http://www.muzikreviews.com/reviews.php?ID=1984
Christina LaRocca is an award winning singer and songwriter with a unique blend of folk and R&B. Hearing her for the first time, it is easy to see the roots of her music coming from her time listening to greats like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole. After trying out theater in her teens and discovering musical greats like Alanis Morsette, she began writing her own music. Forming the group Heavy Weather with fellow musicians Carl Gallagher and Dorian Lake, the band has received international attention. After releasing two albums with Heavy Weather, I Stand Tall With My Eyes Wide Open is LaRocca’s first solo album. She is now collaborating with Josh Glazer of J. Glazer Productions. Guest artists on the album include: Matty J of Higher Concept, Wes Swing and Heavy Weather.
“Like A Cigarette (I Love Ya Baby)” has a subtle rhythm that will seduce you from the first listen. The groove created from the light guitar flowing into LaRocca’s voice, horn and delicate percussion is deceptively simple. The depth of LaRocca’s vocals and the passion she puts into her music is contagious and you can’t help but fall under her spell. The textures are smooth and molten, like one of those melted chocolate lava cakes. Taking your first bite, you know you like it, but as you delve deeper, the richer it gets.
“With You” opens with some elaborate guitar picking that flows into LaRocca’s vocals. Her words spiral around you as the lyrics take off and echo into the main vocalization. Lots of layers here with this piece, but together it creates a song worth listening to. There is a heavy soul edge to this track and a rhythm to match it note per note.
“Silver Bullets” is smokin hot. The multi-instrumental feel to this piece is a happy jumble of pulsing motion. A guitar flairs up with a steady percussion traipsing through the background, making this piece full of creative foot stompin fun. Images of movie monsters prevail as LaRocca spins her tale of betrayal. The composition and melodies crafted here are spot on and this is one of my favorite tracks on the album.
Christina LaRocca is an international award winning artist that takes her childhood love of classic soul artists and combines them with stronger than steel lyrics and a can do attitude. Her work with Heavy Weather was a great stepping off point and I Stand Tall With My Eyes Wide Open is an impressive solo album. This is definitely an artist to watch. Her soulful sound is a mix between folk and soul and carries a modern edge that makes her very compelling to listen to.
Key Tracks: Like A Cigarette ( I Love You Baby), With You, Silver Bullets
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
January 10, 2012
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