Lara James - Why Wouldn't I [EP]

Lara James - Why Wouldn't I [EP]
2014, Lara James

Lara James grew up writing songs.  The fact that she was never exposed to pop music until her teens not-withstanding, James grew up on a mix of church music, jazz and old Broadway musicals.  In spite of her musical desires, she never pursued them until after she’d been married and had kids.  You’ll be glad she made the leap of faith, as James has a voice worth waiting for.  Her latest EP, Why Wouldn’t I, explores sparse and simple arrangements that allow her voice to shine. And shine it does.

James kicks off with the wonderfully sultry jazz number "Tick Tock", wielding a voice that could melt butter in a freezer and a fun energy. The energy remains high for "Why Wouldn't I", a carpe diem tune with a memorable chorus and a very danceable arrangement. In the hands of the right producer this song becomes a mega hit, but the electronic enhancements added in that process would detract from the simple beauty of James' composition.

James gives Garth Brooks' "The Thunder Rolls" a confessional/cabaret feel, but the quiet suspense of the arrangement is a perfect complement to her voice.  "Love Worth Fighting For" is a delightfully stripped down ballad with a melancholy feel, yet is full of a vibrant energy that's impossible to ignore. James is entirely on her game here, owning the moment the way a leading lady owns the stage. James bows with "Untouchable", a son of unrequited love that's stark and martial in its construction. There's a distinct pop sensibility here in spite of the stripped down arrangement.

Lara James can work with songs with sparse arrangements because she has a voice that fills up that sonic space. While perhaps not a belter, she shows a warm, full voice on Why Wouldn't I that runs from affable to sultry; with a quietly commanding presence that cuts to the heart of each every song. Some producer is going to get hold of James and make a huge star out of her with glitzy pop songs, but this musical milieu is where she shines brightest.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.larajamesmusic.com.  

Abbie Barrett & The Last Date - The Triples: Volume 1

Abbie Barrett & The Last Date - The Triples: Volume 1
2011, Beige Bomber Records

Abbie Barrett grew up in New York City attending private schools. A professional career and upward mobility were the clear goal. Even through college, Barrett was on target. But once free from formal education, Barrett jumped around from town to town anything but. Eventually landing in Somerville, Massachusetts, she first picked up a guitar and began writing down the songs that kept running through her head. This was a watershed moment, both a continuation of her rebellion against the expectations she was raised with, and an embrace of the person she would become. Drawing on influences as disparate as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Neil Young and Aimee Mann, Barrett continues to write songs about underdogs, unsung heroes and rebels. Along with her band, The Last Date, Barrett recently released the first in a series of EPs called The Triples.

The Triples, Volume 1 opens with "Here To Stay", a low-key, but high energy rock n roll fight song that's part Chrissie Hynde and part Sara Bareilles. Featuring a memorable chorus, the song shows off Barrett's distinct voice, which is distinctly beautiful but contains a formidable toughness that's not to be ignored. "On The Range" is a drearily ethereal spaghetti western in song. Barrett's voice and the vocal harmonies of her band help to create a distinctive sound that is both uplifting and haunting. The EP closes with "Draw Me In", an elongated and smooth ballad that sounds like Hope Sandoval singing along to Pink Floyd. The ultimately sad feel of the song holds its own unique beauty, and avoids the neuroses that pervade "sad pop" music.

Abbie Barrett is a distinctive voice in Indie Pop music. Together with The Last Date, Barrett has created three memorable and likeable songs that run the gamut stylistically. The Triples: Volume 1 is a wonderful introduction to an artist who shows a lot of promise. This EP will ensure that careful listeners are likely to be waiting for the release of the other two volumes in the series.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Abbie Barrett & The Last Date at www.abbiebarrett.com or www.myspace.com/abbiebarrett.  The Triples, Volume 1 was scheduled for a November 8, 2011, but as of this review does not appear to have made it to market yet.  Keep checking Barrett's website for release details.

Madi Diaz - Far From The Things That We Know [EP]

Madi Diaz - Far From Things That We Know [EP]
2011, Tiny Ogre

Madi Diaz is a face in the crowd in Nashville; one of the minions of new era singer/songwriters infiltrating Music Way.  But once you here evocative sound and her penchant for contrast a songwriter, Diaz will quickly become unforgettable.  On September 20, 2011, Diaz releases a three-song EP, Far From The Things That We Know, is a preview for a full-length album due out in early 2012.  Produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, The Dave Matthews Band), Far From The Things That We Know will place Madi Diaz firmly on the map, and build significant anticipation for the full-length release to come.

