Sayaka Alessandra is a beauty with a deep, rich voice and a name so pretty it should be the inspiration for a follow-up to Ben Folds’ ‘Saskia Hamilton.’
According to her personal website, “Since being discovered on YouTube Sayaka has gone on to sing in Café’s, Lounges and outdoor venues. In the short time she’s been singing and learning guitar her talents have excelled. At the present rate of improvement her fans predict she’s on the way to becoming an international star.”
I love that… the present rate of improvement. I wonder if she can express that numerically.
Alessandra tackles this Dylan cover very seriously, a stark contrast from the smiling, toe-tapping figure she cuts on covers of Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter and others. I’d like a little more emotion in this clip. As pleasing as she is to the eye and the ear, she doesn’t make me feel the song.
But at her present rate of improvement, I bet she will soon enough.
Leave at your own chosen speed
I’m not the one you want, babe
I’m not the one you need
You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Never weak but always strong
To protect you an’ defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every door
But it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe
Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I’m not the one you want, babe
I will only let you down
You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Who will promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes for you
Someone to close his heart
Someone who will die for you an’ more
But it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe
Go melt back into the night, babe
Everything inside is made of stone
There’s nothing in here moving
An’ anyway I’m not alone
You say you’re lookin’ for someone
Who’ll pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
An’ to come each time you call
A lover for your life an’ nothing more
But it ain’t me, babe
No, no, no, it ain’t me, babe
It ain’t me you’re lookin’ for, babe
Meet Me In Montauk 
Well, now I’m curious to see the other videos you mentioned, so I can see her present rate of improvement.:)
Nice cover, but I agree that it lacks a certain passion and originality.
I find the route to discovery so interesting. Wondering if people with talent will use this venue more to be discovered. Hint, hint.