Alih Jey
Los Angeles, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Dominican singer/songwriter Alih Jey released her self-titled debut album Sept. 11, 2001. Despite a strong single, "it's Ok," the album caused barely a ripple because of the unfortunate timing. With her sophomore effort, we hope Jey will get the chance to prove her worth. "Gotas de Piel" is fresh and distinctive, boasting Jey's own songs set to tasteful pop arrangements with a slight rock edge, but not enough to turn off radio programmers. Songs range from the upbeat "De Prisa" and the self-affirming "Muñequita Tuya" to the more reflective "Por Eso," a ballad with lush string arrangements that brings out the artist's childlike yet assertive voice. Jey sounds like Tori Amos in "Borrarte"-singing over piano and cello-and entirely like herself in "Te Lo Debo a Ti," one of the best female pop tracks in recent memory. If sophomore albums define careers, this one's a winner. - Billboard Magazine
“Tarte” is the album from Latin Grammy award nominated singer-songwriter Alih Jey. It is her English language debut and is destined to win over the hearts and ears of everyone. Helping put the album together are Miami-based music gurus Fernando Perdomo (Dreaming In Stereo), Jorges (Plains), and Derek Cintron (Dc-3).
Born in Santo Domingo, it was quickly noticed that Alih Jey was bursting with talent. She was ushered into the music business at a very young age, signed by Universal Music Latino at only 16 years old. Alih released two albums with Universal, then an independent release ("Necia"), which was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the category of Best Rock Solo Vocal Album. Alih was Clear Channel's Hispanic Artist of the month in March 2009, has played in SXSW while promoting "Necia", was a winner of the iTunes Jukebox Jury, and was the opening act for Paulina Rubio in her "Pau-latina" tour.
Summing up “Tarte” with a single word: party! These songs are radiating sunshine and good times, with some of the most buoyant melodies since The Bangles. Jey’s voice is sweet and strong, and she has great skill in writing and performing harmony parts. There is a sense of 50s and 60s melodies sprinkled throughout her songs, but everything still retains a very contemporary sound thanks to outstanding production. “Entertain Me” and “Carousel” are full of good cheer and will get your blood flowing. “Crooked” begins with an acoustic strumming, giving Jey’s vocals plenty of room to breathe on this tender ballad. “Cherry Pie” (thankfully not a Warrant cover) is a mid-tempo duet with Jorges that will satisfy the musical equivalent of a sweet tooth. “Holler Girl” returns to the upbeat pace and is one of the most danceable songs on the record, featuring some fun backing vocals on the chorus.
If you enjoyed the latest from Mandy Moore, Kelly Jones, or Marissa Levy, be sure to check out Alih Jey’s “Tarte” as you won’t be disappointed. - Now This Rocks
Discography
Tarte (2011)
Necia (2008)
Gotas de Piel (2004)
Alih Jey (2001)
Photos
Bio
If you're craving something sweet with a puckery sour finish, Alih Jey's
scrumptious 4th album "Tarte," a bold, colorful powerpop thrillride, will do the trick.
The Miami-based, Dominican-born singer/songwriter, who's been described by the Miami Herald as "one of the most complete and talented artists of the Miami music industry" and by the New Times as "a bilingual firecracker of a girl" is gleefully hopping fence after cementing her place in Latin music by releasing her first English language album. It was a natural move for the fiery Caribbean girl who, after parting with label Universal Music Latino, made a firm and resounding "I'm here" with 2008's Necia, the self-made "little EP that could." It earned a Latin GRAMMY Nomination for Best Rock Solo Vocal Album, and actually made her the first Dominican artist ever to be nominated in the category, a source of pride for her home country and a step forward in bringing Dominican pop-rock to the foreground. "My country is known for its saucy bachata and merengue, but I think it's really cool that people are noticing we Dominican musicians have much to offer in other genres, too!" says the singer.
She's been working hard behind the scenes, collaborating with prominent figures in the industry and making placements in other artist's recordings, while spontaneously generating material for her own new album. She also joined forces with Miami-based producer Fernando Perdomo and has been sheathing her musical explorations under his label Forward Motion Records, a collective labor of love of independent musicians.Taking risks and following her heart has always been in her nature. But with this multi-faceted artist, whose musical persona has greatly evolved over the years,one thing has remained consistent : the girl has chops. She's a well-honed professional who started early, performing since age three (yes, three!) with her parents and sisters throughout her homeland ("like a kind of Dominican Partridge Family," she says, laughing). Now she's
got fresh-baked new sounds up her sleeve, a lifetime in the making, that she's delighted
to share.
"Tarte" serves a signature 'pop with bite' spread: booming powerpop,spicy rockabilly, pacific ukulele strung through latin-tinged alternative, all the while the blend of Alih Jey's uniquely sweet voice and no-holds-barred lyrics for an exquisite, high-decibel, one- of - a - kind experience. From the opening "Entertain Me" ( which delivers on that promise) to the stripped down, empowered "A Mi No Me Interesas," there's humor, reflection, and whimsical storytelling all to be found in this confident, refreshing album. "I hope to fill some rumbling bellies, heaven knows I made it with love." says Alih.
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