Review: Christelle - Debut EP

Christelle - Debut EP
2009, Christelle

Indie R&B singer Christelle is a native of Gabon, West Africa. All of 19 years old, she immigrated to the United States in 2006 knowing very little English. Entering intensive English studies, she has now transitioned to design school where she is working to develop her own clothing line to coincide with her music. Christelle began vocal training in 2008 after being inspired by the rise of Rihanna, and has already recorded twenty-four songs. Her appropriately titled Debut EP was just released.

Christelle opens with Can You Handle Me, featuring guest artist Agacee. This is fairly typical Pop/R&B/Dance fare. Christelle sounds a bit young here, and that may feed the popularity of the song on the club circuit. The song is very danceable but sounds too much like much of what's already been done to really stand out. Busted is a little more pop oriented, allowing Christelle to show off her voice, which is sweet. The harmonic construction here is pretty neat; this is a song that could have some legs on Pop radio, and definitely should play well in the clubs. I'm A Tease sounds like a song you might associate with a character, I mean a contestant in a reality TV show. It's a great pop/dance arrangement, and Christelle shows more than capable pipes on what may be the most radio and club friendly song on the CD. Don't be surprised if this song gets licensed for TV. Christelle tries to go the R&B ballad route on Feelin' You (La La La). The song is decent, but Christelle just sounds a little too cute to pull this one off. I Can't Be Me takes a little bit of a darker tone, and it sounds like Christelle's voice has been altered to give it a darker quality. The song works but not as well as some of the other material here. The EP closes out with Excess Vibration, a pure club tune with great beats.

Christelle's Debut EP tries to be several things. For the most part it works, but a part of me wants to see her pick a direction and go with. The attempt to do R&B AND Dance AND Pop and even a darker, alternative foray make it seem like her producers are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. Christelle sounds like a talented if not overpowering vocalist with a very sweet sound. Attempts to make her into something other than what she is are bound to fail, but Christelle has real potential just being herself. The moments on Christelle that work revolve around Christelle just being who she is and singing for the joy of it.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Christelle at http://www.christellemusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/christelle. You can purchase a copy of Debut EP at www.cdbaby.com/cd/christelle.

Review: Almost One - Almost One (Demo)

Almost One - Almost One (Demo)
2008, Almost One

New York power trio Almost One is led by the songwriting inspiration of Steve Carrea. Carrea and a movable supporting cast create melodic power pop tunes reminiscent of 1980’s radio rock. Almost One sent in their 4-song demo for review.

Almost One opens with This Night Could Be True, a martial love song befitting a big rock act from the 1980's. The Line is a catchy tune that you'll be humming for a few days after hearing it. Lead vocalist Chandler Mogel sounds a bit like a cross between Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi, and Almost One has a big rock feel to them that is belied by their stripped down instrumentation. Outside The Box is a tame pop rocker that's pleasant but doesn't really stand out. Standing Still is the sort of song that can garner major attention for an unknown band. Give the right producer a couple of days with Almost One and add in the right push from a label and this song is a big hit.

Almost One has a strong pop/rock sound with real commercial potential. There are some rough edges here, but the songwriting is better than average and the arrangements are exposure friendly. This is a good first step for Almost One.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Almost One at www.myspace.com/almostonemusic or http://www.almostone.com/.

Review: Crush UK - 99-09: Ten Years Of Crush UK

Crush UK – 99-09: Ten Years Of Crush UK
2009, Crush UK

Crush UK have been doing their thing for ten years now. The UK based trio have four albums, a number one single (Crush), and a top ten hit (Meaning Of Life) to their name, as well as a loyal following in both the UK and the United States. Lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter Martin Weller drives the band as a creative force, but drummer Rick bell and bassist Dave Dudley add that extra magic that turn Crush UK from a singer/songwriter project into a vibrant ensemble. Crush UK will complete their fifth studio album in 2009. The as-yet-unnamed project figures to mix Crush UK's usual influences of Pop, Punk, Country, Blues and Rock. In the meantime, Crush UK is offering a best of CD through their website called 99-09: Ten Years Of Crush UK.

