Sarah Wilson- Trapeze Project~ August 2010
Trapeze Project reflects Wilson’s many influences and experiences, distilled into her own unique, slightly quirky but embracing style. It’s a lighter, more accessible Henry Threadgill, without sacrificing artistry. Her compositions, consisting of ten of the twelve songs present on this album, are all rhythmic based and rhythmic driven. From these complex but subtle rhythms, she builds counteracting harmonies around them. The band she uses to bring these melodies to life play her sometimes complex arrangements with unforced ease: Myra Melford on piano, Ben Goldberg on clarinet, Jerome Harris on bass and Scott Amendola on drums. Wilson’s trumpet, unpretentious and somewhat dry, has a fragile, idiosyncratic character of its own. It really sounds like no one else I can think of.
Since the music starts with the rhythms, paying attention to what Amendola does is key to appreciating Wilson’s unique weave of styles. He knows how to use all the percussion pieces at his disposal to maintain nuanced beats, while simultaneously complementing Melford in painting the tonal background against which the horn players play their counter-melodies and harmonies. You hear that going on prominently on festive numbers like “Blessing,” “At Zebulon” and “Underneath The Soil,” as well as the Big Easy blues of “To New Orleans,” where the trumpet, clarinet and piano combine to perfectly capture the spirit of the French Quarter. But even on mellower cuts like “She Stands In A Room”, the formula works: here, Amendola builds somber, shuffling forms that set the tone for entire song, allowing Wilson to focus on “singing” her lines on the trumpet, and Goldberg to harmonize along.
The Like~ May 2005
The Like formed in 2001 in Los Angeles, when best friends Charlotte Froom (a bassist of two weeks at the time) and Tennessee Jane Bunny Thomas (a drummer in her all-girls-school band) met Z Berg and found the voice and songs they had been looking for. Almost immediately, they began to garner attention and praise locally, surprising each of their audiences with a complexity belying their very young years (two 15 year olds and a 16 year old at the time).
Since then, the praise and adoration has grown exponentially, leading to a contract with Geffen Records and tours with Phantom Planet and Maroon 5, as well as an extraordinary cache of glowing press, remarkable for a band yet to release a full length record (the girls have recorded three self-produced EPs which they have sold at their shows and through their website).
At the foundation of the band is the drumming of Tennessee Thomas, whose parts are simple and classic while totally unique and idiosyncratic. Charlotte Froom’s bass playing carries a melodic counterpoint to the vocals, moving constantly and pushing the momentum of the songs forward. Z Berg’s guitar playing is a wash of atmosphere, providing a ringing wall of sound. Her vocals, meanwhile, are thick and rich, leaping from wounded to resentful to coy to yearning to angry in a matter of a phrase. Her voice has a unique and heartbreaking balance of innocence and world-weariness. The songs are stunning, emotionally complex, lyrically sophisticated, thoroughly arranged pop songs, in the tradition of The Pretenders, The Sundays, Ride, and countless other guitar rock bands that The Like touch upon but never mimic.
The Like transcend all the easy labels that one may be inclined to attach to them: all girl band, teenage band, LA band, etc. They simply write beautiful music, and possess an irresistible collective personality that emanates from every aspect of their recordings, shows, and press. The ladies are currently in the studio with Producer Wendy Melvoin (an original member of Prince and the Revolution), and co-producer John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead, Bikini Kill, Deathcab for Cutie) recording their long-anticipated debut album. Look for their album in summer 2005!
Keren Ann~April 2005
Born in Israel to a russian israeli father and a Dutch mother raised in Paris and now living in the Manhattan neighborhood from which this album takes it’s title. Keren Ann creates bilingual chamber pop that suggests French 60′s chanteuse Francoise Hardy whispering ballads from the first Velvet Underground album.
Like her 2004 english debut Not going Anywhere, and her previous French disques, Keren Ann’s fourth album overflows with slow burning melancholy articulated by understated arrangements and the singer’s withdrawn but emotionally precise voice. Despite its reference points Nolita’s delicate purr is pure 2005 not the carefree soft rock of your parents hey day.
Rhian Benson~March 2005
“Live from the Goldcoast”, is one of those records like a norah jones or sade that people either hate or love, but i love it.
i think you have to really chill and listen to it, but it is really deep lyrically and musically. i don’t think it should be compared to an amel larrieux or goapele, those albums are much more ‘trying to be hip and cool’ (which they do well, i am like amel, she is great too), but i think this is way more of a classic album than anything those artists can do.
its not for everyone, but in my experience really great artists are very loved or disliked, there is no in between and its the same with ms benson. highly recommended by me and i have seen great reviews in numerous publications that say exactly the same thing.
Mandy Perkins~February 2005
Mandi is a singer/songwriter whose music is both real and emotional with an alternative rock edge. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Mandi grew up surrounded by music. She spent much of her childhood performing in singing competitions and musical theatre. Mandi’s undeniable talent and love for music has led her to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter.
