The Best Is Yet To Come - The Songs Of Cy Coleman

The Best Is Yet To Come - The Songs Of Cy Coleman

2009, New West Records

Cy Coleman, née Seymour Kaufman found success in the classical and jazz worlds before finding his true calling - Broadway. He didn't let being late to the game stop him from having a stellar career, however, garnering 5 Tony Awards, 3 Emmy Awards and 2 Grammys before his untimely death in 2004. Coleman gave birth to the scores and songs of such shows as Sweet Charity, City Of Angels, The Life, The Will Rogers Follies, and Barnum. In the process, Coleman, created songs and shows that continues to have an impact on Broadway even today. It's not surprising, then, that Coleman would be honored with a compilation such as The Best Is Yet To Come - The Songs Of Cy Coleman.

The voices here might surprise you. Artists as diverse as Patty Griffin, Madeleine Peyroux, Sam Phillips, Fiona Apple, Nikka Costa and Jill Sobule offer up their talents in a stunning, stealthy collection that will take you by surprise. Griffin surprises with a wonderful sultry and soulful take on "The Best Is Yet To Come", while Fiona Apple lights up the night with "Why Try To Change Me Now" and "I Walk A Little Faster", showing off an impressive upper range in the latter that you might not suspect from her more alt-pop oriented originals. Madeleine Peyroux and Sam Phillips turn in solid outings on "I Live My Life" and "You Fascinate Me So", respectively, and Nikka Costa is a pleasant surprise on "The Rules Of The Road".

The true gems here, however, are the ones you don't see coming. Julianna Raye brings an amazingly earthy and tonally buoyant voice to "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life", while Sarabeth Tucek hits all the right notes on "Where Am I Going?” Even Jill Sobule shows a surprising versatility on "I've Got Your Number". The highlight of the disc, however, is the closing performance of "(I'm) In Love Again" by Missy Higgins.

Cy Coleman left an indelible mark on American Musical Theater. The songs presented on The Best Is Yet To Come - The Songs Of Cy Coleman, are the proof in the pudding. This is perhaps one of the most inspired composer collections to emanate from Broadway in some time.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Cy Coleman at Notable Music.

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Sheri Miller - Winning Hand

Sheri Miller - Winning Hand
2011, Sheri Miller

Sheri Miller made an impact quickly.  Her 2008 debut album, Mantra, spawned an underground hit in "Right Here, Right Now", and earned her recognition as one of Music Connection's 'Hot 100 Unsigned Artists'.  An invitation to join a group called The Delilahs resulted in a major label contract and opportunities to write songs with the likes of J.D. Souther, Jill Sobule, Shawn Mullins and Al Anderson (NRBQ).  Unfortunately the band fell apart, and Miller found herself on her own again.  She did the only thing a songwriter could do; she kept writing and performing.  The result is Miller's sophomore EP, Winning Hand, featuring a top-notch band with members who have played with the likes of Paul Simon, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, David Bowie and Suzanne Vega.  Winning Hand was produced by Kevin Killern (U2, Peter Gabriel), and represents significant growth on the excellent start Miller got off to with Mantra. 

Winning Hand sets sails with an Americana/pop love song in the form of "Spoons".  It's a brilliant low-key pop tune featuring gorgeous harmonies and a memorable chorus.  This could be a bonafide hit for Miller, and will likely be a winner in the licensing world as well.  "Winning Hand" is a languorous Americana ballad about taking the chance to fall in love.  Miller's melody is winsome, but the overall effect is a touch bland.  "Satellite" has an acoustic southern rock feel that's appealing.  A quiet anthem screaming to have big guitar sound pumped in, the song remains an enjoyable listen even in this stripped down form.  "Everybody Feels This Way Sometimes" seems a bit out of place here.  It's a decent enough tune, but doesn't have the same energy or sense of personality as the other tracks presented here.  Winning Hand winds up with "Hungry For The Truth", a dark rocker about figuring out the meaning of life, no matter the cost.  The song is quietly impressive, sneaking up on you and growing in estimation with each successive listen.  It's probably the most impressive piece of songwriting Sheri Miller has unveiled thus far; showing a much more complex and intricate side to her songwriting psyche than one might expect.

Sheri Miller continues to impress, showing more levels and layers to her lyrics and composition than on the formidable Mantra EP.  The best way to describe Sheri Miller is to say she's a star in waiting.  In the days of major label dominance, Sheri Miller would already have a major record deal, and would be in demand as both a songwriter and performer.  Life is both easier and harder in the post-label era, but Miller's progression as a songwriter in the last three years speaks of wonderful things to come down the road.  Winning Hand has its rough spots, but when Miller is on her game there are few better.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Sheri Miller at www.sherimiller.com or www.myspace.com/sherimiller. 

Review: Justin Trawick - Starting Over

Justin Trawick - Starting Over
2009, Justin Trawick

Washington DC based singer-songwriter Justin Trawick gets point for making lemonade. Trawick used the loss of his 9-5 job as impetus to pursue music full time. His brand of Rock/Folk/Americana has seen him gain a lot of attention on his local music scene and even garner high praise from such sources as The Washington Post and NPR's All Things Considered. Trawick's debut EP, Starting Over features 5 songs focused on transitions and the twists and turns that life sometimes throws our way. Trawick has already opened shows for groups such as Cowboy Mouth, Bob Schneider, Edwin McCain, The Gourds, Jill Sobule and Pat McGee; it's only a matter of time before he's headlining the same stages.

Starting Over gets going with Snow Angels, an Americana tune about a breakup that illuminates the pain against the happiness of past events. The song has great rhythm and movement; it sticks with you. French Fries And Gravy is a conversation; a search for new paths and a desire for familiar landmarks. I really like this song; it's a palpable story that makes sense without deeper thought, but there's also a lesson in here about the contrasting aspects of human nature that want the greener grass but also the comforts of home. The arrangement is perfect, almost lilting, and Trawick handles the vocal masterfully. Untitled details a relationship where the protagonist is not on equal romantic footing with his partner; the doomed relationship comes to the expected end while he still pines for a second chance. Moving On is my personal favorite track on the disc, a wild, barely staying on the rails bit of Folk and Rhythm And Blues about people's tendency to talk first and think later. The arrangement is well done with the same sense of reckless abandon implied by the subject. Trawick closes with Starting Over, which was written just days after Trawick lost his job. Trawick speaks candidly in the song about the twists and turns of life and his desire to get back on a path.

Justin Trawick is above all else a songwriter. He spins yarns in comfortable Folk/Americana arrangements that smooth the listener's path into the deeper meanings that lay behind his songs. Trawick's biggest influence is Bob Schneider, and it shows a bit in his songwriting style, but Trawick maintains his own voice throughout Starting Over. I expect big things to come from, and for, Justin Trawick.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Justin Trawick at www.myspace.com/justintrawick. You can purchase Starting Over as either a CD or MP3 at CDBaby.com.