Tamara Hey

Tamara Hey, a New York City-based singer/songwriter, follows her 2005 debut Right This Minute with an expertly crafted sophomore release, Miserably Happy. Refreshingly, Hey - all smiles in the two photos on the cover of the CD jacket - brings lighthearted optimism to a singer/songwriter genre often skewed toward the brooding and depressive.

In the latest record, Hey has surrounded herself with an individually noteworthy cast of accompanying musicians: producer and guitarist Art Hays linked with Matchbox Twenty and Carbondale, Keyboardist (and husband) Henry Hey known from his work with Rod Stewart and Jeff Watts, drummer Brian Delaney of NY Dolls, and bassist Tim Lefebvre whose played alongside the likes of James Taylor and Patty Austin. Amid such a talented backdrop, Tamara Hey's joyously soulful voice and deeply contemplative lyrics stand out, allowing her emotive ability to forge a personal connection between listener and song.

While there is obviously an immense level of talent, Hey has also been formerly educated in the elite settings of both the Performing Arts School and the renowned Berklee College of Music.

Miserably Happy blends humor, sarcasm, wit, and introspection to create a feel good album with tons of pop vibes. There's too too much of a full band sound to be truly classify it as a singer/songwriter record, rather the album falls somewhere in the realm of folk rock, AAA, with subtle hints of country sensibilities. Her diverse sound comes from a wide range of influences, but her interests seem primarily rooted in the realm of classic rock and its extensions, proclaiming herself as a Beatles-fanatic with a deep appreciation for the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, ELO, and Suzanne Vega. Her voice echoes the same spinnability and freedom that characterizes the era of the flower children. “Miserably Happy” the album's titled track, rides a pleasant but bare melody, yet Hey's ability to elevate a simple phrase “I'm so miserably happy” into a catchy hook transforms it into one of those songs that seems to linger in your mind long after the track is done. Hey can best be described as a blending of Aimee Mann's story telling prowess, Dido's sincerity, and KT Tunstall's poppy angst. While the CD will certainly have you bobbing your head with a smile, I imagine the real pleasure to come with seeing Hey and her extremely talented band play a live set. She currently plays a majority of shows throughout the New York City region, but as momentum gains behind this talented songstress, keep an eye for shows popping up throughout the Northeast region.

- Trevor Dye

Tamara Hey deserves better after speding well over a decade toiling in the East Village music scene. She's unassuming and polite, and you can't tell she's one of the best songwriters in town. Her work is excellent with memorable melodies and literate lyrics that stay with the listener...While her sound has always been a spirited amalgam of influences, she remains her own animal. An impressive and thoughtful creator, Hey's a songwriter's songwriter, composing insightful stories with characters far distant from her own personality, but who nonetheless ring quite true...Good as she is now, with the successful steps taken on Miserably Happy, who knows what tomorrow brings.' (This is an excerpt from a full page review...to read more go to: http://miserablyhappy.com/reviews_full.html) - Urban City Folk, NYC

January 2009
Tamara Hey - Miserably Happy
2008, Miserably Happy Records
(excerpt: read the entire review at:
http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/)

Tamara Hey is a product of New York City. All the humor, intelligence, sarcasm and soul searching that goes with being a New Yorker is reflected perfectly on her latest album, Miserably Happy... The subtle essence of wit is ever-presented on Hey's most recent album, Miserably Happy. No subject is devoid of opportunity in Hey's capable hands.

Drive is probably my favorite song on the record, nailing the angry urgency with which New Yorkers live every single day. Drive is about the need to get away from time to time to refresh yourself, and is delivered with a wink of wit. Other highlights include David #3, Long Dog Day and Miserably Happy. Tamara Hey closes out with October Sun, a musical painting of images and understandings ... the prettiest and most poignant song on Miserably Happy.

Tamara Hey is quite the songwriter. Intelligent and funny lyrics back up against strong country/folk/rock arrangements that serve as perfect vehicles for Hey's sweet voice. Tamara Hey is just quirky enough to be instantly memorable/recognizable. Once you've heard her sing you'll always know Hey's voice right away. That is a quality most singers would die for. Add to that the obvious talent and you have quite a package. Miserably Happy is well-written and well-performed, and an indication that Tamara Hey should be a viable force in folk and rock for some time to come.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5) - http://wildysworld.blogspot.com

Tamara Hey
'Right This Minute'
Jersey Beat
Robert Barry Francos
December 2009

"While going to see another musician, Tamara was on the same bill. We were going to stay just long enough to hear a song or two but remained for the whole set because it was musical love at first hear. Afterwards, I went over and got this CD from her. With a mix of pop, country and jazz, Tamara is another that doesn’t follow a formulaic pattern in subject matter. The first and title cut of this CD just blew me away from the first time I put it on, and the rest does not disappoint. Many of the songs cover relationships, but again, her perspective is not standard. Included is a wistful realizing that a relationship is ending ('Up In the Air'), sadness in realizing a partner may be interested in someone else (the beautifully haunting 'More Like Melanie') and someone close who is battling personal substance demons ('In the Universe With Me'), supportively confronting a friend who has just come out ('Girl Talk'), standing up to another ('Angeline'), and even a bluegrass themed angst ('Pebble in My Shoe'). Tamara’s songs are powerful stuff that loses nothing in the music. She has just released a new CD, and I am sure it will be reviewed by me at some point in my 'Quiet Corner' column." - Jersey Beat