Far From Things That We Know opens with "Let's Go", a middle of the road pop number you'd expect to hear at Lilith Fair.  Diaz pumps up a simple arrangement with a full sound, and her voice is a pleasure to the ears, but the song doesn't make much of an impression either way.  "Johnny" hits the mark; an urgent entreaty in song, harking back to the era of Saturday night drag racing on the edge of town.  Diaz crafts a nice, fluid melody here to take the edge of a lover's premonition, and sounds like a blend of Emm Gryner and Sara Bareilles.  Diaz closes with "Heavy Heart", an intriguing piece of melancholy folk/pop with a sweet melody.  Diaz' pretty, reserved sound is memorable.  She doesn't blow listeners away, but draws you in with a sense of quiet that is intriguing.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Madi Diaz at www.madidiaz.com or www.myspace.com/madidiaz.  Far From The Things That We Know is scheduled to drop September 20, 2011.  Keep checking Diaz’ website(s) for details.

Sarah Solovay - Gone [EP]

Sarah Solovay - Gone [EP]

2009, Sarah Solovay

Balancing the approach of an Indie singer/songwriter and pop artist is a difficult task that has eluded some pretty talented people over the years.  For New York City singer/songwriter Sarah Solovay it comes as easy as breathing.  Hers is a writing process that always begins alone with an acoustic guitar in hand.  Solovay's creations often grow into full productions with layers of sound, tangible heart and a pop sensibility that's undeniable.  This is why Solovay's music been featured on television, in movies and on major websites since 2009.  Solovay's debut EP, Gone, released in 2009, continues to be a commercial success for Solovay, even as she works toward completion of her first full length album.

Gone kicks off with the title track, a catchy bit of radio-ready pop/rock with some muscle in the chorus.  Solovay explores disbelief and heartbreak in the wake of a relationship on "Gone", using her wonderfully sultry/husky alto to illuminate a chorus you won't be able to get out of your head.  "Hearts Collide" calls out a potential love to take a chance.  Once again, Solovay has crafted an infectiously catchy tune that has radio hit written all over it without giving into the clichés of pop radio.  "You'll Never Know" is a carpe diem tune, calling out someone to live their life before it’s too late.  The message is great, and the pop sensibility here is distinguished.  Solovay advocates for personal authenticity on "All She Could Be", the story of a smart girl who chooses the "plastics" route rather than being all she's capable of.  It's great pop/rock songwriting with a memorable chorus and a positive message.  Solovay closes with an intriguingly personal open letter in song entitled "Delight".  A love song, Solovay blows cliché out of the water in an intense ballad with a modern feel. 

Sarah Solovay aptly blends the singer/songwriter aesthetic with high-value pop sensibility on Gone.  Delivering personal anecdotes in song is not uncommon for singer/songwriter types, but Solovay's depth quickly outshines the bevy of pop beauties who generally control radio airwaves.  She does so with a pop sensibility that stands up to the best, and can only mean good things down the road.  Sarah Solovay is the real deal; put her on a major label and she'd be a Top 10 selling artist.  Gone shows what an artist with potential can become when left to their own devices.  Solovay's evolution is likely not completed on Gone, but the promise of what she might be based on what she's already become is nothing less than breathtaking.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Sarah Solovay at www.sarahsolovay.com or www.myspace.com/sarahsolovay.  Gone  is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available via iTunes.

Jennings - Collapse, Collide

Jennings - Collapse, Collide
2011, Mary Jennings

New York City-based singer/songwriter (Mary) Jennings returns on May 10, 2011 with her third album, Collapse, Collide.  Jennings has spent much of the past year touring and working with Billboard-charting songwriters to further develop her sense of song craft.  These efforts are apparent on Collapse, Collide, although, as always, with growth comes growing pains.

Collapse, Collide opens with "Surrender", an electro-ethereal pop number that falls somewhere between Sarah McLachlan and Sara Bareilles.  Jennings' distinctive voice is on display here, although it seems as if she never really opens it up.  It's a solid starter, but without the sort of dynamism you might expect.  "The Darkness" is in similar territory, but shows much better realization and execution of what Jennings might have foreseen when writing the song.  Centered on a solid groove, Jennings builds around an original progression that serves as a natural focus for her muse.  "Everlong" is a plus love ballad, although it sounds like Jennings may have chosen a key too low.  She appears to struggle with the bottom of the melody line at times, with pitch being the casualty. 

"Falling Higher" is a great tune with a lot of potential.   Jennings is spot-on in this love song, but the production is a bit messy and at times, distracting.  Jennings offers herself as support to loved one in "Cling To Me", a well-intended and well-written tune that just doesn't become itself in execution.  This isn't so much an artistic issue as a production one.  "U-Turns" is a vibrant pop number with real potential that once again falters on the boards.  The remainder of the album is solid yet uninspiring contemporary adult contemporary alternative rock music that is nicely slotted for radio consideration but fails to live up to what Jennings is capable of.

