The write stuff

The career path of a singer/songwriter has its ups and downs, and we can be thankful that these two female artists have snagged major recording label contracts. In the case of Norwegian sensation, Ida Maria, it took years on the road and insisting on performing her own garage rock-meets-pop material before the music world sat up and took notice. Melody Gardot had to survive a near-fatal road accident and took to songwriting as music therapy, before being proclaimed the new sensation of 2009 in the jazz and blues genre.

Fortress ‘Round My Heart — Ida Maria (Mercury/Fontana). Ordered this on Amazon and it’s constantly on my player. The high energy, slashing guitar driven intros, drums and cymbal flourishes all make for an exciting major label debut. Think Janis Joplin, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Nico all mixed up and percolating in a garage rock setting, and you’ll have some idea of what Ida Maria has to offer. The first four songs on the CD — Oh, My God, Morning Light, the smash first single I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked and Stella — have to rank as among the best four song sequences you’ll hear from a new artist this year. Her anguished vocal delivery falters a bit on the ballads, but that’s a small price to pay for the consistently “right stuff” you’ll find here. The lyrics are feisty, angry, obssessed with liquor, cigarettes, strong coffee and casual sex — 2009’s version of Avril Lavigne? Calling for local distribution. 

My One and Only Thrill — Melody Gardot (MCA Universal). A road accident at 19 led now 22-year-old Melody to turn to songwriting as musical therapy, and the world of quiet jazz and blues can be grateful that good things can come out of unfortunate events. With renowned producer Larry Klein at the helm, Melody’s new CD showcases her songwriting skills with just one cover of a Brazilian-tinged Over The Rainbow — and what a superb cover this is! If one has to draw comparisons, think of a more melodic Diana Krall mixed with the vocal delivery of the late Eva Cassidy. The music vision even defies easy categorization, as it’s not quite jazz and not quite blues, but just a good singer making strong, personal music. At times akin to poetry set to music, there’s a very impressionistic touch to her approach and it works for those rainy afternoons and early evening moments.