Mandi writes songs that are filled with her perceptions of the world and the people around her. She conveys these feelings through a voice that is both harmonious and captivating. Whether Mandi is recording a new song or performing on stage, it is clear to everyone that she is following her destiny.
Mandi spent her teenage years performing in a variety of plays including Annie, Les Miserables, and the Wizard of Oz. At the age of sixteen, she was chosen to perform the National Anthem at the Skydome in Toronto. One year later, Mandi placed first in a nationwide singing competition.
Mandi’s ambitions inspired a move to California to pursue both her music career and to obtain a university degree. She attended UC Berkeley where she graduated with honors in English Literature. Her extensive studies in English enabled her to improve her songwriting skills and her lyrics are known for their honesty, beauty, and thought provoking expression. Listeners relate to Mandi’s music because there are universal emotions and themes interwoven into the compositions she crafts.
Immediately following graduation, Mandi moved to Los Angeles, where she dedicated herself to her music. Mandi consistently delights packed audiences with her enthusiastic performances. She has played at many distinguished L.A. clubs such as the Gig on Melrose, The Hard Rock Café, The Viper Room, and the Roxy on Sunset, where she has opened for acts such as Elektra Recording artist Alana Davis. Mandi is endorsed by both A&R WorldWide and Kings of A&R, two leading independent A&R companies. Additionally, Mandi is writing and singing songs for Machine Head Production Studios.
Jennifer Johns~ January 2005
Innovative, driven, compassionate, and powerful…just a few words that come to mind when attempting to describe Oakland, CA born singer, songwriter, and spoken word artist Jennifer Johns. Since birth, Jennifer has been making this world “just a little bit more melodic” with her some times boisterous, some times soft, but always powerful voice. If you were to ask her when she started singing she would say, “I don’t remember a day that I didn’t.” However, her first experience on stage was at church at the tender age of 3 and she hasn’t stopped since. Reflecting on her diverse musical influences as a youth, from Earth, Wind and Fire, Phoebe Snow, and Sade, to Paul Simon, Whitney Houston and Sweet Honey in the Rock, as well as the , West Indian rhythms that filled her home as a youngster. And then there was hip-hop….
Jennifer says it was somewhere between Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show”, Rakim’s “Know What’s on Your Mind”, and Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First” that she first fell in love with hip-hop music and soon identified as a part of the culture. She says “just as I am music, I am hip hop”. At 13 Jennifer pursued her love of music by joining the award winning Oakland Youth Chorus where she studied music in numerous languages under the tutelage of nationally revered conductors Trente Morante, Elizabeth Seja Minn, and Grammy nominee Melonie DeMore. Jennifer soon graduated to OYC’s professional a capella ensemble, Vocal Motion where she was afforded the opportunity to work and perform with such musical luminaries as Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, Melissa Manchester, and James Ingram.
At 17, Jennifer began to look deeper into a professional career in music and began performing locally in Oakland. 3 years later, after making “a little noise” at home, she decided it was time to move to Los Angeles where she quickly built a name for herself and began recording with Goodvibe Recordings artists The Anonymous and BIG DRO.
During her time in Los Angeles, Jennifer became a member of both SAG and AFTRA, securing voiceover work for commercials with the LA Weekly, Macy’s, and Pacific Bell. She also stayed busy building pure.love entertainment a media company she founded in 2001 that produced live music and spoken word events which quickly became a staple in the rapidly growing Los Angeles spoken-soul community. In 2003, having built her fan base through pure.love, Jennifer made the decision to isolate herself in Seattle to record songs for an upcoming project.
And now, with the release of her new EP heavyelectromagneticsoularpoeticjunglehop co-produced by Grammy nominee Spontaneous on her own label, Nayo Movement Music, Jennifer is set to give the world a taste of her “Electric Soul.” With the release of Jennifer’s EP heavy…, listeners can expect some of what you love about Sade, a lot of what we needed from Lauryn, the warmth and conversational energy of Jill and the mystery of Dido. Hands down Jennifer Johns is a heavyelectromagnetic force to be reckoned with.
Maria Butterfly-Live~ December 2004
Direct from Ireland currently living in LA, Maria has made her mark on the music scene, with one live album behind her and currently working on a studio album, Maria has performed with Internationally renowned acts i.e Hot House Flowers (from Ireland), The Proclaimers (had a #1 hit song “500 Miles”), Michelle Shocked, The Fenians, The Prodigals, Saw Doctors & Dave Merenda who wrote the hit song “I Will Remember You” for Sarah McLachlan.
Her original music combines elements of rock, country and rhythmic funk with heartwrenching ballads with an edge. Her voice has been described by Bernard Bauer of Music Connection Magazine as “…so extraordinary that she can take you places you never expected to go.”
Maria plays several instruments which adds great diversity in her performances, guitar, mandolin, & piano. Though petite, along with her 5 piece band which back her compently, her presence on stage is commanding, and her quick Irish wit and humorous commentary throughout performances make it a fun event for all involved.
