Brenda David

Right from the very first track, Brenda David's Better Part of Me wraps the listener up with her silky voice and smooth grooves. Her incredibly honest delivery of these first-class songs gives you the feeling that she has known you all of your life. Somehow she seems to know your most personal secrets that you never would have told anyone but your own soul mate. Yet from the knowing sensuousness of “Come In From the Rain” to the declaration of eternal companionship in “I'll Be the One,” you will come away with the feeling that you somehow have known her as well for a very long time. Aside from the songs themselves, I found myself re-listening to the whole album for the subtle, yet awe-inspiring musicianship. Nothing overpowered or overshadowed anything in the production. The guitars (especially on “Second Chance”), violins, and drums were all extremely complimentary to each other as well as to the songs themselves. I highly recommend giving Brenda David a listen. You might just discover a better part of yourself. -
1/18/07

- Michael Sutton

Singer/songwriter Brenda David isn't content to stay within the framework of one genre. On "Better Part of Me," she wears several different hats yet manages to produce a consistently good and emotionally stirring record. David begins the record with the jazzy shuffle of the title track in which Latin rhythms and some wonderfully pretty acoustic guitars complement the icy coolness of her voice. It has a breezy air that sweeps the rest of the CD.
However, right after that David plunges into '80s soft rock with "Second Chance"; its upbeat MOR pop would've made it a hit on Adult Contemporary radio stations circa 1983, especially with those sugar-sweetened keyboards. It's among my favourite songs on the LP.
But, as I mentioned in the start, David never sticks to one genre as she explores country music on "Call Your Name" and "I'll Be the One"; Adult Album Alternative on "When I'm Gone" and "Come In From the Rain"; and even world music on "Behind the Veil". Illuminated by sitars and violins, "Behind the Veil" is a striking artistic as well as eye-opening social statement.
- Adam Harrington

Brenda David is one of the most complete singer-songwriters to come along in awhile; her lyrics are compelling and provocative, delivering them with restrained power and emotional grace. “Call Your Name” could very well have been written by Bruce Springsteen for one of his solo albums. “When I'm Gone” is reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge, but with a funky edge. That all being said, David never comes across as a copycat or wanna-be. Her voice is her canvas, her lyrics are her brushes, and she paints glorious pictures when those two meet. Some artists write songs that might teach the listener a little bit about themselves. Some artists write songs that are a direct reflection of themselves. Brenda David manages to accomplish both without sacrificing any of the fun and excitement of her music. She could be played in many situations whether it be study time or dinner parties, drive time or night-time relaxation. She is the total package.
01.07.07 - by Karla Ash

Singer/songwriter Brenda David may shuffle the deck when it comes to musical genres, but the one constant is her icy cool and radio-friendly voice, which is ideal for jazz but also suits her well in her stylistic juggling act.

David introduces herself to us with the sultry Latin jazz of the title track. Plush acoustic strings are caressed by the warmth of David's singing, opening the record on a vibrant, sensual note. “Second Chance,” recalls the laid-back Adult Contemporary pop of Michael McDonald. David is simply an artist who is exploring the possibilities of pop music.
David's vocals remain soulful; even when aiming to be playfully detached, as on the jazz track “Restless Hearts,” her voice has a bittersweet quality that transcends genre.
To achieve the album's eclectic approach, David is engagingly supported by violins, cellos, trumpets, and even sitar on “Behind the Veil,” a Middle Eastern-flavored cut. With all of the creative experimentation on Better Part of Me, ironically it is David's songwriting that probably leaves the most indelible mark.


- All About Jazz

In a musical world where Norah Jones can sell in excess of thirty million album and single handedly save a record companies profit margin, you have to wonder why those CD buyers don't appear to buy anything in between. After all, there are plenty of other genre hopping chanteuses out there.

And here's American songstress Brenda David following on from her 1998 debut "Scratch" with her long overdue second album offering up a delightful set of original songs which spring from and to pop, rock, blues and country with scant regard for musical convention. Of course it may prove to be too sprightly for those whose musical yen is for the horizontal, but this is an album to savor.

Wth songs as well written and performed as 'Come in from the Rain', 'I'll Be The One' and the touching album highlight 'Letters To Rebecca', this is a record you will want to spend time with.

