“SNOWGLOBE”
The key to getting your first album right straight out of the gate lies in the hands of life experience, something Alex Berger sings of with class, passion, and a hint of pizzazz on his newly released record, “Snowglobe.” From the opening track, “Where I Left You Last,” which pulls at the familiar strings of relationships we carry with us wherever we go, to the gorgeous piano peaks and valleys in “Secret,” Berger has compiled a mix of songs that speak to music-lovers of all walks of life. For those who’ve left the comforts of home behind to brave it in the Big Apple, you’ll find solace and recognition in “E. 60th and 1st”,” a wonderfully catchy modern/pop number that plays off well against the ragtime rhythms dancing through “Portia.” The CD, produced and arranged by Alex Wong, was recorded throughout NY state, and features an all-star cast of musicians including: ambeR Rubarth (Vocals), Adam Christgau (Drums/Percussion), Chris Kuffner (Electric Bass), Tony Maceli (Upright Bass), Marika Hughes, Paul Brantley, and Ward Williams (Cellos), Melissa Tong, Christiana Liberis, Julia Koo, and Esther Noh (Violins), Peter Hess (Clarinet and Bass Clarinet), Sasha Enegren (Bassoon), and Todd Carey (Guitar), with orchestral transcribing by Vienna Teng. Each melody sings sweetly to its listeners, taking them on the long, questionable, and powerful journey that Berger traveled to reach this destination. Just like the title track, “Snowglobe” as an album paints a beautiful picture of the struggle of feeling trapped, set free, growing, and changing, all themes pertinent to not just love, or life as an artist, but to life in and of itself.
Christina Morelli, NYC Art Scene
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