Ten Year Vamp - Lust --- Win a signed copy!

Ten Year Vamp – Lust
2011, Ten Year Vamp

Albany, New York rockers Ten Year Vamp would appear to be on an inexorable rise.  For an Indie band working outside of the major label framework, Ten Year Vamp has been extremely successful at getting their music placed/licensed, and has even managed to chart in Billboard magazine.  The band itself is as tight as a wire, and lead vocalist Debbie Gabrione is the type of front woman who can captivate an audience from the first note.  The band’s last album, 2009’s Don’t Act Like You Know Me, received top billing on year end charts, and had several tracks voted best song of 2009 across the Mediaverse.  Ten Year Vamp returned recently with a five-track EP entitled Lust, exploring the human conditions of love in lost in highly catchy modern rock arrangements.

Lust opens with "Got 2 Me", an amped up love song about the power of love to turn her head. The high energy rocker is full of honest vulnerability meshed with toughness that's appealing in a 1980's Pat Benatar style. "Thinking Of Me" keeps the temp and energy going with a catchy rocker that seems ripe for use in a edgy romantic comedy. Gabrione's vocals are superlative as always, and you simply won't be able to sit or stand still. Ten Year Vamp slows things down a bit for "No Risk", a passive, maudlin ballad that overstays its welcome. The song is well-played, and the vocals are excellent, but the song seems sorely out of place here. Gabrione and company rev it up again with "Making Me Want You", a feral rocker full of love and lust. Amazing pop sensibility and fiery rock sound are perfect complements here. Ten Year Vamp wrap things up with "Don't Be Alone With Me", a solid rocker that fits in with the general theme of the EP but doesn't have quite the same energy level.

Debbie Gabrione and Ten Year Vamp are impressive as always. Her vocals are matched step-by-step by strong play from the rest of the band. Lust is an uneven experience, with Ten Year Vamp running full throttle on three of the five songs presented here. The slower moments don't reflect poorly on the band, but just don't seem to fit well together with the other tracks.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.tenyearvamp.com or www.myspace.com/10yearvamp.  Purchase information is below, but if you are one of the first ten people to email Ten Year Vamp at info@tenyearvamp.com, with a subject line of "FIRST TEN", you'll win a signed copy of Lust!

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Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.

Wise Words

I recently came across this article published by Dave Huffman over at The Indie Launch Pad.  It's all about the human connections one makes while working in the music business.  Huffman is a great writer on the subject of small business and promotion, whether the business is brick and mortar, internet-based, or one person (or a group) touring the country in a van to play 45 minute sets in clubs and living rooms.

Huffman really gets back to the basic human element of doing business, in this case the music business.  If you're trying to make a living off of your music, or any small business venture, I highly suggest his blog in general, and this article in particular.

Sharon Kenny - My Name Is Sharon

Sharon Kenny - My Name Is Sharon
2011, Sharon Kenny

Sharon Kenny is a singer, songwriter and composer based in New York City who just seems to keep getting better with time. The former Musical Director of Off-Broadway smash Tony N Tina’s Wedding is working on a new musical and has given concerts at the Kennedy Center, Joe’s Pub, The Gramercy Theater and Feinstein’s.  My Name Is Sharon is the first of two EPs Kenny released in 2011, and displays her unique combination of intelligent and humorous lyrics with melodies that just get stuck in your head.

Kenny opens with "My Name Is Sharon", tracking the course of a child who grows into a woman while learning all of the things she isn't supposed to do. There's an intriguing, urgent air to th song that's emphasized in Kenny's catchy, stream of conscious style. Kenny's level of honesty in "Fallout Shelter" is stunning, as she dissects her own inner thoughts on self-sabotage in relationships. "Different Bodies" shares a similar sense of urgency. Kenny settles in for the long haul, offering a series of songs full of thought, emotional analysis and humor. "Oxytocin" is urgent, relentless and fun, while "Sterilize" explores the attempt to lose all traces of another in intriguing fashion.

"Restart" is an apology and request to try again set to music. Kenny uses plaintive guitar, cello and a lovely melody to couch the entreaty, one of the most moving songs on the album. "Nerd Playa" is a blatant statement of feeling, brilliantly written and fun in the execution. Kenny is at her best when employing humor on otherwise serious subjects; her sense of mischief and fun shines through even on CD. "Necessary Roughness" alto intrigues, paving the way for "Quiet Violence". Kenny acknowledges real violence, but points out that silence in a relationship can be far more damaging than open hostility. Kenny closes somewhat weakly with "Granite", which plays more like an afterthought than an upright part of the album.

Sharon Kenny shows a surprising mix of wisdom and humor in the songwriting on My Name Is Sharon, blending it with a musicality that's quirky and fun. Kenny lapses into her own comfortable groove from time-to-time, but generally keeps the energy high and the mood entertaining on My Name Is Sharon. If Sharon Kenny has escaped your attention before now, My Name Is Sharon is a worthwhile introduction.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.sharon-kenny.com or www.myspace.com/sharonkenny. 

