WOW! A powerful and theatrical set of pipes immediately caught my attention in the very first cut “Spider Lady”. If she meant to sound bitter with that one..I couldn’t tell. ;) Overall, this release possesses very strong songwriting and melodic arrangement. Amy’s vocals are extremely passionate, deeply moving and well delivered with a masterful punch. Amy’s speaks very well for the strength and perseverance ability in all women in this CD. Although unique and most certainly with her own lonesome sound, there are some Melissa E, and Tanya Tucker familiarities that were a sweet combination. Outstanding tracks throughout that I can see totally alive on the big screen. Very insightful lyrics and the fantastic variety of sounds are refreshing. Loved the Amy Annette version of “Sister” Great Job! A definite “YOU GO GIRL!” In closing….I surmise that “Annette’s” just plain rock. HEH!
**************************************
CD Review: Amy Annette's Starting Over
**************************************
Starting Over Amy Annette (Wardwell Music Group)
By Kenny Hart
**************************************
Although Amy Annette has performed cover tunes most of her life, most recently with her now-disbanded group, Knyght Blynde, she also demonstrates a talent for songwriting. Starting Over is a debut showcase of Annette's writing and entertaining talents. Eight well-crafted, well-performed original songs along with fitting performances of three diverse covers, take you on a passionate, emotional journey through the lows, mids, and highs of living and loving.
An Ohio native and graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Annette began performing with her family's band at age 12. Whether or not this is how all that music got in her blood makes little difference--it's there. She's a dynamic performer, and her sultry, smokey vocals are captivating. Because of her expert use of digital music sequencing technology, Annette's live performances duplicate her recordings.
You quickly discover that Annette writes what she means and means what she sings: Every word speaks from the heart, every note rings from the soul. With influences ranging from Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge and Elton John, Annette's mix of hard-hitting rock and intensely personal love songs shows a passion for music that is contagious and engaging--you end up wanting more.
There is no title track. The album jumps off the starting line like a nitro-powered dragster with "Spider Lady," an attack on that evil personality type who lures us into trusting them, only to destroy us. This is a common theme in rock music, but Annette's tag line, "You're a thread in the web in the corner of the Devil's soul," is a fresh image.
In an artful switch, Annette takes us from searing to soaring with the crown jewel of the album, "Our Song," an uplifting love-will-conquer-all number that is familiar, yet fresh. But you can' stop there; Annette shines in her torchy interpretation of the Quincy Jones/Rod Temperton/Lionel Richie blues number "Miss Celia's Blues (Sister)."
And so you don't get too serious, "Pull Those Suckers Up," is a light-hearted novelty tune reminiscent of Dr. Hook. It'll have you laughing until the "crack of dawn" with a whole new meaning for the word "crack".
The slow ballad "You're My Everything" has a nice '70s feel while "Welcome To The New World" has the emotional impact of a post-nuclear-holocaust shock film. Here is social commentary in the form of musical blunt-force-trauma. Annette follows with more commentary in "Sticks And Stones," a pretty, pleading ballad that says the old rhyme isn't--and never was--true: "...the names can burn your soul right through..."
Covers of Linda Perry's "What's Up" and Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz"--complete with a well-done imitation of Joplin's gravelly growl--round out the album.
The more you listen to this album, the more you come to realize that Amy Annette has lived her music. Here is an artist who knows how to touch a soul with her art, and if you get through the 11 tracks on this album without at least one good outbreak of gooseflesh, it's time you had a reality check.
Introducing, Amy Annette.
Amy is an Ohio Valley musician and singer. Born in Cincinnati, she was raised in a musical family and began playing professionally at age twelve with her parent’s musical group. Their numerous performances were rewarded when their family band was named Ohio’s Musical Family of the Year by the American Federation of Musicians. Amy then attended the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, earning her Bachelor’s degree. Amy is principally a vocalist and keyboard player, but because of her extensive musical training, she is competent on several instruments, as well as possessing powerful vocal abilities.