Collapse/Collide would be a solid effort from many artists, but Mary Jennings has made a point of cutting her own path through the emotional hinterlands that have defined her previous work.  Jennings' move to the commercial center is somewhat befuddling, as she seems to surrender her own voice for a quasi-corporate conception of what she should sound like.  Jennings is a distinctive enough talent to make it work as best she might, but hard core Jennings fans won't know what to do with Collapse, Collide.  Chalk it up to an artist going through the growing pains of how to commercialize their art in a meaningful way without giving up the spirit that got her this far.  The compromises here are too many, and the production is too messy to allow Jennings to emerge from Collapse/Collide. 

Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jennings at www.jennings-music.com or www.facebook.com/jenningsfemtastic.  Collapse, Collide drops on May 10, 2011.  Pre-orders are available through Amazon.com on CD and as a Download.  Preorders are also available via iTunes.

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.

Rachel McGoye - Ghetto Gloss [EP]

Rachel McGoye - Ghetto Gloss [EP]
2010, Rachel McGoye

Rachel McGoye is a small-town Florida girl who made her way to Los Angeles by way of the Berklee College Of Music. Miscalculated relationships, jobs waiting tables and oft-stolen bicycles dotted McGoye’s path, but she emerged with her impressive sophomore album Beautiful Disaster in 2008. McGoye’s fourth release, an EP entitled Ghetto Gloss, is scheduled for release on August 31, 2010 (although it appears to be already available on both Amazon and iTunes). The EP is an impressive step forward for McGoye, raising her stylish songwriting a notch while maintaining the same pop sensibility and propensity for catchy melodies.

McGoye opens with "Ghetto Gloss", a positive statement of self that could turn out to be anthem for young ladies all over. Don't be surprised if this song ends up as the theme song for a reality series about instilling young women with confidence and a sense of self. "Love Me Good" is a pop-oriented love song that's almost Top-40 material. The arrangement here is perhaps a bit tame and folk-rooted to really make it on commercial radio, but the song is certainly good enough. Re-imagine this in a slicker arrangement and McGoye has a major hit on her hands. Which doesn't change the fact that the version McGoye put out is probably better than one that would ascend the charts, and truer to McGoye's muse. "Love Seed" finds McGoye fighting for a relationship that's perhaps lost its initial luster but fulfills her. It's a mature love song that sees beyond infatuation into the day-to-day struggle even the best of relationships can be. Once again McGoye eschews pure commerciality for an honest, appealing arrangement that has its own commercial appeal. Ghetto Gloss closes with "Oh My, My", a song with a more pop/dance orientation that keeps to McGoye's folk/pop sensibility. It might be the catchiest song on the EP for radio purposes and is very well-written; a song of moving on written in positive, self-focused terms.

Rachel McGoye charms with her silky alto on Ghetto Gloss, offering up a distinct folk/pop sound that stays true to her acoustic style but brings in elements of pop and even dance music for sound that, if not original, is highly appealing in its freshness. Add to that top-notch songwriting and a deft touch for delivery, and McGoye has a real winner on her hands with Ghetto Gloss. It will not be at all surprising if at least one of these songs breaks big for McGoye, as she shows all the components of being a star on Ghetto Gloss.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Rachel McGoye at http://www.rachelmcgoye.com/ or www.myspace.com/rachelmcgoye.  Ghetto Gloss drops August 31, 2010, although it appears already be available on Amazon.com as both a CD and Download, as well as on iTunes.

Review: Sara Haze - My Personal Sky

Sara Haze - My Personal Sky
2009, Strategic Alliance Records America

Sara Haze is a 19-year old California singer-songwriter who is wise beyond her years. A professional singer from the age of twelve, Haze has ruled stages from Canadian Music Week to SXSW to Popkomm. You might have heard Haze’s songs on shows MTV’s The Hills, and you’ll be certain to hear her from a slew of outlets over the next few years. Haze projects a distinctive authenticity; a sweet and sunny disposition underwritten by an emotional toughness built from self-confidence. These qualities come through in spades on Haze’s debut album, My Personal Sky.

My Personal Sky opens with "Beautiful Day", a highly produced pop/rock anthem about finally coming into the clear after hard times. This could be the perfect summer song both for message and feel. If "Beautiful Day" finds the right breaks this could be a huge hit for Haze. "Melt Into You" is a big-time romantic rocker that is not only another potential hit but also a likely favorite for mix tape makers. Haze shows a bit more vulnerability on "My Own Hands To Hold", and angst-filled ballad about a relationship stuck in a bad cycle. The song itself is fair, but Haze turns it into something more with a vibrant, emotionally charged but not over-the-top performance.

