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Poetic Leanings - June 2006
REVIEW of: TINA VERO – FOUR SONG CD
Tina Vero has been garnering attention as of late for a FOUR SONG CD release. With this latest release from one of the most marketable unsigned talents on the Indie music scene, Tina Vero enlisted the prestigious and noted talents of Mike Visceglia (Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, Phoebe Snow, Bette Midler, John Cale) as producer of the CD. Visceglia added his well-crafted and notable smooth bass lines, along with the hypnotic and eclectic drumming of Doug Yowell (Suzanne Vega, Duncan Sheik, Phoebe Snow) and the atmospheric guitar and piano support of Rob Friedman, (Paul Carrick, Suzanne Vega).
The second track of the EP, “Nowhere,” recently received the runner-up award in the AAA/Alternative Category of the International Acoustic Music Awards – (IAMA). No arguments with that, as the songs on this CD are all gems. It would seem that the worst criticism that can be leveled upon Vero’s effort is that there are only four songs to enjoy, when one craves so much more.
With guitar playing hinting of Ani Difranco and a soft, yet powerful voice reminiscent of Dar Williams and Jonatha Brooke, Tina Vero weaves stories of vivid imagery and complex musical arrangement. Together, these tools provide Vero with an ability to bring about a discussion of life’s experiences in a way that is uniquely her own, yet familiar, too.
The previously mentioned “Nowhere” has brought Vero acclaim and it is the portrayal of a person’s conflicted emotions of regret and longing that make this song stand out. Vero writes of love beyond grasp and a loss of control as life marches on. However, she does so with a free-flowing sound that points to moving forward whether we want to or not.
The CD opens with a raw, edgy and instant radio hit entitled “Memory of Me.” Vero intelligently and metaphorically exposes the danger of love and a lover possessed by addiction. Memory For Me picks up this inner conflict in the form of the proverbial loving passing in the night. We make mistakes, choose the wrong paths and are unsure if what is right is within our capacities to decide upon. Vero does not provide easy answers, but instead shares the turmoil of emotions with a pinpoint accuracy.
The third song on the CD, “Try,” begins as a placid piece, only to give rise to a forcefulness that we are unaware of until it is fully engaged. Speaking again of the past, Vero reveals discord, this time in whether to recapture something lost, move on or learn from the experience.
Finally, the CD concludes with “Angelchasing” embellished by its haunting guitar and vocal arrangements. This song speaks with a combination of innocence and subtle frustration. The struggle that is life is depicted with a searching and uncertain touch, but it is within this lack of clarity that Vero finds a voice so true to life.
Tina Vero’s intricate writing style could easily overwhelm her musicianship and voice were she not equally adept in these two forums. Her guitar playing can be soft and tender or driven and fierce. She has the skill to meet any challenge instrumentally.
Vocally, Vero is an angel. Yet, once more, she is hardly one-dimensional. Her sweet voice ranges from the soothing to the fiery. She is at once reflective and then intensely strong. In listening to Vero, one cannot help but gain a sense of her passion for living and her search for something more.
Tina Vero is a singer-songwriter who will stir up the pot and, with an unusual rawness and integrity, will provide a portrait of human frailty. She displays life within the context of emotional fluctuation. Could anything be more honest? If you wish to be challenged to think beyond boundaries, you will find a friend in Vero. You will also be granted the chance to hear a beautiful voice and inspiring musicianship.
-By Scott Wolman of poeticleanings.blogspot.com- visit www.tinavero.com for more info
- By Scott Wolman
Discography
In The Waiting (2000)
Tina Vero - Four Songs (2005, reissued 2007)
Radio Airplay:
Live With The Demon (from In The Waiting)
Running The Race of Life (from In The Waiting)
In The Waiting (from In The Waiting)
Hunt For The Read (from In The Waiting)
Memory For Me (from Tina Vero - Four Songs)
Nowhere (from Tina Vero - Four Songs)
Try (from Tina Vero - Four Songs)
Angelchasing (from Tina Vero - Four Songs)
Photos
Bio
Tina Vero announces she has been chosen as REGIONAL ARTIST from Original Sessions National Band Search - March 2007
Tina Vero announces her song NOWHERE has won an award from IAMA - International Acoustic Music Awards for 2006.
