Jill Goldberg – Girl, Polite

Jill Goldberg – Girl, Polite
2011, Louar Music

Boston-based singer/songwriter Jill Goldberg returns on April 1, 2011 with a new six-song EP, Girl, Polite.  The talented and savvy artist provides her own perspectives on life, love and loss in solid, piano-drive pop/rock tunes full of heart.  Opening with “Not Worth It”, Goldberg crafts intriguingly radio-friendly pop without sounding saccharine or trite.  Goldberg’s deep alto voice is a pleasure to listen to, and she comes off as something of a cross between Laura Branigan and Paula Cole.  “Girl, Polite” explores the struggles of someone brought up to be a ‘good girl’ but feeling rage and anger at the actions of others.  What is occurring beneath the placid depths of polite conversation may surprise you, but should be strange to almost no one.  All of this is covered under a smooth-pop sound that is delightful.

“Where Did You Go” is a sorrowful pop ballad, born of heartbreak and loss.  There is a faux waltz underpinning the arrangement in 6/4 time, and Goldberg’s voice gives more than a few ‘WOW’ moments here.  “Five Steps” and “I’m Always Right” are bland filler, but Goldberg recovers nicely with “My Heaven”; a love song to one who may never hear it.  Goldberg writes here for herself, trying to survive loss and loneliness.  Goldberg is absolutely amazing on the chorus; her voice rich and deep and full of an abject beauty.

Girl, Polite hits a lot of right notes, and Jill Goldberg’s voice is in fine form throughout.  There are two filler tunes here, but even in her more mundane moments Goldberg is intriguing.  It’s a shame Goldberg will only be promoting this EP on the East Coast; she shows enough talent and panache to extend her reach well beyond the I-95 corridor.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jill Goldberg at http://www.jillgoldberg.com/ or www.myspace.com/jillgoldberg.  Girl, Polite drops April 1, 2011, and will be available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.

Review: Shelly Quarmby - Change

Shelly Quarmby - Change
2009, Quarmby Music

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Staffordshire, England, Shelly Quarmby decided to record her debut EP, Change in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Years of training in music, voice and even ballet have led up this moment, when the world-at-large learns about Shelly Quarmby.

Quarmby opens with If You Could Only See Me Now, using her lush voice and warm phrasing to shape the melody into a thing of beauty. A fairly simple arrangement serves to highlight Quarmby's voice, which is part Sarah McLachlan and part Paula Cole. If You Could Only See Me Now is a song that looks back at an old love through the eyes of melancholy. Quarmby maintains that same feel on the opening bars of Change, moving quickly to an upbeat tempo that tries to escape its melancholy roots but never quite manages. It's a song about the human tendency to embrace change in theory but rarely in fact. Who's That Girl is an interesting song about how life sneaks up on us sometime. One day we might look in the mirror and realize suddenly how much older we look, or wonder where the person we've always been went. Who's That Girl seems to explore that phenomenon in poetic terms. It's a pleasant song with a touch of Pop sensibility. Love's Not All There Is To It is a mature look at love and a future in marriage; children and all that come with domesticity. It's a beautiful melody that looks at love through a deeper lens than what's generally touched upon in popular music. This arrangement has just a touch of Country flavor to it and could easily be interpreted as a Country tune, but is more of an Adult Contemporary Pop tune as presented. Let Me Be The One shows the same sort of mature songwriting perspective, asking for the space to live her own life in conjunction with the life of another. It's a beautiful melody and very much a pleasurable listen.

Shelly Quarmby has a voice and musical style perfect for Adult Contemporary radio, crafting melodies that fit in nicely between the singer/songwriters of the 1970's (Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell) and the Adult Pop of today. Her writing perspective is very mature, involving thought, which can sometimes be detrimental to Pop radio exposure, but Quarmby is warm and likeable in her delivery and breezes right by that potential roadblock on Change. Quarmby could use a foil in her creation process, even if it were a talented instrumentalist who would challenge her arrangements on occasion, but Change is a very promising debut. Keep your eyes out for Shelly Quarmby. I have a sneaking suspicion this isn't the last we'll be hearing from her.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Shelly Quarmby at http://www.shellyquarmby.com/ or www.myspace.com/shellyquarmby. You can purchase a copy of Change as either a CD or Download from CDBaby.com.

