Kathy Muir – Book Cover Judge
URL: https://www.kathymuir.com/
You can tell by listening to real “good” music by the “keep it real” impression it makes on the world and by the footprint it leaves behind. Sometimes it can come out in a passionate vocal line, a social movement, or a song that is sung with emotional bewilderment. The collection of songs featured here by Kathy Muir is a non-stop presentation of mainly vocal-pop but also rhythm and blues, soul and traces of Jazz and even Rock. Making use of every production and instrument in the book, it’s hard not to find something you’ll like on this 12 track collection. Muir is originally from Scotland but now lives in Connecticut.
The first track “Head Down” gets things started right full of intoxicating vocals that really keep the essence of the music hopeful and pure. Sometimes you don`t need too much to create something high quality and overly complicated to ne powerful. Despite this the music is a bit abstract. I’ve often heard the term “Keep it Simple Stupid”. Keeping this in mind there’s no over the top musical theatrics here with a conservative rhythm section and immense variety of instrumentation throughout. My ears pricked up to the unique and somewhat spiritual vocal style of Muir right away. Track 2 “Soul Lover” delivers a catchy offering. Add in a few clairvoyant and wise-woman lyrics and some intriguing subject matter expressed with eloquently, emotion and conviction and you will come to understand why this artist is clearly growing in popularity.
The vocal style of Muir defiantly flows like a ship lost at sea, and I’ve only heard a handful of singer execute this style well in this type of music. Because there aren’t any lyrics most people fail to understand this style of music. Despite this all songs have messages worthy of your attention but you listen more than once to pick up on it. All in all it’s a yet creative gamut of songs. Mix is a bit dated sounding to me but hey it works. “Always Forever” and “I Will Be There” are more standout tracks not to be underestimated with musical psychedelics and a distinctive voice for the masses to consume. Most songs are about themes of love, life, hope, joy, Truth, transformation, resurrection and a bit of religious conviction. Some track like “You and Me Both” and “Keep on Walking” have a real ring of truth to them. Muir is a breath away from top tired Contemporary Pop – which is a compliment but cutting edge enough not to sound like Carol Carpenter. Swaying between older pop and smooth vocal jazz-blues Muir proves herself yet again and is a rather unique talent in the hands of a capable Producer.
Musical flavoring reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, Fiona Apple, Nelly Durtado, Venessa Carlton and Aimee Mann.
Kathy Muir has all the component necessary for a popular vocal-pop act. These songs are probably even better in a live setting – a big component necessary to be a popular act. I wouldn’t call her just pop – there’s so much more. Maybe Spiritual and abstract Melodic Pop is what I would call it that has so much depth. I listened to this album 3 or 4 times and there’s something I didn’t pick up on before. All of above makes an established act like Kathy Muir stands out even more in a world of soulless musical clutter lacking soul, hope an genuine substance.
– Heather Copeland
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/LeenieM100