She has always been musically active. In the early 80's, Amy sang and played with local bands like the Buddy Rogers Big Band, Sundown and Musical Impass, while attending the College-Conservatory of Music. The 90's brought more gigs and Amy formed a cover band of her own called "KNYGHT BLYNDE" with her then bass player husband. The husband and the band didn’t last, but music and performing have always remained a constant in her life.
The end of the 90's brought music technology to a fore front. The use of musical sequencing equipment has catapulted the possibilities for single musicians or small bands to enhance the full sound experience of live music. Amy’s knowledge of sequence assisted live performances is amazing and she now utilizes this technology in her performances.
Although she has performed cover tunes most of her life, Amy also demonstrates talent in original music composition. She is now releasing her very first original CD called Starting Over. Her new CD, Starting Over, will take you on a journey of love, humor, passion and sorrow. Influenced by the likes of Melissa Etheridge and Elton John, her hard-hitting rock and intensely personal love songs will leave you wanting more.
Amy has also recorded background vocals for several Christian rock/pop CD’s. Her expertise of musical sequencing has made her in high demand among other professional musicians. Her sequences have been used for church services, special events, as well as numerous studio recordings.
Since the 2000's have arrived, Amy still occasioinally performs with her family band. She has played and toured with the duo "FANDANGO" but has now gone solo. A dynamic performer, Amy Annette’s provocative lyrics and sultry, smokey vocals have made her an audience hit! Her passion for music reaches out and engages the audience like no other performer. Look for her playing locally in Cincinnati.
Amy’s musical abilities, stage presence and professionalism are a MUST for your next musical event!
Sat Feb 25: National Women's Music Festival "Star Search". Show starts at 6pm at the Indyindie Clubhouse in Indianapolis, IN www.indyindie.com
SAT. APRIL 8TH - MIAMI UNIVERSITY 20 YEAR ALUMNI GLBT REUNION 8:30 p.m. All are welcome. Amy will be opening for special guest Anthony Rapp from RENT For more info, www.1809lgbtalumni.org
July 6 thru 9th - NATIONAL WOMEN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL!!www.wiaonline.org
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2007 - WEST VIRGINIA'S WOMEN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL AT CAMPOUT! WWW.CAMPOUTVA.COM Pictures from this festival will be posted on myspace soon!
I am currently booking for local gigs and other summer music festivals throughout the country. Check back for scheduled dates!
WOW!! Was that a fantastic week at the National Women's Music Festival, or what?!!!! I had a wonderful time and feel very honored to have shared the stage with such talented women. Thanks again to all the staff and crew of volunteers it took to pull such an event off. See ya soon!!
