emily cavanagh
New York City, New York, United States
Music
Press
"Cavanagh has a gift for writing whimsy - small moments that pass
by quickly and unexpectantly leave emotional marks lasting a lifetime. The opening song, on "Emily Waiting" is "Branch", a song that initiates the cd's journey into romance with a description of two people drawn uncontrollable toward eachother. The bouncy melody driving the verse is supported by a simple trio
of piano, drums and bass, a sparse instrumentation which is ideally
suited for Emily's voice. Pianist, Nir Sadovnik, and bass player, Frank Wagner, are both renowned in the New York Jazz scene. The multiple vocal tracks (all sung by Cavanagh) build depth to this song and are a highlight of the considerable talent
she has to offer. The song, "Elevator", (portrayed also in a music video found on
the singer's youtubepage) is a story loosely based on the life of her
grandmother, the woman Emily credits for her crystal clear singing
voice. The song's cautionary words suggest that the pursuit of love
can be complex requiring both the sacrifice of one's own dreams
while also navigating the normal emotional heartaches inherent
in romance.
The album closes with, "Don't Forget The Girl", a song that
portrays a maturity beyond Emily's years. Insightful lyrics
are matched by a beautiful guitar and bass accompaniment
(featured artist: Jimmy Giannopoulos, of the group "Pretty
Good Dance Moves" and Tim Luntzel, of the band
"Bright Eyes") match nicely with piano played by the vocalist
herself. The song suggests an acceptance of letting go of a
love that has come to an end.
"Take what you want
and go see the world
Take what you need,
it's yours to keep take
what you will.
Don't forget the girl.
Take me with you."
(from "Don't Forget The Girl" – Words and Music by E. Cavanagh)
Anyone who listens to this album should heed the advice and
never let this music leave their hearts. You can't forget THIS girl.
--
Review by Scott Peterkin - All rights reserved
- scott peterkin
"When I met Emily I thought she was like a movie star from another time. What I love about her music (in this record in particular) is that it extension of who she is. Emily is magical and nostalgic, sweet, and dreamy. She has a cool warmth about her. A magnetic charisma. This record captures all of that. If the record was a weather it would be a rainy day. If the record were a color it would be sea foam. If the record where an object it would be a box of old party dresses. If the record were a person she would be charming"....Claire Stigliani
- Claire Stigliani
"We stumbled upon old-world style in a new age, talented beauty. Her jazzy sound will take you back. Her inspiring story will push you forward." - Gendance Magazine
- GenDance Magazine
Discography
"Emily Waiting" 2008 available on Itunes
"More than This" 2010 available on Itunes
contact: emmycav@yahoo.com
emily@emilycavanaghmusic.com
Photos
Bio
Somehow in this world, there occasionally surfaces an instrument of expression that is so clear, so passionate and universal, that it tickles that place in the human heart that stays oblivious to the bedlam outside. An instrument: this time around, a voice. And this voice belongs to Emily Cavanagh.
Emily -- born to a large Irish family in Chicago and now living amongst the doers and dreamers of Brooklyn -- has an ebullient vocal style that reminds one of Regina Spektor or Ingrid Michaelson, sprinkled with the velvety aplomb of Norah Jones. Emily writes songs from and about the heart: its triumphs, its wars, its strange resilience. These lyrics flow with the elegant washes of piano chords. That’s right -- this chanteuse also plays piano. Effortlessly.
The enigma of the stunning blonde with the instinctive stage presence and voice has begun to hypnotize New York City. In just a few years, she boasts a loyal and dedicated fanbase, who come to see her at legendary venues such as City Winery, The Living Room, The Bitter End, the Bowery Electric and several others, proving herself among the sensations of the hip, decadent Lower East Side. Her 2008 self- titled debut EP was critically well received, earning Emily praise at the tender age of 24. Her follow-up, 2010’s "More Than This," recorded in the historic Brill building, is a self-produced 10-track journey through passionate narratives, lilting emotion and expert storytelling. This girl has seen some things and it’s obvious. Co-written with her piano player and friend, Nir Sadovnik, More Than This showcases the gravelly influence of traditional folk music that holds court with her intrinsic jazz roots from Chicago. It also features some heavy hitters in the NYC music scene including Frank Wagner, Jeremy Zmuda, Tim Luntzel( of "Bright Eyes" and Roseann Cash), O’Dell Davis, Nicholas Cassarino, and Matthew Szemela.
Respected music blog Crushing Krisis noted, “There’s the kind of stage presence where this gifted girl is drawing us in instead of pushing herself out. There is something about her spirit that reveals itself in her music.” For instance, on "More Than This," fans can pick up on the indie-pop sensibility with which Emily writes the brighter tunes, where the melodies are as warm as her infectious laugh, yet subsequently dip into moods of milky yearning and resignation with “Que Sera, Sera,” a cover of the song made popular by Doris Day in 1956 and an example of Emily’s ability to truly make a song her own.
Adding to the depth of an already uncommon musical reverie, when not recording or performing, Emily is a dedicated social worker, working with homeless New Yorkers living with HIV, advocating art and expression as a saving grace. Emily is currently in talks with producers to have her music licensed for film and television, and has partnered with PapaLove Productions to shoot a series of videos of her most popular works. Catch her while you can, because this songbird is set to fly.
-Clara Rose Thornton, Music Journalist
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