99-09 has some very worthwhile songs you'll want to hear. Strange Love is a real gem. Weller's urgent vocal style works well in an acoustic pop song that deserves some serious attention. Reach Out is another great acoustic pop construct. Reach Out will have your toes tapping and you'll find yourself singing along, particularly to the infectious chorus. Pop Song is a frenetic 1960's style rocker that is truly a fun listen.

My personal favorite song on 99-09 is Tall Society, a deliciously infectious, Beatles-esque tune you won't be able to get out of your head. Crush UK gives us a remarkably compact pop arrangement on Meaning Of Life, another song you'll have a hard time getting out of your head. Crush UK goes almost Rockabilly on Enjoy The Moment, one of the best light moments in their catalog. Other song highlights include Greedy Martine, Today & Tomorrow, Stronger and Outrageous.

Whether you're already acquainted with Crush UK or you've never heard of them before, it’s worth your time to check out 99-09. I have to admit that I'd heard of them before but never listened to any of their music. There are some great musical nuggets there for those who take the time to listen.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Crush UK at http://www.crushuk.com/, where you can purchase a copy of 99-09: Ten Years Of Crush UK in their store.

Review: Eva Gomyde/Carlos Roberto de Oliveira - Piano Duo

Eva Gomyde & Carlos Roberto de Oliveira - Piano Duo
2006, Maritaca Brasil

Eva Gomyde & Carlos Roberto De Oliveira form Piano Duo, an amazing two-piano team from Brazil. Each a graduate of Magda Tagliaferro School in Brazil, Gomyde and de Oliveira have led lives full of musical performance and continued learning. Carlos Roberto de Oliveira began learning piano from his uncles, including composer/conductor Dom Salvador. He has also studied with Brazilian composer Osvaldo Lacerda and German conductor Hans-Joachin Koellreuter. Eva Gomyde began playing at the age of three and has worked with Ciro Perreira, Nelson Ayres, Koellreuter and none other than Magda Tagliaferro herself. In 2006, Gomyde and de Oliveira released their first recording, Piano Duo. It culls together 4 original compositions, 3 by Dom Salvador and interpretations of compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Egberto Gismonti, Ernesto Nazareth and Yves Rudner Schmidt.

Piano Duo opens with Baiao Pentatonico, creating an almost spring-like feel mixed with the hustle and bustle of a city, all in musical form. Samba De Uma Nota So is 5 1/2 minutes of musical metamorphosis from an almost neo-classical musical palette into progressive and then more classical jazz forms. Meu Caro Irmao is a classic romantic piano ballad that sounds like it should be part of the soundtrack of some old black and white Hollywood film. My personal favorite on the album is Preludio with its cascading runs and grand resolutions. Other highlights include Maria, Lua, Baderna Modal and Arruaca.

Eva Gomyde & Carlos Robert de Oliveira run the table from classical to jazz with the occasional sprinkling of new age ambience on Piano Duo. Like all great instrumental albums, Piano Duo refuses to be relegated to the background. Even the quieter are traps that lull you into momentary complacence before challenging you with something new. Piano Duo is a great listen, and highly recommended!

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Eva Gomyde and Carlos Roberto de Oliveira at http://www.pianoduo.com.br/. You can purchase a copy of Piano Duo at Amazon.com.

Review: Fern Viola - My Faith (With Al Bachmann)

Fern Viola (with Al Bachmann) - My Faith
2008, DJ Companion Records

Hamilton, Ontario's Fern Viola has been wowing audiences with his deep Baritone voice for years. Nicknamed by none other than former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau "Mr. O Canada", Fern Viola is back after twenty years with a new recording with old partner in crime Al Bachmann handling songwriting duties. My Faith is a collection of love songs and religious songs done in classic crooner style, ala Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett or Perry Como.