And how can you go wrong with someone who gives a shout out to their border collie in the credits!

- Stuart A Hamilton

Brenda David approaches music with the seasoned skills of a longtime vet. Her voice exudes self-confidence and charm and not false sentimentality or forced angst. And although she branches out into different styles on this CD, her singing follows a straightforward path of jazz-styled chill-out calmness.
She never gets overly emotional even on a topic as sad and shocking as
The Muslim women who are forced to live their lives with their faces covered and their rights severed ("Behind the Veil").

Co-produced by David herself, this is a polished, classy affair aching
for major-label status. With the rise of online marketing, we are seeing more unsigned solo acts renting quality studio time and surrounding themselves with top-notch talent. David is easily among the best of the current crop. On "Call Your Name," David presents herself as a country girl with a spiritual heart and a poet's eye for imagery: "It rolls in like thunder/Settles in like rain/A mist against the window/Thoughts gathered on the pane/Against the darkness of the night." Yes, the lady can write as well as she can sing.

There's a bit of roots rock in David, and of all the chameleon shape
shifting she does I find myself enjoying that part of her the best,
which takes hold on "When I'm Gone" and "Come In From the Rain." I have
a soft spot for jangling guitars, and it's refreshing to hear a shot of
Americana sung by a woman.
On the title cut, David slips into a jazz mood, and while her laidback vocals seem best suited for that, she has no problems at all adjusting to the mood swings of her muse.



- Kyrby Raine

Singer/songwriter Brenda David is no newcomer, but it took her eight years to release her first album, Scratch, in 1998. However, what genre David belongs in remains an unsolved puzzle. Unafraid of pop experimentation (the genre-leaping kind), David shape shifts so much on her new LP, Better Part of Me, that you might get whiplash. But unpredictable artists generate the most excitement, and David was kind enough to try to explain her chameleon ways.
You've been around since 1989 yet your current music, at least the Better Part of Me CD, isn't rooted stylistically in any time period. How have you been able to stay active playing music all these years and continue to pursue various genres without being tempted to stick to a formula?
There was a time in the beginning of my music career when I was pushed by others to sing cover songs that didn’t necessarily flatter my vocal style and simply didn’t appeal to me musically. That drove me to want to learn how to play guitar and write my own songs. I am far more inspired when I play and sing my own material as opposed to doing covers. My favorite way to perform is as a solo guitarist, and my performances are just like my records. I go from country to blues to Adult Contemporary in 30 minutes but somehow it all flows and people love it. I think that what I do is take these different styles and sprinkle a little bit of myself on top and that’s what makes it all sound cohesive. It seems to appeal to a wide range of people. Also, I use a lot of strategic planning in the placement of the songs next to each other. There’s some underlying invisible string that ties each song together. There’s too much to explore musically to try to stick to one formula…to me that would be more contrived than just going where I think the song lends itself.
There's jazz, Adult Contemporary, and college rock on your album, but it's "Behind the Veil," with its Middle Eastern touches and sociopolitical lyrics about Muslim women that I find most intriguing. What's the story behind the tale?
I wrote "Behind the Veil" in 1999, before 9/11 and all that followed. I received an email from someone that described what the women of Afghanistan were enduring and how the world seemed to be ignoring their situation. I was so moved by the story of how women who had been doctors and lawyers and mothers and teachers were then being isolated in their own homes, not allowed to make a sound, or learn, or go out in public, or show any part of their skin without being beaten or stoned. I saw pictures of them in their burquas and thought that could be me and my sister and my mom if we had the misfortune to be born in Afghanistan. I wrote that song and started playing it at some of my gigs and always people would come to ask me about the lyrics. It really moved a lot of people to understand what was happening over there. I don’t typically write political songs, but that one truly just wrote itself. I think what makes it unique is that it ties us all to the situation. We are all brothers and sisters on this planet and we can’t ignore what’s going on in another part of the world just because it doesn’t seem to be affecting us directly. As we learned, it all affects each of us.
When you write a song, do you think, "Oh, here's my country tune," or "This will be the perfect jazz track." Are you self-conscious of it or does it flow naturally?
I typically write songs on my acoustic guitar. Believe it or not they all sound pretty similar in the beginning stages when it’s just me and my guitar. Just ask my dog Kelsey - she's the only one who hears them at that stage! It’s when we get into the studio that they start to morph and take shape into a distinct flavor. The song usually tells me which direction it wants to go. I have amazing musicians who come in and we might try a lot of different tempos and/or instruments before we hit on the right thing but once we do everbody knows it. All of a sudden it feels comfortable, like an old bathrobe. You just know when it’s right. Even if it becomes a heavy metal polka, I try to take it where it feels comfortable and at home!
You've been quite successful in Europe. How did you acquire a following there?
Right after I released Scratch I began to receive a lot of radio play throughout Europe and Africa. Scratch had huge success on the overseas radio market, especially in Europe and Africa. I toured Africa, performing all original music backed by amazing African musicians. It was an incredible experience! The overseas market is a wonderful resource, especially for independent and small label artists. Often in the U.S., commercial radio stations dictate what gets played by the Billboard charts and being signed by a major label. The overseas market is wide open to independents and you can have commercial airplay right alongside major label artists. Recording and releasing a cd is only the first, very small step in the process. There are countless hours of work that go into the mark - Kyrby Raine