Review: Monika Jalili - Élan

Monika Jalili - Élan
2009, RMJ Publishing

Monika Jalili stumbled into Persian music much the way destiny finds most people; it was something that was never entirely distant from her life based on her background, but took her quite surprise. Jalili was pursuing a career in musical theater when bitten by the bug of Persian music. After starting NoorSaaz with Megan (nee Weeder) in 2004, Persian music filled more and more of Jalili's musical vision. The culmination (thus far), is the album Élan. Jalili takes traditional folk songs of Iran/Persia prior to the Iranian revolution and breathes life into them with readings that mix both eastern and western perspectives. Jalili sings in Persian, Azeri, French and English, and her love of the songs shows through in every note. Many of these songs have been banned in Iran since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, but continue to inspire and move people all around the world. Élan is produced by Jamshied Sharifi, himself a prodigious composer (Muppets In Space, Down To Earth, Harriet The Spy, Clockstoppers), Arranger (Ray Charles, Paula Cole, Dream Theater) and band leader.

Élan opens with Ghoghaye Setaregan (Dance Of The Stars), an uplifting song full of hope and grace. Jalili's voice is eminently beautiful; a full and rich soprano that caresses each note with its texture and tone. Arezooha (Wishes) pulls in some serious Western Influence ala Windham Hill. The acoustic guitar here serving as the perfect complement to Jalili's vocals. This is one of those songs you just won't want to end, and the language barrier won't matter either. You don't need to understand the words to get the wistful hope with a slice of melancholy that pervades the song. As if to balance the western feel of Arezooha, Jalili heads resolutely in the other direction on Gonjeshgake Ashi Mashi. The violin and guitar nearly steal the show on this song, but Jalili owns the stage even on CD.

Ay Rilikh (Separation) is as close to an operatic recitative that Jalili gets on Élan. There's no Wagnerian fire and brimstone, but the emotive quality of the song is startling. The song itself is a thing of beauty, and Jalili draws every ounce of subdued drama and sorrow out into the open in the texture and tone of her voice. Evlari Vaar (To Bemaan) is one of the more interesting songs on Élan with clear Persian roots but an almost Eastern European/Slavic feel to it. The arrangement here is somewhat simplistic but that works to showcase Jalili's voice on a particularly challenging vocal line.

Biya Bare Safar Bandim (Let's Be On Our Way) has an almost Rock N Roll feel to it, bowing to distinct western influence. This is another relatively bare arrangement, relying primarily on guitar, violin and percussion. Peyke Sahari (Messenger Of Dawn) may well be the most beautiful composition on the disc, and finds Jalili in her most lyric vocal line yet. Bia Bia Benshin (Come Sit By Me) takes full control of the Persian scale, making the most of those two extra half-steps. Bia Bia Benshin sounds like it might have stepped right out of a movie or musical. Élan closes out with what must be described as the keynote song of the album, Ay Vatan (Oh, My Homeland). This is not so much a song of nationality as a musical ode to the land where an entire people's roots are driven deep. You'll be moved by Ay Vatan regardless of your nationality, and Jalili's rendition is absolutely haunting.

Monika Jalili comes along with a collection of poignant and beautiful Iranian/Persian songs that predate the Iranian Revolution at a time when the residents of that country are closer to turning back the revolution that binds them than at any point since 1979. Élan speaks to the goodness and yearning for a better life of a beautiful people; one who is striving right now for the freedom to choose their own path. If Jalili's album is reflective of the culture and nature of the people of Iran when free from oppression and fear, then it is an amazing tribute to a national spirit that has been hidden from the world for three decades. Élan is an amazing collection full of beauty, hope and the fragile yet vital strength of the human spirit.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Monika Jalili at http://www.monikajalili.com/, where you can purchase a copy of Élan. The CD is also available from Amazon.com. Downloads are available through iTunes.