The voice is perhaps not a strong as it was twenty years ago, but Viola's charisma hasn't lost a step. Viola sells the songs on My Faith as well as any of his idols. At 83 years old his voice has held up at least as well as that of Tony Bennett. The material on My Faith is somewhat dated in sound, recalling a period in Las Vegas lounge music that saw the Rat Pack at their peak. That being said, My Faith is extremely accessible. In an age when much music relies on effects and sounds, Viola and Bachman take it back to the basics: melody and lyrics. My Faith works by keeping it simple, allowing the inherent beauty in each of the songs to come through; relying on Fern Viola's showmanship to sell it. And he does.

There are even a few surprises on My Faith. Ave Maria Bach Gounod takes the traditional hymn and places it in a minimalist rock arrangement that works better than you might think. There's almost an Andrew-Lloyd Webber quality to the composition, and you could easily imagine Michael Crawford's Phantom Of The Opera chiming in. Panis Angelicus follows a similar track, working the minimalist route with a slight Latin feel. Viola and Bachman go full cathedral on Agnus Dei, with the pipe organ almost stealing the show.

The highlight of the album comes toward the end, when Viola takes on Schubert's Ave Maria. The arrangement here is lovely, and Viola still puts his heart into each song he takes; he soars on Ave Maria. Bachman gets to show off a bit on My Faith as well. Instrumentals such as Latin Blues, Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring, Serenade In A and Amazing Grace are all great listens. Other highlights include Now Is The Time, the vocal version of Amazing Grace, The Wedding Song and Ave Verum.

Fern Viola is 83 and going strong. If My Faith proves anything, it’s that Viola hasn't lost his touch. Time steals from us all, but for whatever time has stolen from Viola, his heart and panache more than make up for it. Ditto Al Bachmann. The music here is certainly dated in sound, but Viola and Bachmann keep it fresh in the utter joy with which they sing and play. My Faith is a great listen that can be shared across generations. And if you happen to be in the vicinity of Southern Ontario and Viola is performing somewhere. Viola's legendary status may not have passed beyond the boundaries of Canada, but the reputation is well deserved.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Fern Viola at http://www.djcompanionrecords.com/. You can purchase a copy of My Faith at www.cdbaby.com/cd/fernviola.

Wildy's World April 2009 Co-Artist Of The Month: Rob d (Brisbane, Australia)

Wildy’s World Co-Artist Of The Month – April 2009

Rob d

Rob d is Brisbane, Australia’s Robert Downer, a hip-hop artist with big ideals and a big sound to go with it. His sophomore album, Soul Therapy, was released on March 7, 2009 (keep your eyes open for the review). Rob d uses no explicit language in his music, but examines the issues facing Australians and others around the world in real terms. Rob d is working to change the image of hip-hop in Australia, working with numerous charities to raise funds while trying to ensure that his shows are open to fans of all ages. Rob d hopes to have a positive impact on the world around him through his music, his work with charities and his influence on the youth of Australia. We’ll be talking a bit more about him as the month progresses. Check out some of Rob d's music at www.myspace.com/robsoultherapy.

Wildy's World April, 2009 Co-Artist Of The Month: Andrew Portz (Emmaus, Pennsylvania)

Wildy’s World Co-Artist Of The Month – April 2009

Andrew Portz

Andrew Portz hails from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and delivers an America sound that falls somewhere between the stoic musical sociology of Neil Young and the angry commentary of Tom Petty in a classic Americana style that runs the gamut from alt-country to southern swamp rock. Portz released his debut album, Blue Lake California in 2008 (we’ll have a review later this month), and has made it clear that he’ll pull no punches in his songs. His brand of biting social commentary is intelligent and well-spoken, and set to well-hewn music that makes it go down easy. Portz has songs streaming for your listening pleasure on his MySpace page. We’ll be talking more about Andrew Portz as the month progresses, but don’t be surprised if his name becomes very familiar over the next few years.