Against all odds, many delays, and a cancer scare, Brenda David finally completed her break-through record album, Better Part of Me under her deal with Cadillac Records. Brenda organized a lavish showcase concert with a ten piece all-star band to introduce her hot new material to her fans at the Atlantic Theatres last Sunday night.

Attending Brenda’s sold out show was like stepping into a wormhole vortex, materializing at a Vegas hotel nightclub. It was, unequivocally, a spectacular showcase with the best of the best musicians in the region on stage, most of whom I’ve known for years. Considering the ensemble had only two rehearsals, it sounded amazingly tight.

For the Better part of Me sessions, Brenda wrote the lyrics and music, collaborating with her husband Richard Smith, who penned one of the songs on the album. This CD represents Brenda’s deeply personal musical expressions of her life and includes a song about the women in Afghanistan titled Behind the Veil.

On the Atlantic Theatre stage was a legion of seasoned musicians, including Mike Maple o drums. Richard Smith (Brenda’s husband) on bass, Mark Dennison on guitar keyboards and vocals, Brian Greene on acoustic guitar, keyboard and vocals, Kevin Banks on guitar, bass, mandolin, sitar and keyboard, Kelley Rees on backing vocals, Denis Marion on trumpet, Rebecca Zapen on violin, Linda Minke on cello and Eric Moore on keyboards.

Rebecca Zapen shined on a couple of songs during which she was a featured soloist.. Of course, Kevin Banks smoked with his brilliant guitar work. Mike Maple, who I consider to be one of the two best drummers in the southeast and the planet, was cooking with great beat. Richard and Brian from Three Way Street are already tight from playing together so much, so they were stand-outs in Brenda’s musical army. Brenda looked drop dead gorgeous and her voice was unwaveringly strong and confident. She communicated well with the sold out audience, which included many friends, fans and collaborators.. Brenda’s songs are eclectic in scope and fall somewhere into a blues influenced pop spectrum. I liked all of Brenda’s songs but favored Letters to Rebecca, Behind the Veil, and Restless Hearts. I also loved the title cut and Come in from the Rain.

The album is impeccably mixed and mastered. Brenda could take her 10 piece band and book gigs in Vegas – really!
- Rick Grant

Brenda David – Better Part of Me
By Armond Blackwater

Immediately captivating, enrapturing, and addictive, Brenda David has delivered an amazing album. More than just a mere collection of songs, Better Part of Me flows like a mighty and powerful river with a timeless story of love.

Brenda knows her voice well, a fact that is apparent from the very first note. Over years of intent practice of technique she has honed her voice into a finely crafted instrument. Her versatility through many moods and styles is nothing short of phenomenal. The ultimate effect of her singing is that it makes you feel good, comfortable, at ease, pleased with the moment, and glad that you are listening.

Equally impressive is Brenda’s songwriting talent. She writes masterfully in genres that span from Bluegrass to Rock to Jazz to Caribbean to Gospel and more. Her lyrics spring true from the heart, immaculately match the music, and never fail to capture the soul.

Her songs continuously evolve from beginning to end with many refreshing twists and turns.

How many albums can you name where you love every song? This album has earned that distinction for me. And, it leaves me wanting to hear more.

