June 2009 by John Pfeiffer
Despite the economic downslide it’s been a busy entertainment year here at the Shoreworld so far and its tough to keep up with the talent that seems to be never-ending in New Jersey. This week’s musical highlight comes in the form of one Stacie Rose; a New Jersey performer out in support of her latest disc,Shotgun Daisy, and it’s a disc that leaves a good impression. We met at the Cape May Singer Songwriter festival and she immediately struckme as different from the usual pack of singer/songwriter zombies that are in abundance on the scene today. Her confident style is a smooth and easy blend of influences including Skye Edwards (Morcheeba) Shawn Colvin and Christine McVie rolled into 12 solid tunes on her latest effort.
I also noticed some of the players on this disc that are quietly listed, but have made huge musical contributions worldwide as well as adding here to the signatureStacieRose sound— guys like Gerry Leonard, David Bowie’s music director (currently touring with Rufus Wainwright); Jack Petruzelli, also on tour withWainwright, (guitars/keyboards); Shawn Pelton handles drums on two songs; Steve Conte of the New York Dolls graces four tracks;Warner Brothers UK artist, Hawk is on one song;Knox Chandler does some guitar work and James Maestro lends his strings to three songs (currently touring with Ian Hunter).David Patterson plays on the whole record. He has previously toured with Shawn Mullins and the Indigo Girls.
The disc itself is extremely produced by Jeff Allen (Duncan Sheik, Avril Lavigne) and Robert Smith (David Bowie, Rickie Lee Jones), but still shows several standout tracks like disc opener “Find Your Way,” amid-tempo rocker that kicks in with infectious backbeats and gritty Les Pauls courtesy of Jersey’s own Steve Conti and drums by Joe Bonadio, giving it a solid groove while Rose keeps it fresh from start to finish gelling well with backing singer LucyWoodward (Atlantic Records) and making it sound as if the pair has been singing together for years. “Hope” is radio gold, wasting no time spinning up into the main chorus with the assist of Woodward, creating a crossover delicatessen of appetizing sounds ranging from country to pop and contemporary alternative.“Love Saves” shows the streak of Sheryl Crow influence and “Mr. And Mrs. Happily Ever After” is custom made for the next prime time TV sitcom. The interesting “Wreck At Best” shows a darker and eclectic rocker sound fromthe band jumping from laid back four-four groove to double time staccato hits. It has a “Sundays” vibe and it’s good stuff. “Worry Free” is Kate Bush-vibed brilliance. “December” is my favorite cut, ethereal and dark, Stacie’s voice soars best here with spatial superiority, class and smooth urgency as she pushes the trumpet of ScottWendholt into the atmospheric swirls of Leonard’s ambient guitar work.
Shotgun Daisy is a head-turning effort that will have you hearing much more about Rose and her Enchanted recording future.Catch her at the upcoming Wave Gathering Festival in June and get her CD over at stacierose.com.
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