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Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.

Morgan Bracy - The End Of Cinderella

Morgan Bracy - The End Of Cinderella
2011, Morgan Bracy

Morgan Bracy grew up in a small town in Tennessee, singing in church and writing songs from a young age.  It wasn’t until she left home for Middle Tennessee State University that Bracy truly bloomed as an artist, however.  Working with the group Broken Pottery, Bracy found her own voice as a songwriter.  She released her debut album, Dirty Laundry, in 2007, and was introduced to producer John Merchant (Barbra Streisand, The Bee Gees, Celine Dion).   Merchant liked what he heard, and wanted to help Bracy find the full potential of her sound.  The two began working on the album The End Of Cinderella, a song cycle centering on tales of fairy tales gone awry.  It is in this emotional wellspring where Bracy shines brightest, portraying each story and character as if it were somehow her own.

"The End Of Cinderella" is a coming of age song; a heartbreaking realization that real life is not a fairytale. Bracy's performance here is fully committed, and here powerful, sometimes tinny voice (ala Susanna Hoffs or Jess Klein) is compelling. "She Believes" is a middle of the road pop/country number about domestic violence, and how the belief in fairytales can keep someone in a bad relationship. Bracy concocts a solid melody and a memorable chorus here, in a song with moderate commercial appeal. "Silence" decries someone who is absent even when he is there. It's a self-realization that things aren't going to change, wrapped up in an edgy pop arrangement that gets your toes tapping. Bracy's lyrics flow like water, and her voice punches the melody line with conviction.

"The Looking Glass" examines self worth and insecurity in a powerful, musically dense ballad that walks the line between pop and country in style and sound. Bracy continues to show vocal power, but also shows a subtlety of phrasing that contrasts well with her pure force as a singer. Bracy's interpretation of Randy Newman's "When She Loved Me" (from Toy Story #?) is lovely and lush, full of strings and a wonderful counter-melody in the piano part. Bracy ventures into full soprano range at one point in the song, and it sounds, at first, if things might fall apart, but she holds it together and turns in a nice performance. "When The Spell Is Broken" has a more soulful feel, with Bracy's soulful alto getting more exposure. The verses are solid, but the chorus is very memorable - the type you don't shake right away.

"Real Life Fairytale" is a buoyant little love song with distinct pop sensibilities. When Bracy sings about the quiet ecstasy of falling in love, it's as if she's experiencing it all right in the moment. This is a brilliant tune. "Between The Covers" is about the anticipation of what is to come in life and the transformation from looking ahead to living in the moment. Bracy closes with "Love, Believe In Me" is a song of longing from one who sees love all around here but hasn't found it herself. The simple, guitar-based arrangement is simple and lovely, playing the perfect complement to Bracy’s voice and to that of her vocal counterpart.

The End Of Cinderella is the musical portrait of an artist who deserves much more exposure than she's gained to date. Bracy's songwriting is compact and polished, but full of heart. She performs each song as if the ideas and emotions within are occurring at that very moment.  If Bracy carries this kind of presence to the stage, then concert goers will never want her shows to end. Morgan Bracy is the real deal, and The End Of Cinderella is an essential album

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.morganbracy.com or www.myspace.com/morganbracy. 

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Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.

Jason Waters - See This Through

Jason Waters - See This Through [EP]
2011, Jason Waters

Jason Waters’ path as a songwriter has been shaped by everyone from the Beatles and Bob Dylan to Coldplay and Ray LaMontagne.  Emerging in the New York City singer/songwriter scene in 2005, Waters writes and plays with a style that, if not entirely original, shows a greater depth than generally found on top-40 radio.  Waters has gigged and recorded demos, but has never put out an official release, until now.  Waters ventures forth with his debut EP, See This Through, showing a 1980’s rock-inspired sound that has steeped in Americana.

Opening with "Late Night Telephone", Waters rocks out with a song of hopeful support. The

high-energy chorus is infectious, and the message is one to the heart. There's a definite 1980's aesthetic here that quickly gives way to the Americana rock of "Darkness Of The Day". Waters' easy vocal style is reminiscent of Tom Petty or later Springsteen, though his voice is his own. Waters shows off a bit more of his 1980's guitar rock muscle on "Ready To Fly", a solid, upbeat rock that's pleasing to the ear. Digging into the emotional depths, Waters finds "Honey Lips", a mid-tempo singer/songwriter style story-song. This mild tale is a solid album track, and leads into the philosophical love song "When I See This Through". The energy here runs a bit low, as Waters dwells in an almost non-committal melancholy that's partly convincing.

