Bryan Austin is a seasoned, versatile singer and songwriter with national and international recognition.(visit him:www.bryanakaaustin.com)
Bryan has studied under and worked with some of the best vocal coaches, choirs, groups and bands both in his hometown St. Louis, MO and in Los Angeles, CA.
With his release of his latest C-D, "Still Dreaming", Bryan has reached new heights as well as showing his depth and sensitivity.
His first release from his "Ooh Baby, Baby" C-D is being heralded as a stellar tribute to Bryan's all time idol Mr. William Bill "SMOKEY" Robinson.
Bryan continues to shine with his sweet falsetto on "MS", a tribute to the beauty and strength of ladies.
Bryan's concern about the world's current condition, especially the young who are living in so much uncertainty, is expressed in composition of "I Have a Dream" and is predicted to do well.
His rendition of "The Bump" Re-mix entices both the young and old to let their bodies SWA-AAY. "Skipping Work" (a sweet, soul ballad floater). "Sunday" (a truly fine cut) and "I'll Love You Tomorrow" (a most pleasant slice of balladry) as published by David Cole in his IN THE BASEMENT magazine in England.
Bryan really shows his skills on these tunes not only singing the lead vocals but, all the background vocals as well.
The great HIP HOP grove of his version of "Summertime", introduces to some and reacquaints others with the Gershwin classic and has brought many smiles to the faces of those reminiscing the joys of summer.
The C-D is being well received both Nationally and Internationally.
Still Dreamin
Bryan Austin
Review by Boogie
boogie@theboogiereport.com
Every now and then we receive a truly unique
Project for review. So is the case with Bryan Austin's Still Dreamin. We were not prepared for the rich falsetto
voice only after a moment we realized hat Bryan Austin was very special. Cut one a Cover of Ms. was artfully done with perfect pitch and imaginative phrasing.
Cut two I have a Dream has a Strong Rockin Gospel flavor with excerpts by Rev Martin Luther King, Jr.its
sure to become a seasonal favorite. Cut three The Classic Summertime is masterfully done with a jazz riff that fits like a glove. Cuts five, six, eight nine and ten are noteworthy but the highlight of the CD is cut seven Smokey Robinson's Ooh Baby ,Baby This side demonstrates the versatility of Mr. Bryan Austin.
All and all Still Dreamin by Bryan Austin is Classic Grown Folks Music. If you like Smokey Robinson You will love Bryan Austin If you Like The Stylistics you'll Love Bryan Austin If You like Good Soul Music You'll love Bryan Austin
Austin If You like Good Soul Music You'll love Bryan Austin
Bryan Austin teases audience with killer EP
By M. Francis Solomon
Bryan Austin
I make no apologies-I'm pretty much ol' school when it comes to soul, R&B and blues. I grew up in a time singers sounded and acted like singers instead of runway models. True, I listen to my fair share of modern stuff, hip hop, some pop and rock, even a fair share of "alternative" country such as The Court & Spark and Wilco, but when it comes to soul, R&B or blues, make mine ol' school! Give me some folks who really know how to sing and not just moan through their nasal passages.
For a long time, I thought real soul singing was a lost art, but in recent months, I've had a number of very pleasant surprises-most recently in the form of a killer four-song EP by St. Louis native Bryan Austin.
I've been familiar with Austin's work for a number of years now, thanks primarily to some stunning demos that came my way via soul songwriting legend and performer Frank-O Johnson and an album of classic soul covers released by Austin several years ago. Needless to say, I was very impressed. After all, how many singers today have the wherewithal-and talent-to stand up and blow convincingly through an Eddie Kendricks classic without fumbling? Austin can. Like the Motown icon, Austin is blessed with a high, silky smooth voice-maybe not quite as high as Kendricks' but, in some ways (allow me to be a bit blasphemous here) maybe a bit smoother and, dare I say it, even more natural. Austin is the type of singer who could have stepped in front of a lot of groups back in the day, the Delfonics or Stylistics for instance. But, he's also got tremendous depth. As sweet as his voice is, he easily wrangles some rock-shattering power out of it without losing one bit of the phenomenal control that puts him among the top ranks of today's soul singers. Austin embodies the best of what made soul the music of choice in the genre's golden age of the past, but the good thing is, he's here today, doing it in fine fashion.
Austin starts off this little teaser of a set with "Inflation Wolf," a politically, timely piece about a fairy tale monster come alive. It's the big bad wolf himself in the garb of inflation. Austin has composed a set of clever, biting lyrics:
"The wolf is at my door, huffing and puffing at me/I went to my friends for help/They didn't have a dime to spare... If I can't afford to the music/How and the heck am I going to dance?/With that wolf/The inflation wolf is around my door... He's the meanest critter I've ever seen."
And, if the opening growl of the wolf doesn't scare you, the groove, which is one of the nastiest funk outings you'll ever hear, certainly will. Devastating bass and wailing wah-wah guitars with a wicked clavinet and a punchy horn arrangement will get your heart pumping hard. Look for this to be the title track on Austin's next full length album.
Austin follows up with "Yearnin'," a tune he says he wrote in the late '80s. Maybe it's just a touch of nostalgia, but this one sounds like something the late Rick James would have killed to get on his classic "Street Songs" album. Again, it's a mean funk groove, this time punctuated by a razor sharp clean rhythm guitar. Austin, of course, sings his tail off, as he always does.
He chooses an Ashford and Simpson classic, "Shoe Shine," for the next track. A lovely little ballad, it's a perfect showcase for the singer's tender side. And, he excels here, giving the old song a fresh, but proper reading. The arrangement is also sweet.
Austin closes the set with another classic, a funky dance reworking of the Eddie Floyd hit, "Knock On Wood," funking it up for a modern audience but without damaging the integrity the tune. It's another great vehicle for his talents and, in his hands, is the kind of tune that could turn out the house during a live gig.
Well, the only thing I can do now is sit back and wait for the full-length version of this album, which is certain to be a monster-and hope that ol' inflation wolf stays at bay so I can afford to pick up a copy and dance to some great singing and music by a true soulster.
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