Review: Cupéro - Cupéro

Cupéro - Cupéro
2009, Cupéro

Wow.

Warwick, NY native Clarissa Cupéro just bowled me over. Cupéro's self-titled 6-song EP is the sort of introduction that knocks a listener off their feet. Whether it's the distinctly mature tone of 19-year-old Cupéro's songwriting, the no-holds-barred emotional strength of her songs or the absolutely amazing instrument that is her voice, Cupéro is a purely unexpected and welcome surprise on the musical scene. The Siena College student has influences all over the music map, from KT Tunstall to various classic rock artists to Columbian rocker Juanes (17 Latin Grammys). Juanes has inspired Cupéro to be a bilingual artist, writing and singing in both English and Spanish. The EP, Cupéro, was produced by Patrick Ermlich and E-Shy Gazit, who brought Cupéro's songs to life in ways even she didn't suspect when she contacted them as a high school senior. Now, Cupéro is a college student trying to build her fan base in the Albany, NY and New York City markets who has her eyes on bigger stages down the road.

Those bigger stages shouldn't be a problem at all. Not since Marian Call came along with Vanilla have I been so utterly stilled by a debut album. Cupéro makes you want to just drop everything and listen, and she handles active rock tunes and ballads with equal aplomb. With a voice that falls somewhere on a line between Sarah McLachlan and Bonnie Tyler, Cupéro makes fans every time she opens her mouth to sing. Cupéro opens with I've Got Your Number, a song she wrote for a high school talent show that has become her signature song. I've Got Your Number could have been a hit anytime in the last 25 years, and with the right breaks would vie for radio spins even in today's fractured market. La Sombra is a Spanish language song, and while I can't comment on the lyrics (no habla), the song has a powerful, sensuous feel that borders on overwhelming. Cupéro rips the roof on this vibrant rocker.

I Thought I Knew Love is a commanding love song that's chart ready as you read this. It's a bit off the beaten love song track but ideal mix-tape material and the sort of song that lights up request/dedication lines. Life Is A Moment is a song about striving for dreams and never giving up. It's a powerful message delivered in a powerful vocal performance. The arrangement opens with Cupéro and piano, adding in cello and other instrumentation as the song progresses. There's a Paula Cole "I Don't Want To Wait" feel to this song that's unmistakable. Don't be surprised if Life Is A Moment ends up licensed, movies or even gets covered by big name artists down the road (by then Cupéro may be one herself). Quiero Tu Amor is the other Spanish language song on the EP, a gorgeous ballad that would sell a million copies in an English version. I have to say though that the Spanish language brings out a certain sensuality in Cupéro's voice that's more reserved in English, increasing her marketability in an increasingly multi-ethnic culture a hundred fold. Cupéro closes out with You'll Never Be There, an urgent acoustic rocker with Americana leanings that just about proves that she can do, play or sing almost anything.

Clarissa Cupéro has everything but the breaks. Talent and composure well beyond her nineteen years and a killer voice make it very possible that down the road the name Cupéro will be as familiar as names like Prince, Madonna and Beyonce. Yes, it's a grand statement, and practically everything in Cupéro's life and career would have to go just right for that to happen. But based on what I've heard on Cupéro, it's not out of the realm of imagination. Yes, she's that good. Find out for yourself. Cupéro is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. Don't wait, get it now.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Cupéro at http://www.myspace.com/cupero or http://www.cuperomusic.com/. You can download a copy of Cupéro through iTunes or through Amazon MP3. I don’t have any word on CD distribution at the time of publication, but will update with links when/if they become available.