Jason Waters starts off strong on See This Through, and settles into a comfortable musical style that stands neither out nor down. There's a bit of Jakob Dylan in Waters' deep reflections and blend of straight-up America and, occasionally, 1980's rock. See This Through doesn't maintain the momentum that Waters sets sail with, but it's not a bad first step into the world of music.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.jasonwatersexperience or www.myspace.com/jasonwatersexperience. 

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Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.

Monika Borzym - Girl Talk

Monika Borzym - Girl Talk
2011, Sony Music

Monika Borzym’s heroes have always been trumpeters:  Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Terrence Blanchard were her gateway into Jazz.  While there, Borzym was captivated by the divergent voices and styles of performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae.  The Poland-born crooner studied in the United States at Miami’s Frost School of Music, furthering her love and knowledge of jazz and classical forms under teachers such as Lisanne Lyons, Larry Lapin, Ira Sullivan and Shelly Berg.   During her time at Frost, Borzym met guest lecturer Matt Pierson (Joshua Redman, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny), who is Borzym’s primary collaborator on her debut album, Girl Talk.

 Borzym opens with a cover of Amy Winehouse’s "You Know I'm No Good", showing off a sweet and sultry voice that would be right at home in a 1930's gin joint. Monika Borzym delivers crisp lines with a polished presence that belies her 19 years, and her instrumental accompaniment is first class. "Extraordinary Machine" finds Borzym taking on a manic, talk-sing lyrical barrage in conjunction with a minimalist arrangement. The result is an intriguing tune that will leave you dizzy yet satisfied. "Even So" stands out from a string of exceptional performances, with Borzym imparting a mature presence and seasoned melancholy in dulcet tones that will have you quietly on the edge of your seat.

The opening cadence of "American Boy" (Estelle) carries vague suggestions of Jobim's "Girl From Ipanema". This is no retread, however, as Borzym launches into a modern jazz tune that remembers its classic heritage. Borzym digs into a 1970's singer/songwriter pastiche for "Field Below", which bears a vague musical resemblance to Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade Of Pale". The song is elegant and refined, with a gorgeous melody, and Borzym walks it home like a pro. “Appletree” (Erykah Badu) shows a more modern, soulful jazz sound. It feels as Borzym is a bit rushed by the arrangement here, but it all works out well in the end. "Down Here Below" (Abbey Lincoln) is a gorgeous, blue recitative that drips with regret. Borzym's voice is never lovelier, taking on a reserved air that is full of an eloquent and desolate beauty. "Gatekeeper" (Feist) is cut from similar cloth, but woven with more subtlety.

 Borzym goes Vegas on "Dry Cleaner From Des Moines", a frenetic little tune that borders on the vestiges of bebop. "Abololo" (Marisa Monte) slows things down, with a tentative piano leading the way for Borzym's lush vocal line. "Possibly Maybe" (Bjork) is well intended, but becomes something of an undirected mess in spite of Borzym's attempts to save it. Girl Talk closes on a positive note with an unconventional cover of Pink's "Thank You" that is true to the original but puts Borzym's distinctive stamp on the song.

Monika Borzym has a captivating voice, and a presence that's bewildering in one so young. This is the sort of album you simply can’t put down; Borzym’s call is like that of a gentle Siren, relentlessly pulling you in.  Girl Talk is one introduction you won't soon forget, as Borzym appears poised to become one of the next big names in vocal jazz.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.monikaborzym.com or www.myspace.com/monikaborzym. 

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Please note that the Amazon.com prices listed above are as of the posting date, and may have changed. Wildy's World is not responsible for price changes instituted by Amazon.com.

Leah Thompson - The Magic [EP]

Leah Thompson - The Magic [EP]
2011, Leah Thompson

Carbondale, Illinois singer/songwriter Leah Thompson is back with a three-song EP, The Magic, the follow-up to her previous single, Misfire.  While the EP features a cameo from MC J-Biggs, Thompson plays a full stylistic hand across the three songs presented here.

The Magic opens with "I Love The Sun", a jazzy, soulful love song that makes the most of Thompson's smoky, resonant alto voice. The song carries an infectious groove that will have you dancing in place, or tapping your feet. "Magic", featuring MC J-Biggs is a lightweight pop/hop offering that's too generic to make an impact at commercial radio. Thompson's voice is pleasing in the process, but this is an album track at best. "Summer Song" is a sweet but messy little love song. Once again, Thompson's voice is sweet, but the songwriting is unfocused beyond the hooky chorus.

Leah Thompson has one of those voices you could listen to all day; built on great tone and unusual timbres that catch in your ear. The Magic is enjoyable for this reason, although the songwriting is widely variable and uneven across just three songs. Thompson's voice will carry her a long way and she shows enough potential as a songwriting to stick around for a long time if she continues to develop her craft.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.leahthompson.net or www.myspace.com/leahthompson.  The Magic is available from Leah Thompson's Bandcamp page, and you can even name your own price!