|
How does a folk pop artist stand out in the crowd when the marketplace
is saturated with tunes that sound influenced by John Mayer's
catchy versing and Norah Jones' caressive stroking? In some
ways, singer-songwriter-keyboardist Emily Greene is like any
other folk pop artist crafting songs using a wealth of acoustic and
orchestral traits, but what makes Greene shine in this crowd is her
expressive voice which resonates with a pleasing tint. Coming from
Miami, Florida and relocating to New York City, Greene sings with
the emotion of a vocalist who lives her words.
Greene's self-released effort Is This What You Had In Mind?
fuses the warmth of folk with the springy bolts of orchestral pop
and the soothing sputters of coffeehouse-inspired acoustics. Working
with Dan Romer (April Smith and the Great Picture Show,
Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Owen Youngs) and accompanied by
Jon Chapman on drums, Pascal LeBoeuf on keyboards, Adam
Gressler on guitar, and Peter Spear on bass, Greene delivers
an album that positions folk pop to be accepted in world music's requiem.
Whether the tempo is languid, as in "Oceans And Waves",
or upbeat and positively charged like in "Easy Days," Greene
adjusts her vocals to reflect the mood of the music. Versatile and
able to adapt to various atmospherics, Greene personalizes each track
so each one can stand on its own. The wispy drifts in the acoustics
along "Just Fine" are pacifying, and the rollicking beats
of "Come Back To Me" are shrouded in ambient dewdrops. Greene
plays the piano keys with the embracing sensuality of Sarah McLaughlin
entwined with sobering musings emblematic of Tori Amos.
Emily Greene shows a genuine affection for folk pop melodies trellised
in acoustic pop ramblings. Her tracks are melodically groomed and
broaden world music's scope leaving the listener with the impression
that simplicity has style and exudes intense emotions without laying
it on thick.
-Susan Frances
Check out more
reviews
 Talk
Back
e-mail the
chief
Like this article?
e-mail it to
a friend!
|
Emily
Greene 