The backing group is comprised of seasoned professionals with a knack for playing exactly the right phrase at the right time. I kept catching myself saying, “Yes, that’s what goes there. And, “Wow, that was unexpected but… Wow.”

Better Part Of Me – A relaxed Caribbean feel, island rhythm with acoustic guitars and a violin that interweaves seamlessly. There is an amazing burst from the bass, a short articulation that fits flawlessly. Brenda’s soft, charismatic voice encourages us all to help our loved ones find their better part and seek it within ourselves.

Second Chance – “You know that you have never felt more alive,” sings Brenda in this rocking tune. It is very lively tune with a marvelous blend of acoustic guitar, pizzicato strings, flowing bass, and fuzzy electric guitar.

Call Your Name – A tune that transports the listener to the Smoky Mountains where bluegrass songs pass down lessons from the past. Guitars strum and pick, a fiddle accents, and a National flattop slides in support of impeccable vocals.

When I’m Gone – A torrid torch song of the rejected lover – she flames her ex exquisitely -- with elegant smoky lyrics and an infectious chorus hook where Brenda laments,
“You’re gonna be missin’ me,
All those nights of kissin’ me,
All those nights of holding me,
You’re gonna miss me,
When I’m gone.”

Come In From The Rain – A strong woman waits in a warm, dry emotional home summoning that you “come in from the rain, when it all pours down on you.” Don’t we all create our own downpours from time to time… some of us make a habit of it.

Beyond The Vail -- Gypsy fiddle, Sitar sounding guitar and an acoustic guitar reminiscent of Johnny Cash doing Ghost Rider’s In The Sky give this song a haunting aura. The lyrics are a poetic masterpiece. Like all great poetry, each who hears this song will see their own images and take away their own meaning.

I’ll Be The One – It is a lucky person, indeed, that experiences the depth of love that Brenda exudes, starting with “We don’t know our destiny…” and promising, “When forever comes I’ll still be the one loving you.”

Restless Hearts – direct from the Billie Holiday era. Piano vamp, true, real, understated, playing exactly what needs to be there, nothing more, nothing less. The absorbing vocal performance of Ms. David brings this song alive.

Letters To Rebecca – I didn’t get this message at first. This song completes the story like the final chapter in a great novel. The message that I received was that love and faith prevail over all.

Every element of this album is extraordinarily well done. Instruments were expertly recorded with clarity and precision, impeccably mixed and mastered with loving, caring ears. Photography, artwork, and packaging are all top shelf. She even included the lyrics in the liner notes. Too many songwriters forget this important element. It is all about the words, about connecting with the listener. It is that attention to detail in every aspect of production makes this one of the best independent albums ever.

Experience this album and you will understand that Brenda David has arrived, and not a moment too soon.