I am also writing and recording AGAIN!! I hope to be releasing my 2nd CD soon.
*please let us know if you would like the CD signed by Amy
Lyrics to STARTING OVER
THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR Written by Amy Annette
SHE TRIES TO BE THE BEST WOMAN SHE CAN BE * SHE IS WHO I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE * SHE’S STRONG AND SHE’S WISE, SHE WEARS NO DISGUISE * NO EXCUSES, NO CONFESSIONS, NO LIES. * SHE TRIES TO SEE THE WORLD WITH SOME FAITH * THOUGH IT’S HARD TO BE OUT IN THIS PLACE * THE LOVE SHE WON’T HIDE WILL NOT BE DENIED * SHE LIVES LIFE WITH NO SHAME OR DISGRACE ** SHE’S THE WOMAN I LOVE * SHE’S THE ONE I HOLD DEAR * ITS TAKEN ME A LONG TIME * TO SAY THIS WITH NO TEARS * SHE’S THE WOMAN THAT I SEE EACH DAY I LOOK IN THE MIRROR * I WANNA BE, JUST LIKE SHE, LIKE THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR ** SHE TRIES TO CHANGE HER MIND WHEN SHE IS WRONG * SHE TRIES TO LOVE SOMEONE BEFORE THEY ARE GONE * HER BEAUTY’S WITHIN, SHE’S CONTENTED IN HER SKIN * SHE KNOWS TO LOVE SOMEONE, SO MUCH, IS NOT A SIN *** SHE’S A WOMAN, I’M A WOMAN * SHE’S ALIVE, I’M ALIVE *** SHE’S NAÏVE AND BELIEVES THAT LOVE CAN CHANGE THE EARTH * BUT SHE’S AWARE OF DESPAIR AND WEALTH, FOR ALL IT’S WORTH * IF SHE HAD HER WAY, SHE’D SPILL LIFE EVERYDAY * THEN DRINK EVERY DROP TILL IT HURT *
WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD Written by Amy Annette
** WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD* WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD * WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD, WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD ** TRAPPED IN CORPORATE LABEL BONDAGE * FIGHTING TERRORISM IN EACH OF US * LIFESTYLES OF WELL INTENTIONED NUMBNESS* TRACKING YOUR MOODS AND MOTION * TRACKING YOUR MENTAL POLLUTION * POLICY BASED ON FORCE RATHER THAN WISDOM * LACK OF RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCES * DIFFERENCES EXCHANGED FOR UNIFORMITY * ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA DEFINES FEMININITY ** TECHNOLOGY’S THE TRUE RELIGION * WRONGHEADED ASSUMPTIONS AT WORK * ALL WE LOSE IN EXCHANGE IS LIFE IN THE MOMENT * BY EMULATING THE RICH, WE SERVE THEM * BUT EMULATING THE RICH FEEDS THEIR EGOS * BY EMULATING THE RICH CONDONES THEIR CULTURE OF VIOLENCE ** PRO LIFE FLAVORED LAUGH POISON * WAITING FOR PERMISSION TO BE FREE * CAPITALISM IS VIABLE UNTIL THE WORLD IS GONE **
SPIDER LADY Written by Amy Annette
SHE’S AS INNOCENT AS A DOVE * BUT SHE ALWAYS HAS EVIL ON HER MIND * SHE BOUGHT ME PRESENTS AND SHE BOUGHT ME WINE * BUT SHE TOOK THE TRUTH AND LEFT THE LIES BEHIND * HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO BLIND * SHE’S UNREASONABLY RATIONAL * BUT THEN SHE MASQUERADES YOU INTO THE FOOL
