*** REVIEW #1 by www.BluesBunny.com, a UK music website ***
"BluesBunny has been a fan of Melissa Ziemer for some years. Her particular take on the female singer-songwriter thing has always been appealing. This CD was released to support a UK tour in 2003.
This is the kind of the music that is generally classed as heartfelt. Melissa knows a good tune can hide a political message as in "Safe Tonight". Even when singing of matters of the heart, she keeps the sugar content low and the charm content high. Try "All I Want is You" or "Laughter in the Rain" for size. Equally at home with fast or slow tempo, nothing on this CD disappoints. The running time is short at less than 23 minutes but there is no shortage in quality.
She sings from the heart and that is rare enough these days. If the USA wants to have a national treasure, then it should be Melissa Ziemer. The world would then be a better place. BluesBunny wants more!"
*** REVIEW #2 by Paul Barile of SKYLINE, Chicago ***
"Ziemer is a longtime favorite of Chicago music listeners and music writers. Her latest release, "Not All Black and White," features a variety of reasons why she is so highly regarded.
The depth and clarity of her vocals are perfectly suited for her Americana - almost neo-country - music. Her ear for impeccable quality recordings makes the projects she is involved with that much more enjoyable.
The musicians employed here (including bass man Fran Kondorf of The Juleps) play with energy that almost delivers live concert ambiance. Ziemer's lovely understated voice soars over the musical tapestry of guitars and banjos.
Ziemer and Co-Producer Matt Denny combined efforts to deliver an uncomplicated-sounding backdrop. The value here is the music is easy on the ears and is not distracting from Ziemer's songwriting prowess or vocal performance.
Ziemer has a powerful stage presence when performing live. She intermingles solid musicianship with playful sweetness. She can engage an audience without much effort, yet she gives it all she's got every time out. Somehow, she brings that vibe to "Not All Black and White".
One of the hardest working women in the Chicago music scene, Ziemer seems to be spending her time on the road, increasing her skills and raising the bar for herself as an artist and a songwriter."
See www.MelissaZiemer.com for details.
Read more...