Become a fan at http://brendadavid.com/,




- Armond Blackwater

FM-PPL RADIO Germany
Neon Productions Radio UK
Super Country Hits.Com Restless Hearts United States
RTV Nunspeet Better Part of Me Netherlands
WLLO-LPFM Behind the Veil United States
Dioni Piatkowski JAZZ RADIO fm - Poland
William jervis Radio Lu - Luxembourg
Tony Bates Highlands 100.7FM - Australia
Lynn Wells / Geof Cartledge West Gippsland Community Radio - Australia
Terry Neal Radio Logan Inc 101FM - Australia
Constantin Sieg Radio Unerhört Marburg - Germany
Kurt K. Gabriel ECMA Radio - Austria
Kerstin Kröger Radio Kanal Ratte Schopfheim - Germany
Carlos Fernandez Pacin FM Urquiza 91.7MHZ - Argentina
Jason Steen Neoreal Media Tennessee United States
Scott a. Clark BUSRADIO Florida United States
Lucien Knapen Radio VRW - Belgium
WLLO-LPFM Letters to Rebecca United States
Super Country Hits.Com I'll Be the One United States
Rugby hospital radio Better Part of Me United Kingdom
FM-PPL RADIO Call Your Name Germany
Super Country Hits.Com Behind the Veil United States
The Kat & Eye Jukebox Better Part Of Me United States
Rugby hospital radio Letters to Rebecca United Kingdom
FM-PPL RADIO Second Chance Germany
FM-PPL RADIO Better Part of Me Germany
CD Reviews by You When I'm Gone Canada
WLLO-LPFM Call Your Name United States
Rugby hospital radio Restless Hearts United Kingdom
BCB 106.6fm Letters to Rebecca United Kingdom
Super Country Hits.Com When I'm Gone United States
CD Reviews by You Call Your Name Canada
Rugby hospital radio I'll Be the One United Kingdom
BCB 106.6fm Behind the Veil United Kingdom
Super Country Hits.Com Call Your Name United States
CD Reviews by You Second Chance Canada
BCB 106.6fm Come In From the Rain United Kingdom
CD Reviews by You Better Part of Me Canada
BCB 106.6fm When I'm Gone United Kingdom
Billboard Station Japan
Kic Fm UK
RedStar UK
One Louder Radio
BCB 106.6fm Call Your Name United Kingdom
CD Reviews by You Letters to Rebecca Canada
Super Country Hits.Com Second Chance United States
Super Country Hits.Com Better Part of Me United States
CD Reviews by You Come In From the Rain Canada
Neon Productions Radio Letters To Rebecca United Kingdom
Super Country Hits.Com Come In From the Rain United States
BCB 106.6fm Second Chance United Kingdom
Neon Productions Radio Better Part of Me United Kingdom
Super Country Hits.Com Letters to Rebecca United States
CD Reviews by You Restless Hearts Canada
Neon Productions Radio Call Your Name United Kingdom
Rugby hospital radio Behind the Veil United Kingdom
CD Reviews by You I'll Be the One Canada
BCB 106.6fm Better Part of Me United Kingdom
CD Reviews by You Behind the Veil Canada
Neon Productions Radio Restless Hearts United Kingdom
Radio Oestsjaelland
Along the Navajo Trail
Radio ALFA
BBC Radio Scotland
Neon Productions Radio I'll Be the One United Kingdom
Rugby hospital radio Come in from the Rain United Kingdom
Better part of me Toni Hills 101FM - Australia
Rugby hospital radio Second Chance United Kingdom
BCB 106.6fm Restless Hearts United Kingdom
Better part of me Keith Bissett 2XXFM - Australia
Graham J Barclay Soundwave FM - New Zealand
Kenny Wako Joy Radio 89.6FM - Central African Republic
John Heintze Radio 3MBR-FM - Australia
Rob van alberda radio e-fm - Netherlands
Chrissy Rasmussen 101FM Radio Logan - Australia
Rugby hospital radio When I'm Gone United Kingdom
Michael Criddle Triple H-FM - Australia
Graham Lewis North Norfolk Radio - United Kingdom
BRTO
Rugby hospital radio Call Your Name United Kingdom
Radio Risor
BBC 2
Vasja Ivanovski 94.1 FM RADIO 2 - Macedonia
Geoff Melton The Music Korner Pennsylvania United States
Paul van Kuik Radio 0162 Dongen - Netherlands
Vasja Kozlovsky 94.1 FM RADIO 2 Minsk - Belarus
Radio Rhein Welle
Kristall Radio
Stuart Hamilton Zeitgeist /UK / Space Rock - United Kingdom
Kate Klein KMUD KMUE KLAI FM California United States
John Ziegler KUMD FM Minnesota United States
Dick Hughes Jazz Action Productions - Australia
Radio Kanal Ratte Schopfheim Germany
ECMA Radio Austria
Radio Unerhört Marburg Germany
Celtica Radio
4 Q Radio
Radio Stars
DTRN
Radio Stars
The Hillz Radio
Lime Light Radio
Bornholms Stemme
Neon Productions Radio Behind the Veil United Kingdom
Danko Radio
Streaming Radio
Neon Productions Radio Come In From the Rain United Kingdom
BCB 106.6fm I'll be the One United Kingdom
Neon Productions Radio When I'm Gone United Kingdom
WPKN/WPKM F.M. Bridgeport, Ct, United States
"General Eclectic" WCVF-FM Fredonia, NY USA
Pierre Gerard Planete Indie Belgium
UK Radio - 92.5FM
Tynefm.com Better Part Of Me United Kingdom 2007-06-07 02:46:40
Radio Merkury Poznan Poland
- Now playing Brenda David music