* SHE HAD ME HOOKED AND HAD I LOOKED * I SHOULD’VE KNOWN THE KIND OF PAIN SHE’D LEAVE BEHIND * IT WAS THERE ALL THE TIME ** SPIDER LADY * CAN’T YOU SEE THAT THE GAME IS DONE YOU HAVE NOT WON * NOW I KNOW * HERE I GO * OUT OF YOUR WEB OF DEATH * SPIDER LADY * YOU ABUSE AND USE AND TAKE YOUR TOLL * SPIDER LADY * YOU’RE A THREAD IN THE WEB, IN THE CORNER OF THE DEVILS SOUL ** SHE’S THE QUEEN OF CONVERSATION * FABRICATED FRIENDSHIPS AND THE TRUTH’S A TILT ‘O WHIRL * BUT SHE TOOK THE TRUST FROM EACH OF US * AND FED IT RIGHT BACK TO US WITH HER POISONED EYES * HOW DID I DENY ** SHE’S TRIES CONSISTENTLY TO SYMPATHIZE * AS LONG AS THERE’S A VICTIM ALONG THE WAY * REFUSE THE BAIT * SHE’S IN THE WAIT * DON’T BE THE PREY SHE TRAPS BECAUSE YOU WON’T ESCAPE * IT’LL BE TOO LATE **
STICKS AND STONES Written by Amy Annette
SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS SOMETHING ON HER MIND * WHEN SHE SEES THEM SHE PRETENDS THAT SHE’S JUST FINE * HOPING TO ESCAPE THEIR TORTURED STARES * SHE REMINDS HERSELF TO PRETEND SHE DOESN’T CARE * SHE QUICKLY TURNS HER HEAD WHEN THEY BEGIN * SHE TOUGHENS UP AND WALKS AWAY FROM THEM * TRYING TO IGNORE THE VOCAL PAIN * FROM THEIR WORDS REPEATING LOUDLY IN HER BRAIN ** I DON’T BELIEVE THAT OLD SAYING IS TRUE * I THINK THAT NAMES CAN BURN YOUR SOUL RIGHT THRU * CAUSE WHEN THEY SAY THAT STICKS AND STONES * MIGHT BREAK MY BONES * BUT NAMES, THEY ALWAYS HURT ME * THEY SAY THAT STICKS AND STONES * MIGHT BREAK MY BONES * BUT NAMES, THEY ALWAYS HURT ME ** SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS SOMETHING ON HER MIND * WONDERING WHY SOMEONE IS SO UNKIND * WONDERING IF A CHANGE CAN EVER REALLY BE * A CHANGE THAT BEGINS WITH YOU AND ME *** SHE SCREAMS WHY ME * WHAT HAVE I DONE * THE NAMES YOU USE TO HURT ME MAKE ME COME UNDONE ***
MISS CELIA’S BLUES (SISTER) Music by Quincy Jones & Rod Temperton Words by Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton and Lionel Richie
SISTER, YOU’VE BEEN ON MY MIND * SISTER, WE’RE TWO OF A KIND * SO SISTER, I’M KEEPIN’ MY EYE ON YOU * I BETCHA THINK I DON’T KNOW NOTHIN’ * BUT SINGIN’ THE BLUES * OH SISTER, HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU * I’M SOMETHING’ * I HOPE YOU THINK THAT YOU’RE SOMETHIN’ TOO. ** SCUFFLIN’, I BEEN UP THAT LONESOME ROAD * AND I SEEN A LOT OF SUNS GOIN’ DOWN * OH, BUT TRUST ME * NO LOW LIFE’S GONNA RUN ME AROUND ** SO LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHIN’ * SISTER, REMEMBER YOUR NAME * NO TWISTER, GONNA STEAL YOUR STUFF AWAY * MY SISTER, WE SHO’ AIN’T GOT A WHOLE LOT OF TIME * SO SHAKE YOUR SHIMMY SISTER, . . . * ‘CUZ HONEY, THE SHUG IS FEELIN’ FINE! **
PHANTOM LOVER Written by Marv Lockard and Amy Annette
