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“Vocalist and pianist Amy Fabry debuts with an album of classic singer/songwriter piano pop delivered with a unique touch and a cool and casual approach… at its finest, Cultivated Pearl is an album of absolutely irresistible songs that transcend time and space and marks Fabry out as a voice to be reckoned with.” --Stein Haukland, Ink 19 Click here for the full review “Jazz meets pop in this refreshing release from Amy Fabry, blending the soulful bite of Carole King and the subtle understatement of Norah Jones… The perfect combination of great songwriting and great singing is key to this successful sound, which so many solo projects like this usually lack.” --Mish Mash Music, January 2003 Click here for the full review "On Cultivated Pearl, Amy Fabry's debut album, don't expect to be slapped in the face with soaring vocals and over-the-top arrangements. Instead, Fabry's voice is a cool breeze, a soft and alluring curl of smoke that floats lightly from the warm coals of her piano. This is the perfect record to relax to on a warm spring day, laid out in a hammock with an iced tea in hand. A classically trained pianist, Fabry uses her instrument with aplomb, building solid music behind her gorgeous voice. This is most apparent on "When I Fell," Fabry's solo narration of replenished love. This song has a Fiona Apple quality to it, sincere and filled with true emotion, yet never spilling over into the melodramatic. Other songs like "Down The Hatch" and "I've Seen It" are funky and upbeat, lending a touch of jazz that keeps the record from becoming just another singer with a piano. "No Boundary" is soulful and playful, bringing to mind images of a cruise through the Gulf of Mexico, with tropical guitar licks, Fabry's layered vocals fading in and out and a catchy drum beat. Fabry far outshines her mainstream competition, mixing in elements of swing, pop and jazz to create an album that sounds fresh and inviting every time you listen to it. This is an album that has been a long time in the making for Fabry. She knows how to please not only the listener's ear, but his or her heart as well. Impassioned lyrics coupled with her carefree way of singing dance through the air like soft-winged moths, amusing and delightful at the same time." --Brant Schulz, Indie Music.com "...As easy a pop sound from 25 years ago as you’ll ever find… Forget Spiderman and Shania’s Up, and get something that is the anti-hype in the extreme.” --Ben Ohmart, MusicDish Click here for the full review "The music industry is one of fundamental trickery and deceit - ask anyone who's been part of it at any time. Honesty comes at a premium among those who work in the industry, and honesty in recording is becoming equally rare nowadays. That's why it's so refreshing to get an album like this one here at Blah3 - Amy Fabry has recorded an album with some good friends that is unadorned and honest, yet in its simplicity lies its eloquence. Amy's winsome, supple voice and piano prowess immediately brings to mind Carole King - and that's not a bad thing, since King's Tapestry was one of the biggest selling albums in the world in its time. There's a lot to be said for a woman at a piano who writes strong melodies and presents them in a simple, staightforward manner. Songs like "House In Limbo" or "What It Is" leave no doubt as to the caliber of talent involved. Ably backed by producer Kent Peterson and small coterie of gifted studio musicians, Amy Fabry builds a jazzy, intimate album of strong songs, one song at a time. A classically trained musician, Fabry chooses understatement over bombast, and the results are quiet yet extremely satisfying. Peterson utilizes a spare production technique, and when he introduces elements like a treated guitar in "Down The Hatch", it's a very pleasant surprise. Cultivated Pearl is as solid a debut as they come, and Fabry's low-key approach works wonders. It's amazing what a little honesty can do sometimes." --Blah3.com Music "On Cultivated Pearl, Amy puts together a collection of pearls meant for the sophisticated listener. This is a discerning collection of Adult Alternative tunes with a strong jazz influence. Fabry's lyrics are thought provoking, her voice is sexy and sultry, and her instrumentation is professional and well suited to the songs. "Moments Like This" is a true jazz bar number with an almost spoken word vocal and stark piano accompaniment. Things start to pick up as the percussion enters and lends a bit of funkiness to the tune. This is one of the strongest numbers on the disc. Fabry really put in an effort here that does not fall short of true professionalism. The arrangements are thought provoking, the style is true to itself, and the lyrics are intelligent and heartfelt. Amy loves to use her voice and the piano to draw you into the tune as is evident on "When I Fell." "Down The Hatch," while maintaining its jazz roots, moves toward the funkier side of the genre. Amy's voice is perfect for this type of song as well as the slow, smoky type of jazz. "Confucius' Fuchsias" is a fun song with a moving rhythm and again, a great vocal. Fabry is definitely a star on the rise and if you like your music with a strong jazz influence you may want to give Fabry a listen. Rating - A." --bestfemalemusicians.com “If Amy Fabry had more exposure she just might have been the big winner on Grammy night instead of Norah Jones… Her style is untainted and original. She’s a real artist and a true musician and this album proves that.” –-Chanita Davis, music-reviewer.com Click here for the full review "...a strong debut from a talented artist." --Amy, Collected Sounds Click here for the full review |
© 2002, 2003 Amy Fabry. All rights reserved. Contact: afabry@charter.net