Todd Herzog is a keyplayer in her backing band who support Maria on the eight tracks. On this cd Maria shows that her live concerts are real happenings. From the first chord on, I was strucked and breathless and enjoyed the songs. The music business is not fair.Why is this singer not world famous yet. Not since the debut album of Peter Case I heard
so much creativity and expression. It’s not only the voice of Maria: the mandolin parts are great as are the backing band and the quality of the songs. Even a song as the instrumental Mando – Jam, is exciting. If you see this cd in the record shop: don’t hesitate, because this lady could be very big in the future.
Megan Slankard- Freaky Little Story~November 2004
On first listen to “Freaky little Story” you think that you have been revisited by Alanis Morrisette’s “jagged Little Pill”. Is Megan Slankard just another Alanis Morrisette. With a careful listen one will note that there is more to this younger singer-songwriter than mere imitation. Slankard possess a range beyond her years. The fact that she can pull off perfectly pitched high notes that sound ethereal and dip low into a earthy, smoldering growl indicates a level of versatility that will take her father than her peers.
Slankard’s vocal risk-taking pushes her out of both the singer/songwriter and pop-star formulas, and showcases her own talent.
“… Slankard’s newest album reinforces her progress so far and promises
a long-standing career in music for a talented young singer.”
The light acoustic driven song “Too Bad You”, opens the album with an indie sound that hints at what’s to come. Slankard’s bluesy voice acts like a sponge and that can soak up and squeeze out her deepest emotions. A jazz sound infuses Slankard’s singing technique even leading her into scatting at times.
Slankard’s newest album promises a longstanding career in music for this young singer.
Teedra Moses~Complex Simplicity~October 2004
The albums theme is that of evolving relationships and she sets the stage with the first song, Don’t know if you got a girl/Don’t mean to disrespect but/ Thoughts of you rule my world/I even dream of you and I.” The album takes on a true journey and ends with a heart wrenching tribute to her mother called “I think of You”.
Moses voice is strong and melodic, reminiscent of Lauren Hill or several other popular neo soul artist. The album is cohesive, songs are smooth and solid throughout bridges connect versus without strain or sway. Instead of trying to manipulate the listener, Moses strokes and massages them until she wins them over. Good music from an artist who is just getting started.
Von Iva~September 2004
Viva Von Iva! Sans six-string, San Francisco’s Von Iva are a welcome respite from all of those acts ditching the bass for blues-crud cred. Including bassist Elizabeth Davis-Simpson (ex-7 Year Bitch), drummer Kelly Harris, and Becky Kupersmith on keys, the band dance their rock around as vocalist Jillian Iva testifies to the transcendent powers of getting into the groove. “Vee are Von Iva, and vee like it ven you
dance,” she informed a recent Li Po’s crowd, and if stone-still audiences don’t do it, she’ll do it herself. With the soulful, real-deal delivery of a more libidinal Rachel Nagy of the Detroit Cobras, Iva struts and shimmies with rabble-rousing abandon, getting deliriously down ‘n’ flirty to her band’s stop, drop, rock ‘n’ roll.
It is indeed difficult to keep from shimmying and shaking it during Von Iva live performance. The band’s music has roots in soul, but does not warrant a “retro” label, they incorporate an almost disco sensibility to the traditional Motown sound. Von Iva describes their sound as “rock evolved to dance.” There is an outright revJillianlist gospel feeling to Von Iva live. Standing in a mini skirt bending over the audience, Jillian evokes a preacher warning you that you will be condemned to the pits of hell if you don’t have a good time. Her voice has a depth and timber that belies her size and her color. No sad sack mopey sloucher is she, her back stays straight, and her shoulders stay back as she struts around the stage. Von Iva’s sound is infectious, and more than one audience members has been known to praise, repent, holler, roll and do some other things that later bring them to the confession booth. There really ain’t no shame in feeling the Von Iva, they are preaching the good time gospel and that message carries, and they intend to carry it. Like a traveling tabernacle dispersing their reverberations they will carry the sound from San Francisco across the universe.
Titsofrenix~August 2004
Titsofrenix is an all female rock band. Lead singer/guitarist Brooke Regenhardt says being a female musician has it’s downsides. People look at you and assume that you can’t play.
While Titsofrenix has an undeniable sex appeal, it’s not forced. They work hard to let their music do the talking. Cultivating a pop sensibility, Regenhardt and guitarist Sally Freedenberg sinuously harmonize vocals while bassist Lisa Carhart and drummer Allyn McNamara drive the rhythm hard enough for the guys to bang their heads.
This combination has earned Titsofrenix a Budweiser tour sponsorship as well as release an album through NGS Productions.
Ezina- Tempted~July 2004
This is an amazingly diverse collection of songs and all of them delivered with a richness of sound one does not hear often anymore.
Whether it is a Donna Summer cover of “Bad Girls” or one of the many original songs on this album, the voice of a new soul-songstress is heralded with every note.