WELL LET ME TELL YOU ‘BOUT THE PHANTOM LOVER * HOW SHE WALKS DOWN LONELY STREETS * MEETS SOMEONE WHOSE FEELING LONELY * THEN SHE CAPTURES THEIR HEART SO SWEET * HER MASK OF LOVE DECEIVES THEM * CAUSE IT MAKES HER LOOK SO NICE * SHE TALKS SO SWEET AND GENTLE THAT THEY THINK IT’S PARADISE ** PHANTOM LOVER * PHANTOM LOVER ** SHE ONLY WANTS TO TEASE YOU * NO SHE’LL NEVER, NEVER TREAT YOU RIGHT * SHE’LL WALK AWAY FROM YOUR TRUE LOVE * INTO THE LONELY, LONELY NIGHT *** IF YOU SHOULD MEET THAT PHANTOM * WHY DO REMEMBER MY ADVICE * DON’T YOU EVER, EVER TRY TO PLEASE HER * BECAUSE HER HEART IS MADE OF ICE *** SHE ONLY WANTS TO TEASE YOU * NO SHE’LL NEVER, NEVER TREAT YOU RIGHT * SHE’S WARM, SHE’S SWEET, SHE’S GENTLE * SO THE GIRLS THINK THAT IT’S ALLRIGHT **
WHAT’S UP Written by Linda Perry
25 YEARS OF MY LIFE AND STILL * I’M TRYING TO GET UP THAT GREAT BIG HILL OF HOPE * FOR A DESTINATION * I REALIZED QUICKLY WHEN I KNEW I SHOULD * THAT THE WORLD WAS MADE UP OF THIS BROTHERHOOD OF MAN * FOR WHATEVER THAT MEANS ** SO I CRY SOMETIMES WHEN I’M LYIN’ IN BED * TO GET IT ALL OUT WHAT’S IN MY HEAD * THEN I START FEELING A LITTLE PECULIAR * SO I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND I STEP OUTSIDE * I TAKE A DEEP BREATHE, I GET REAL HIGH * THEN I SCREAM FORM THE TOP OF MY LUNGS * WHAT’S GOING ON *** AND I SAY, HEY . . . . AND I SAY, HEY, WHAT’S GOING ON *** AND I TRY, OH MY GOD DO I TRY * I TRY ALL THE TIME * IN THIS INSTITUTION * AND I PRAY, OH MY GOD DO I PRAY * I PRAY EVERY SINGLE DAY * FOR A REVOLUTION ** 25 YEARS OF MY LIFE AND STILL * I’M TRYING TO GET UP THAT GREAT BIG HILL OF HOPE * FOR A DESTINATION.**
Mercedes Benz Written by Janis Joplin and Michael McClure
OH LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES BENZ * MY FRIENDS ALL DROVE PORSCHES * I MUST MAKE AMENDS * WORKED HARD ALL MY LIFETIME * NO HELP FROM MY FRIENDS * SO LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES BENZ * OH LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A COLOR TV * DIALING FOR DOLLARS IS TRYING TO FIND ME * I WAIT FOR DELIVERY EACH DAY UNTIL THREE * SO, OH LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A COLOR TV * OH LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A NIGHT ON THE TOWN * I’M COUNTING ON YOU LORD * PLEASE DON’T LET ME DOWN * PROVE THAT YOU LOVE ME AND BUY THE NEXT ROUND * OH LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A NIGHT ON THE TOWN * EVERYBODY, OH LORD WON’T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES BENZ * MY FRIENDS ALL DROVE PORSCHES * I MUST MAKE AMENDS * WORKED HARD ALL MY LIFETIME * NO HELP FROM MY FRIENDS * SO LORD, WON’T YOU BUY ME A MERCEDES BENZ * HOW’S THAT? **
PULL THOSE SUCKERS UP Written by Gigi Volkart and Amy Annette
I LOVE YOUR TATOOS, AND YOUR BLUE SUEDE SHOES * I LIKE YOUR LEATHER JACKET HANGING WITH CHAINS * I LIKE YOUR MUSCLE T’S, ONE SIZE TOO SMALL, PLEASE * YOU LOOK SO GOOD, I REALLY HATE TO COMPLAIN * IT’S THOSE LOW RIDIN’ JEANS, PULLIN’ TIGHT AT THE SEAMS * AT FIRST SIGHT, THEY REALLY TURN ME ON * BUT THEN YOU TURN AROUND, AND THEN YOU BEND DOWN * THEN ALL’S I SEE’S THE CRACK OF DAWN ** PULL THOSE SUCKERS UP, OHHHH * PULL THOSE SUCKERS UP * I CAN’T TAKE IT ANOTHER MINUTE * SO PUSH THEM DOWN OR PULL THEM UP * PULL