Music
Press
By: Susan Frances (Associate Writer)
2006-10-13
Artist: Charles "Casey" Hurowitz
Title: Greatest Hits
Genre: Singer/Songwriter
Label: Independent
Website: www.caseysongs.com
Barry Gibb once said that songwriters go into a “dream-like state of mind” when they write songs, and for songwriter/nonperforming artist Charles “Casey” Hurowitz, it is that dream-like state of mind which conjures up melodies and lyrics for his songs. His Greatest Hits LP is a collection of his finest works recorded by other recording artists showcasing references to George Harrison’s melodic timing, Stealers Wheel’s smokey-blown textures, and the jazz pop intonations of Natalie Cole. Casey’s songs span across genres from acoustic pop to Spanish-flared rock. The compositions flex adult contemporary rock with coffeehouse folk notations courtesy of Casey‘s producer, Dan Marfisi.
Songs like “Frankly Scarlet” and “What A World” are melodically rung with catchy folk pop hooks and chord movements that contract and rise elegantly. The massaging feel of the melodies are engaging and the vocals enhance the fondling motions.
The jazz pop atmosphere of “Blue Moment” is cinematic as if describing the scene from the movie “The Lake House,” when actress Sandra Bullock is waiting in a restaurant for Keanu Reeves to meet her, but never shows up. The tone is sullen and falls into a dark abyss, but always ready to pull itself back up with lyrics like "There is no substance that can dull this pain/ Can I be forgiven?/ Will you take me back again/ Take me back."
The song “Painfully Single” is adorned with a charming piano motif and pop/rock trinkets sprinkled along the melody. “Adrenaline” has a Southern rock vibe in the smokey textures that comes back up with “Marry Me” performed by Australian country pop artist Vicky Taytro. “Wonder Woman” harbors darkly tinted tones with vocals reminiscent of Kisses’ lead singer Paul Stanley. The guitar solo is eerie and propels the melody into vibrating shades.
The number “The Foreign Sun” fashions Spanish undulations in the instrument parts floating sensual motions along bobbing progressions. The rhythmic movements on “Rainy Tuesday” are inked with a classic rock script, whereas “I Drift Away” has a high flatulent air with powerful female vocals like Sarah Brightman and gorgeous streaming synth effects and tones.
Charles Hurowitz’s self-released Greatest Hits album is an ensemble of melodically fine tuned songs influenced by classic rock tenets and contemporary world finishings. The songs reflect that dream-like state of mind where reality’s frustrations are a figment of the imagination because everything is blissful when seen through dreams. Casey’s songwriting abilities show signs of Barry Gibb, Gerry Rafferty, and George Harrison.
- musicdish.com
Discography
Recent credits include:
“Painfully Single” in the indie film, "Mandate" (2008).
“Physical World” in the indie film, "Supermodels 2007".
“Painfully Single” in the indie film, "Back Soon" (2007).
“Adrenaline” (co-write with Craig Ackroyd) placed in “On The Brink”, a short film about global warming.
“Marry Me” (co-write with Deb Ferrara) released by Canadian artist Vicky Taytro and Australian act Double Vision.
“Just Another Slap In The Face” (co-write with Ron King and Justine Kaye) released by Canadian artist Vicky Taytro
“What a World” released on Songhouse Publishing’s One Step Closer / Artist for a Cure CD to raise money to fight Cystic Fibrosis.
“Painfully Single” featured in a Valentine’s Day promotion on a Philadelphia radio station.
Photos
Bio
www.myspace.com/charles_p_hurowitz
Casey is heavily influenced by the Beatles, Stones, Doors, and 60's rock, as well as Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, and Bruce Springsteen from the 80's. He admires the lyrical skills of people like Joni Mitchell and Melanie Safka. However, the production on his music, thanks to producer Dan Marfisi, takes on a much more modern flare.
Already a veteran of numerous publishing deals, Casey's skills have been recognized with artist cuts, film placements, and press reviews. Most recently, his music was reviewed on www.musicdish.com (see "Press"). He was featured in an Insider Report in the well-known book Songwriters Market (2003).
Quote from a review by Tonos co-founder and famed producer, David Foster on the song What a World:
"You really understand songwriting. Good build, good hook and very well structured. I found myself singing the hook two hours after listening which is a very good thing. Go beat the door down, youve got talent"
Links