Tina Vero announces her song ANGELCHASING has received an HONORABLE MENTION from UNISONG for 2006.
Tina Vero is the IAMA featured artist for June 2006.
Tina Vero - Dewey Beach Music Conference Showcase Artist, Dewey Beach, DE
Tina Vero - Allbiz Music Conference Showcase Artist, Columbus, OH
Tina Vero - CMJ SHOWCASING ARTIST NOV 2006, New York City
Tina Vero - EMERGENZA SHOWCASING ARTIST JAN 2007- Brooklyn, New York
Tina Vero - AWARDED REGIONAL ARTIST from Original Sessions NATIONAL BAND SEARCH MARCH 2007 - New York City
COMPILATIONS:
Original Sessions National Band Search Compilation
iheartracing Tunes to Train to Music Compilation
InTouch Entertainment Music Compilation
The panelists at IAMA say, "Tina simply delivers excellent vocals and artistry. Her sound is fresh and just keeps the listener wanting more. Her songwriting displays excellent hooks without overdoing it. Her song fits her vocals like a glove. Even Lisa Loeb will be jealous! "
Since her independent release of In The Waiting,Tina Vero leveraged her burgeoning career by sharing the stage with legendary songwriter NEIL FINN, from Crowded House and Split Endz fame, in New York City at Irving Plaza. Their hypnotizing duet of Fall At Your Feet brought new interest to the likes of WFUV and the New York Times commenting on Tina Vero's dynamic songwriting, performing and complex guitar abilities. This lead to her latest recording effort in 2005. Tina Vero took her latest batch of songs under the production auspices of Mike Visceglia (Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams,Phoebe Snow) and Rob Friedman (Dan Zanes, Phoebe Snow, Paul Carrick) to further develop her unique sonic offering to the world of acoustic music. This four song CD has landed Tina Vero several showcasing opportunities throughout the country, such as CMJ, Dewey Beach Music Festival, ALLBIZ Music Conference, Emergenza and Original Sessions National Band Search NYC, to much enthusiasm. In addition, tracks from her four song CD, Nowhere and Angelchasing have won awards from IAMA and UNISONG respectively, in 2006. For 2007, her emotional firecracker of a song, "Memory For Me", has been selected for three compilations, Original Session National Band Search Compilation, Tunes to Train to by iheartracing and InTouch Entertainment cd for emerging artists.
We are seeing more artists understanding that music fans want a direct bond or communication with them through their songs. It is clear from Tina Vero’s albums that she not only understands this, she strongly believes in the value of the messages in her songs.
While it would be easy to say that she is building upon the lyrical and vocal styles of artists ranging from Jonatha Brooke, Dar Williams, Natalie Merchant and Neil Finn, it would be more accurate to say she can be placed in their company because of her great songs along with her audience inclusive live shows and the clear insights into her songs poetically explained on her website www.tinavero.com.
“Meditation with a priority” is another intriguing way to describe Tina’s collective Adult Contemporary, A3, Singer-Songwriter style that provides the musical foundation to her image filled, emotion based reflection on life and the elements that encompass it.
For example, on the title track of her CD, In The Waiting, she expresses her own journey and reminds us to continue on ours of doing what we want to do in life. Follow your dreams once you learn who you are. Create the opportunities, don’t wait for them to appear. While in Hunt For The Red, she helps us to understand that we are not alone in the mistakes we make - like falling in love with the wrong person or using our will to create something that is not happening. While Hunt For The Red could reflect totally on this message, it also presents the challenge to learn what is right for you.
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