Denise La Grassa – April Dreams
Released – July 8, 2009
The publicity material tells this story: as a child, Denise La Grassa went door to door, singing her songs for the neighbors. Didn’t quit, she says, until the family phone rang off the hook, and she was busted by mom and dad. But the money was in her pocket.
I’m not surprised. There’s a fearlessness in her work as a singer-songwriter that shows through. Ms. La Grassa writes of romance, and love, and loss. But unlike so many today, the music doesn’t seem to come from an angry lament; but rather a more hopeful place. That takes character.
The bluesy “Get Home And Give Me Love” is a nice little earworm, “Best Day” is another track with a nice pop hook. All of the tracks are orginals – all but one by Ms. La Grassa: the catchy “String Of A Kite” is written by Chicago/NYC piano guy Matt Kanelos.
The band (nice job!) is rounded out by bassist/producer/arranger Matt Thompson; pianist Ben Lewis, drummer Gerald Dowd, and Scott Tipping on guitar. And they’re very good, but I keep hearing a larger backing group in my mind – an orchestra, with strings and horns, and wonder what might have been, if not for the cash to produce a bigger disc.
Handcrafted, this one is worthy of a place in your collection. Highly recommended.
Next couple of entries, I intend to write about some of the material that I’ve overlooked this year – and material that keeps sneaking in to the “genius” playlists that iTunes constructs for me. One of the artists who keeps making that list is Melissa Morgan. The New Jersey Native’s debut album, “Until I Met You,” was released by Telarc this year. I downloaded it back in the summer, put it on the ‘pod, and promptly forgot about it.
That was a mistake. I’ve spent the last few months hearing something really nice, and punching up the ‘pod to see who it is. It’s often Ms. Morgan. From Telarc’s press kit, let’s go to the highlight reel:
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About Doug Boynton
A little about me? Fair question.
My name is Doug Boynton. I’ve worked around the broadcasting business most of my life, as a journalist - or selling the works of other broadcast journalists. I’m also an aspiring mystery writer. I get a few review discs now and then, but most of what gets reviewed…is stuff I’ve purchased, and yes - I’m more inclined to buy stuff I know I’ll like. But the ability to download an album for ten bucks at iTunes or listen to a whole album at Yahoo! Music late on a Friday night with a beer in my hand means I’m ready to take a chance - if not on love (way too much of that in my past), at least on a few tunes.
Let’s be clear - I’m a consumer. I attempt to be an informed consumer, but I’m no expert on who played sax on what. I can just barely tell my Nelson Riddle from my Billy May, but I know what I like. And the things I like, I try to find out more about. What I do like are mostly straight-ahead standards backed by a small combo. But every once in a while (more often, now that I’ve taken to listening to BBC’s Radio Two over the Internet), something will come along and have me scrambling to find out more. With a few clicks these days, that itch can be easily satisfied. You don’t agree? It’s okay. More often than not, my wife doesn’t either. Remember, this is something I do for my own amusement and education, and opinions are like elbows. Everyone has at least one.
Want to play nice, and try your hand at a thoughtful 300-500 word review of something I’ve missed? Want to file a dissent? That would be great! Send it here. I can’t afford to buy all the music I’d like. I have too many ex-wives out there already. I’ll pay you with the eternal thanks of a grateful nation - or at least those who read this. All I ask is that it’s a female vocalist you’re reviewing - solo or fronting a band, and that you’re willing to put your real name on the review.
Thanks for stopping by this time.
Reviews of female vocal artists along with rambles about travel here and there and rants about whatever moves me. Depending on a lot of things, I really try to update fortnightly (or so).
The Photo at the Top
Are you a singer or publicist? Would you like to see your own pretty face (or your client's) grace the masthead? Drop me a line - the link is below.
The photo should be an "action" shot; no headshots or album art. I'll crop it in a way that suits me, but will offer a link to the original photo, if you request it.
And of course, credit to the photographer.
Thanks!
Denise La Grassa – April Dreams