THOSE SUCKERS UP, OHHHH * PULL THOSE SUCKERS UP * I LOVE YOU TILL THE DAY I DIE, OH, BUT PULL THOSE SUCKERS UP ** YOU GOT IN SHAPE JUST FOR ME * I’M AS HAPPY AS I CAN BE WITH YOU * BUT IT’S THE JEANS YOU WEAR THAT ONLY COME UP TO THERE * REVEALING ALL THE THINGS THAT GOD GAVE YOU * IT’S THOSE HIP HUGGIN’ PANTS, YOU SHOW OFF WHEN YOU DANCE * YOUR BODY’S SHAKIN’ WILD FROM SIDE TO SIDE * BUT THEN YOU BEND OVER, PUT YOUR KNEE TO YOUR SHOULDER * THEN YOUR BOOTY’S THERE WITH NO PLACE TO HIDE ** SO DON’T GET ME WRONG, YOUR WHOLE BODY’S GOT CHARM * I LOVE YOUR LONG HAIR AND YOUR SEXY STARE * I LOVE YOUR LAUGH LINES & YOUR DIMPLES & IT’S REALLY JUST THAT SIMPLE * I ‘SPECIALLY LOVE THE CLOTHES THAT YOU WEAR * EXCEPT THOSE LOW RIDIN’ JEANS, PULLIN’ TIGHT AT THE SEAMS * AT FIRST SIGHT, THEY REALLY TURN ME ON * BUT THEN YOU TURN AROUND, AND THEN YOU BEND DOWN * THEN ALL’S I SEE IS THE CRACK OF DAWN! **
OUR SONG Written by Amy Annette
SO HERE WE STAND * ABOUT TO LIVE OUR LIVES AS ONE * ABOUT TO SHARE COMMITMENTS OF OUR SOULS * JUST YOU AND ME * WE’LL TAKE THIS STEP TOGETHER * AND BEAR THE STORMY WEATHER IN OUR LIVES ** THOUGH WE CANNOT SEE WHAT LIES AHEAD * THE PAIN, THE GOOD, THE BAD * OUR CRIES OF JOY, THE CORE OF DOUBT * THE SPAWNING CHOICES, POUR THEM OUT * OUR GLARING VIRTUES AND GLARING VICES * EXPOSE THE TRUTH OF WHAT OUR LIFE IS NOW FOR ALL TO SEE ** SO TAKE MY HAND * TOGETHER WE WILL FACE THE TIDE * TOGETHER WE’VE BECOME A FAMILY * PLEASE STAY WITH ME * I PROMISE TO BE NEAR YOU * I PROMISE TO ALWAYS HEAR YOU ** WHEN YOU CALL MY NAME FOR HELP IN PAIN * WE’LL FEEL NO FEAR, WE’LL FEEL NO SHAME * THE SANDS OF TIME WILL FALL BEHIND * THE EVER CHANGING TIDE SUBLIME * WE’LL LIVE FULLY PASSIONATELY * BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY * WE’LL LIVE AND LOVE AS NONE BEFORE ** SO HERE WE STAND * ABOUT TO LIVE OUR LIVES AS ONE * ABOUT TO SHARE COMMITMENTS OF OUR SOULS * SO TAKE MY HAND * TOGETHER WE WILL FACE THE TIDE * TOGETHER WE’VE BECOME A FAMILY **
YOU’RE ME EVERYTHING Written by Gigi Volkart and Amy Annette
EVERY NOTE OF EVERY SONG THAT I SING IS YOU * AND EVERY WORD THAT’S WRITTEN TOO * EACH FLOWER I SEE AND I SMELL * I CAN TELL YOU’RE THERE * EVERY PETAL COUNTING HOW MUCH I CARE ** I LOOK INTO THE HEAVENS * AS FAR AS I CAN SEE * THERE YOU ARE LOOKING BACK AT ME ** YOU’RE EVERY FEELING OUTSIDE AND WITHIN MY SOUL * YOU’RE IN MY HAIR AND UNDER MY SKIN * I LOVE YOU DARLING IS THE SONG THAT I SING * BECAUSE MY DARLING, YOU’RE MY EVERYTHING **
CREDITS
Produced by Amy Annette and Dan Henning
Engineered by Dan Henning
Recording Engineer: Dan Henning at
GET REEL PRODUCTIONS, P.O. BOX 141, FELICITY, OH 45102 513-876-2086
Mixing by Dan Henning and Amy Annette
Cover Photography and artwork by Studio N
MUSIC
All music written/collaborated by Amy Annette except for “Sister”, “Mercedes Benz” and “What’s Up?”
Amy Annette : All vocals and piano. Trumpet on “Sister” and Acoustic Guitar on “What’s up?”