Review: Jennings - Storybook [EP]

Jennings – Storybook [EP]
2009, No Sass Publishing

New York City based siren Mary Jennings is back with Storybook [EP], the follow-up to 2007’s Femtastic. Jennings shows significant musical maturation since Femtastic, with more balanced songwriting and a greater sense of where the song is going. I wish she had skipped the vocal enhancement software because voice is more than good enough to be heard without such effects. Storybook opens with Doorway, a song of time and place focusing on the distinct lack of movement between two people with more potential romance than actual. The plaintive piano part that drives the song seems to evoke the sense of waiting for the tide to change. Figure Me Out is a Paula Cole style confessional that has the same emotional edginess featured in Doorway. This one has a strong commercial feel without abandoning Jennings' singer/songwriter ethic. Hero shows some Tori Amos influence (ala Past The Mission). Jennings shows just how accomplished a story teller she is without getting too wordy or prosaic. The arrangement is perhaps a bit too predictable but overall it's a good listen.

Your Way has a nice ethereal setting, walking the line between Sarah McLachlan and Enya with a melody line that stands out from the textured vocal/instrumental arrangement. This is the most sonically interesting track on Storybook and would make the EP worth owning even if it were the only track. Jennings closes out Storybook with a song of raw devotion and commitment in Umbrella. The imagery is a bit on the simplistic side but the song is very sweet, with a rhythmic component that's as comforting as the message if not more so. Umbrella is an incredibly artful depiction of the state of mind of true love or friendship

Jennings has come along way in a short time as a songwriter. Her ability to take complex thoughts and emotions and place them in simple song structure without diluting the thoughts, feelings or moments they represent is distinctive. Her musical arrangements are strong and fitting and worthy of attention in the pop/rock realm. I have no doubt that down the line a few years she will hold significant respect not just from fans but other artists. On Storybook she is an artist who is Becoming, with significant talent and a distinctive style that is a pleasure to watch develop. Make sure you check this CD out.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Jennings at www.myspace.com/jenningsmusic or http://www.jennings-music.com/. You can purchase a copy of Storybook at www.cdbaby.com/cd/jenningsmusic4, or you can download the EP from iTunes.

Review: Jana Mashonee - New Moon Born

Jana Mashonee – New Moon Born
2009, Miss Molly Records

Jana Mashonee is a voice to be reckoned with. Her soulful, stannic alto is full of vibrato and swirling hues that capture the listener’s attention. She’s a performer for whom you’d gladly buy a concert ticket even if she was singing the phonebook. An award winning (7 Nammy Awards, 1 Grammy nomination) Native American (Lumbee Indian) singer, Mashonee aims for greater popular exposure with her latest CD, New Moon Born. With a mix of Soul, R&B, Latin, Native American and pop styles, Mashonee appears to have found a winning musical combination.

New Moon Born opens with Osiris’ Star and an incredible vocal line from Mashonee. The lyrical depth is more than you might expect from your typical, pop-oriented album; but nothing else here indicates that Mashonee is typical. There are some samples of fairly typical pop fare such as Solid Ground, Used To Be In Love and Water’s Edge. At the same time there are some real stunners on New Moon Born. For Just One Night is a gorgeous, affecting performance featuring some delicious minor key vocal harmonies. The Spanish version, Una Noche is even more powerful. Miracles spices things up with a funk-filled bass line and a dance beat guaranteed to get your feet moving. Sunday Morning shows Mashonee working in her upper register and sounding remarkably like Paula Cole.

So far, so good, but Carousel is the song you came to hear. Jana Mashonee shows signs of a big, powerful voice all throughout New Moon Born, and on Carousel she lets it run with vigor. Carousel is classic Soul/R&B ala Aretha Franklin (or more recently, Melinda Doolittle). Mashonee can belt with the best of them and delivers an absolutely stunning performance here. If she can do on stage what she does on CD then she has the potential to be a legend.

Jana Mashonee is already an icon. She is a sterling musical representative of The First Nations of the Americas, melding Native American and Latin sounds with traditional pop music in a fashion that has few forebears. Her powerful, hue-filled voice is instantly memorable and recognizable; resounding in the listener’s mind like a lucid dream. Mashonee delivers the songs on New Moon Born with a passion that burns right out of your speakers, and she’s impossible to overlook. New Moon Born has the potential to be a breakout recording.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Jana Mashonee at http://www.janamashonee.com/ or www.myspace.com/janamashonee. New Moon Born will be released on January 20, 2009. You can order copies or digital downloads through Amazon.com.