Fernandez and Wright
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | INDIE
Music
Press
Billy Pinnell
May 2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Singer Vanessa Fernandez and guitarist Steve Wright first performed together in 2004 sparking a chemistry that would eventually give birth to one of the decade's most impressive debut releases. Their original compositions, mostly about love, lost, found and sustained, provide perfect vehicles for Vanessa's expressive voice and Steve's understated, melodic acoustic and electric guitars. Ace session players contribute keyboards (Sam Keevers, Chong Lim) double bass (Ben Robertson) drums (Dave Beck) and percussion (Alex Pertout) throughout an infectious mix of folk, jazz, latin, blues and blues/rock. The album's intimate feel (band tracks were recorded live) adds to its appeal". - JB HI _MAG
John McBeath
April 2009
(3.5 out of 5 stars)
"Vocalist Vanessa Fernandez and guitarist Steve Wright first got together at a gig in 2004. The Melbourne duo spent a year composing and refining 10 songs for this debut release, which includes performances by five musicians from among the cream of the city's talent. The lyrics all deal with that perennial topic, love: it's beginnings, chronology, highs and lows, endings and reminiscences after it's gone. Most of the tracks therefore are slow to medium ballad tempos, and two, Think'n It Lately and New Knack, feature gentle bossa nova rhythms...Wright's guitar work is sympathetically elegant throughout and pianist Sam Keevers is supportive, contributing appealing solos of romantic lyricism. Ain't Love Cruel, a strongly rhythmic piece, uses a guitar riff and solid piano backing, swung along by Dave Beck's light but insistent drum beats. Why Is It Always is another medium groove song with soul feeling, fleshed out by Chong Lim on Hammond organ and featuring a brightly nimble guitar solo. The slow ballad Fairy Dust is a pretty melody suffused with longing".
- The Weekend Australian
Discography
Fernandez and Wright released their debut album Unsung in March 2009
In 2008 Vanessa and Steve produced and financed the album independently. Music professional Rick Formosa, fulfilled the role of co-producer. The album was tracked and mixed by Doug Brady at Armstrong Studios and mastered by Jonathan Z at Dex Audio. The album’s photographs were taken by Kim Tonelli.
Vanessa (vocals) and Steve (guitars) are accompanied by some Australia’s finest session musicians including: Sam Keevers on piano and Rhodes; Ben Robertson on double bass; Dave Beck on drums; Alex Pertout on percussion; and Chong Lim on Hammond. “I had a great time playing on the very talented Vanessa and Stevie’s wonderful album.” Chong Lim
Unsung track listing:
1. Ive Been There Too
2. Fairy Dust
3.Thinkn It Lately
4. If Only
5. Aint Love Cruel
6. Seasons
7. New Knack
8. Leave With Me
9. Why Is It Always
10. New Years Day
Photos
Bio
Vanessa Fernandez and Steve Wright. When reviewing their debut album Unsung, radio veteran Billy Pinnell referred to a “chemistry that would eventually give birth to one of the decade’s most impressive debut releases”.
Unsung is beautifully crafted and executed and timeless in its listening. Not only are the songs written with an authenticity that is rare but performances given by the pair are as emotionally compelling as they are understated. You can hear the single minded dedication to the songs on this album over and above production and musicality - both of which are outstanding.
Vanessa skilfully weaves her distinct understanding of melody through her voice which is remarkably subtle and intense, with a tone that is altogether delightful in its depth and originality. The two artists are perfectly matched in expression. Steve’s understated approach to his guitar playing serves a higher commitment to harmonic beauty, a clear sign of a guitarist on the rise.
The duo have recorded with the cream of Melbourne’s music crop including Sam Keevers, one of Australia’s finest Jazz musicians who featured on Katie Noonan’s Blackbird, and Australian music industry veteran Chong Lim. The album was co-produced by composer and former original Little River Band member Rick Formosa and recorded by John Farnham’s long standing sound engineer Doug Brady at Armstrong Studio in South Melbourne.
Few artists are able exceed their reputation from such an impressive first album to live performance, but Fernandez and Wright live is truly captivating. They envelop listeners with their innate understanding of song and expression. The raw talent of these two is evident in every musical note and phrase, holding audiences under their spell for the duration of every performance.
Links