In order for an album to really break out and become a cornerstone recording for an artist, there has to be at least one song that could be called magical in there somewhere. Sara Haze finds that magic with "Every Heart"; rumination on all the things that make our life stories special. "Every Heart" is the sort of tune that could become the signature song of an artist over the course of a long career; one that becomes so identified with an artist that others cover it at their peril. The commercial possibilities for "Every Heart" are endless. It's a great pop number, but also has the feel of a keynote song from a Broadway show or the opening theme from a major motion picture.
Haze gives listeners a different look on "Mama", a sassy and soulful rocker that could be "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" for the modern age. Haze gives a powerful positive voice to self-respect and standing up for what you believe in a turn that's both a vibrant musical statement and a defining song as a potential role model for young women (people) everywhere. What makes "Mama" work so well is that Haze isn't trying to be like anyone else here; there's no duplicity or attempt to capture another's zeitgeist. Haze is just being herself and the rest all follows. "Lovely" is another powerful ballad with a positive message. Anyone who’s ever felt pressured by someone they love to be something they aren't will identify strongly with this tune. The licensing potential here is huge; and while the commercial radio pop of the song is low because of the tempo and arrangement, the universality of the message might be enough to overcome such things.

Haze rips though "Counterfeit Hero" with ease before jumping into "Shine"; a tune about not letting the dark times get you down. Haze implores listeners to make and be their own light in a powerfully positive song of self-actualization. Haze only seems to get distracted once on the entire album, as "The Border" just seems a bit out of synch with the rest of My Personal Sky, but recovers nicely with the rock anthem "Church Of Memories". Haze seems intent on re-iterating her support of self-actualization over faith in something else in a closer that affirms Haze's prowess as a pop songwriter and performer.

My Personal Sky, in a perfect world, would be the sort of pop/rock album that launches Sara Haze into the musical stratosphere. Haze is no plastic, singing about her beliefs in a firm voice that evokes vulnerability run through with a spine of smoky steel. It's hard to imagine My Personal Sky not making big waves on radio, television and in motion pictures. This sort of pop/rock hybrid is rare these days, and there is an appetite for such hybrids, but the shambles of commercial radio and the absolute flooding of net-based radio by anyone with a home computer and recording software makes it a bit harder for the diamonds to shine. Sarah Haze is a diamond, and My Personal Sky sparkles with the light of her sunny disposition and the strength of her songwriting and voice. Don't miss this one.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Sara Haze at http://www.sarahaze.com/ or www.myspace.com/sarahaze. You can purchase My Personal Sky on either CD or Download from Amazon.com. Downloads are also available through iTunes.

Review: Rehyn - A Time To Fly

Rehyn - A Time To Fly
2008, Rehyn

Rehyn is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin singer-songwriter with a fresh and daring voice and poetic style that’s unconventional in pop music. With a positive life outlook that shines through her songs, Rehyn is a musical dreamer who inspires listeners to reach beyond their own existences. Rehyn's debut EP, A Time To Fly, opens doors for the artist and listener that are intriguing.

A Time To Fly opens with Fortune's Fool, a song about chasing dreams and wanting to taste from the cup of life. It's a positive and uplifting anthem for a generation raised on reality television. Wonderful Way is a piano-based ballad that looks back at a relationship from the past and speaks of the good that came from it. It's a mature and touching bit of songwriting with a highly memorable chorus. Rehyn's voice is very intriguing, particularly on this song. There's an edgy, textured sound that wants to sing Blues or even Country, but Rehyn is a Pop/Rock songwriter who lives and dies by her piano. The contrast between her piano and voice will keep listeners involved in every word. This Morning and Walls are both decent but seem to have some awkwardness in the lyrical content. Questions improves a bit on the lyric side and offers a solemn, heartfelt look at a relationship.

A Time To Fly hits all the right notes with the first two songs, Fortune's Fool and Wonderful Way. Things get a bit rougher the rest of the way, but there's a clear indication that Rehyn can write. Her voice has an earthy, warm quality to it with an edge in the middle that makes for great listening even if plays havoc with tone once in a great while. The lyric aspect is up and down on the EP, but the up moments suggest that will improve with time. A Time To Fly is a strong introduction; make sure to check out Rehyn.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Rehyn at http://www.rehyn.com/ or www.myspace.com/rehyn. You can purchase a download of A Time To Fly at CDBaby.com.