***NEWS***
NEXT LA SHOW
FRIDAY SEPT 8
MCCABE'S
3301 PICO BLVD.
SANTA MONICA
WITH JOHN GORKA
8P
SAN DIEGO THE NIGHT BEFORE- THURSDAY SEPT 7
ACOUSTIC MUSIC SERIES
SEE MYSPACE.COM/AMILIAKSPICER FOR ALL TOUR DETAILS.
2005: AWARDED SONG OF THE YEAR (SEAMLESS) AND PRODUCER OF THE YEAR WITH ED TREE BY THE DIY MUSIC FESTIVAL.
2005: INDEPENDENT SONGWRITERS MAGAZINE
TOP 12 PICK INDIE RELEASES
Music Connection Magazine (May 2004) says about SEAMLESS:
"amilia k spicer offers up a full course of eloquent songs and riveting performances"
LA Times: "Dreamy"
SEAMLESS picked as top 12 CDs in May 2004 issue of Performing Songwriter Magazine:
"Each song is directed like a film that jumps off the widescreen to capture its audience."
More about SEAMLESS:
""With a voice that ranges from soaring to smoky, a keen observational lyricism and an innate talent for accessible melodies, this gifted young artist seems destined to gain wider acclaim "
(The Flint Journal- October 2003)
"SEAMLESS is a plush peach of an album. Amilia draws you in for a bite with her silky voice and carefully crafted lyrics. Recommended."
(Sing Out! Magazine)
****
Spicer's much anticipated sophmore effort, SEAMLESS, is finally here, and the intimate feel of her debut, "Like an Engine", is still present, but it's a bigger, fuller sound that surrounds the poetry. At the root of the tighter production and layers of texture, is still the organic muse of Spicer and her piano, a fact you never can forget while listening.
While "Engine" was sparse and open, and ended up on many critics best of lists, SEAMLESS seems more confident, more assured, and hits you immediately as something you'd both want to hear on the radio, and play while sipping wine by the fire.
It's tough to pigeon-hole her as an artist , and she clearly wants room to dance. Songs like "Delayed Effect" or "Moving Mountains" could be described as folk, with the quiet reverence and simple melody lines. In some ways, the textures and wistfulness of "Mountains" reminds you of a prayer. But Spicer's view is often layered. You won't find a diary-confessional song in her repetoire. These songs are more like Springsteen's "Nebraska", or a Tom Waits hymn in their ability to create a mood. When the band re-enters, there's a bit of hypnotic rock epic in "Tangerey" and "Seamless. The title track begins with a solo piano and becomes a Zeppelin-like Bolero when, half way thru the strings and her vocals meld in a passionate and powerful instrument. It's Kashmir, with Spicer's defiance. When she whispers "I am endless -from a long line of white picket fences", you may not know exactly what that means, but you sure are paying attention.
"Safety in Numbers" is part Radiohead, part Pink Floyd.
In fact, the ethereal textures abound on this release, and reminds one of Daniel Lanois, or Brian Eno. The combination of melancholy and melody means fans of Grant Lee Phillips will probably find a kindred soul as well.
There's an edge to many of these songs, but it appears and disappears mysteriously. That dichotomy provides a richness that lets you discover nuances with every listen.
Even if she is probably best known for these sultry, moody songs, it's the smart lyrics that really should take center stage.
Not all the songs take themselves seriously. This is a quirky writer who is not afraid to write a pop song and get the party swinging. Spicer's piano is the foundation thru out the album, but she is happy to let the band lead the frolicking in pop delights, "4:08", or in the 2 1/2 minute, blues-based ditty, "Wasted". It's clear there's a humorous wink in these songs, and it's not hard to imagine her in a little run-down bar, playing an out-of-tune upright piano while the place breaks in to a tizzy. You can almost hear the beer bottles clanging underneath the sly hidden track, "Trouble", as well.
Influences: Jeff Buckley, John Lennon, Grant Lee Buffalo, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson
About Spicer's debut, Like an Engine:
"She is a pianist and poetic, sensual- often erotic- lyricist." - (About.com)
"Stunning music. One of those voices that cause you to stop and say, Who's that? I heard Leonard Cohen in her music."
(Applause Magazine)
WASHINGTON WEST LAWN PERFORMANCE: Invited to perform on the West Lawn of the Capital for September 11th tribute concert
(Songs performed: "Moving Mountains, and "True")
BRIAN WILSON CD: Featured with Tom Prasada-Rao, on Brian Wilson Tribute Cd, Making God Smile" (Silent Planet Records) in stores nationwide now. Their track "Your Imagination" was chosen as the single to be released this fall to radio. Here's a snippet from Barnes and Noble:
... "There's also a stellar lineup of folk and pop artists involved, from guitar virtuoso/composer Brooks Williams to L.A. pop thrush Amilia Spicer and folkie Kate Campbell. Spicer's pristine vocals add a luminescence to opening track "Your Imagination"...."
NPR'S MARKETPLACE: Show taped and interviewed for "Marketplace" AKS song "Little Cowboy" featured
KENNEDY CENTER: Featured performer at the Millenium Concert Series, July 2004, 2003, 2002
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