deep, expressive contralto reminiscent of Amy Winehouse—bringing vulnerability, drama, and a touch of danger to every song.
JULIAN VALENTINO: Brass · Vocals
Julian's trained tenor and elegant phrasing are perfectly suited to the band's most poignant ballads. Whether behind the brass or at the microphone, he brings romance, sophistication, and just enough heartbreak.
ROBIN RUTHERFORD: Violin · Piano · Vocals
Robin's voice is soft and smooth, like a flower petal in a rainstorm. Her gentle vocals, violin, and piano bring a tender, romantic quality to the music—a quiet counterpoint to the band's more dramatic personalities.
HANS AARE: Piano · Vocals
Hans possesses a deep baritone with tones of mahogany and maple—warm, resonant, and reassuring. He is not a regular member of the band, but occasionally lends his voice and piano when needed—or when sufficiently compelled.