An Album Review
Photo: Nino Ignacio
Veronica Martell made the wise decision to record a contemporary Country Music album and of course, it’s a winner.
Born and raised in New York, Veronica began her singing career where most singers cut their teeth, in the church. As a singer in New York, she recorded and released several jazz CDs and had a successful career as a jazz vocalist with appearances worldwide and performances that include the acclaimed Cophenhagen Jazz Festival.
While appearing on a television show on CMT Nashville, Veronica had a chance meeting with Country Music Hall of Fame legendary songwriter, Bobby Braddock, which turned into a mutual friendship and a musical collaboration. Veronica then joined forces with Nashville songwriter/producer Joey Sykes and a team of Nashville's best songwriters and musicians to complete her first country CD, ‘City Limits.’
The album contains eleven cuts that were all brilliantly produced and arranged by Joey Sykes. Eight of the eleven songs were co-written by Sykes. Marcia Ramirez and Joey Sykes sing all the background vocals.
Though her recording background is primarily jazz, Martel proves herself to be a natural country singer. She brings real style and class to country music with her warm, soothingly seductive and sweet voice as she takes us through a good selection of songs. This album was recorded in Connecticut and has a refreshing sound.
The opening cut, ‘Every Town Has A Broadway’ is a rollicking upbeat number and sets the tone for the album which feels like a journey of sorts, with opening lyrics, “Jenny started packing the day she turned eighteen.” Movement, changing circumstances and being open minded are recurring themes in ‘City Limits.’ I have featured lyrics from several of the songs.
A beautiful ballad titled ‘Slow and Steady Burn’ follows with lyrics that include, “I will always be in love with you, no matter where this life will take us to.” Moving along to the third cut ‘Diggin’ The Detours’ where once again the singer tells us life is ”taking me places I’ve never been before.” Martel is able to capture the highs and lows of life. Her voice excels with the rocking beat as she belts out the melody.
‘Old Ghost Town’ follows with the opening lyrics “Suitcase in the backseat, a duffle bag full of shoes, Looks like jumping in and leaving is the only thing left to do.” Martel brings an interpretive subtlety and rhythmic naturalness to her performance of this cut.
The next cut is a stunning centerpiece of the album. If we were all still playing records this would end side one. ‘Hello Out There’ was co-written by the artist herself with Bobby Braddock. Martel sings with powerful, but never over-the-top vocals and maximum soul. This is a torchy, pop-influenced country ballad. “I’ve got so much to say, but you’re light years away.”
Next is the up tempo ‘Change’ written by Victoria Banks. Martel sings it as an anthem for “The only thing that always stays the same-CHANGE.” ‘Some Summertime’ is a lovely mid-tempo ode to the simple joys of the season.
Perhaps the most somber cut is next with the gorgeous ‘Let’s Call It A Day.’ Martel creates some memorable vocals with this cut about the realization the relationship is over. ‘Beautiful Waste of Time’ lifts the listener back up with another mid-tempo cut about having fun. “Flying under the radar, crossing over the line.”
The heartfelt ‘Something That Will Always Be’ is a tribute to all loving Mothers. This soft rocker allows Martel to shine and keep up her high standard of excellence. “You stood by my side through life’s crazy ride.”
Marcia Ramirez wrote the closing cut, “Somewhere Down The Road” a plaintive look at the possibility of love not lasting forever and accepting that “What used to be forever is somewhere down the road.”
After listening to ‘City Limits’ a few times I find myself hoping Veronica Martell continues to record in a variety of musical styles and broadening her appeal as a total entertainer.
To learn more about Veronica Martell visit her web site http://www.veronicamartell.com/