JESSICA WEISER: After Silence

Jessica Weiser

After Silence

© 2002 Dancing Dragon Records (656613844229)

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Compelling rock/pop album backed by a solid band, intelligent lyrics, and powerful vocals.

tracks

1 Falling Further In
2 To Be Seen
3 Loneliness
4 Vine
5 Empty
6 Indifference
7 October
8 Shut Our Eyes
9 After the Rain Intro
10 After the Rain
11 Distant Camera

notes

From the opening chords of "Falling Further In" to the epic track "After the Rain," Jessica Weiser's new album AFTER SILENCE is a journey that demands attention. The album is the third release for Weiser, who originally hails from a small town outside of Indianapolis, IN. In addition to AFTER SILENCE, Weiser has released 2 independent EPs and her career sales now total over 3,500 albums sold independently.

AFTER SILENCE was recorded with producer Paul Smith (Badlees, Darcie Miner Band, Breaking Benjamin) at Saturation Acres Studio in Danville, PA. The album, which features members of Pennsylvania rock band The Badlees, contains 10 powerful and engaging tracks. The album's subject matter ranges from songs detailing pain and loneliness ("Loneliness," "Vine," "Indifference") to social and political apathy ("Shut Our Eyes"), and features a Neil Young cover ("Distant Camera"). Also included is the compelling track "After the Rain," which begins with a 15-second montage of NPR clips detailing the emotionally charged days after openly gay college student Matthew Shepard's murder in Laramie, WY. The epic song is both narrative and haunting, with a powerful statement about hate crimes.

The backbone of AFTER SILENCE is Weiser's soaring, sweet soprano voice, throught-provoking and introspective lyrics, and the song's arrangements. The album's sound is modern yet infused with classic rock-influenced electric guitar, lap steel, and Rhodes, acoustic drums, and full bass lines. The melodies are catchy enough to get caught in your head or sing along to, but deep enough to stir the soul. AFTER SILENCE has received critical acclaim, and prompted one reviewer to write: "After Silence is an album that will take your breath away and leave you wanting more."

An engaging live performer, Weiser has shared the stage with Nettwerk Recording artist Tara MacLean, Taylor Barton and GE Smith (former Saturday Night Live band leader), as well as many prominent independent artists. Weiser has been on bills that have sold-out clubs in New York City (The Living Room; Bitter End; The C-Note) and Toronto (C'est What; Freetimes Cafe).

In September, 2001 Weiser was one of 12 recipients (out of hundreds of entries) who received a B.E.A.M. Emerging Artist grant, and was selected by a panel of judges that included Pat DiNizio (Smithereens) and singer/songwriter Matthew Sweet. In 2002 Weiser's songs from AFTER SILENCE were picked up by XM Radio's Unsigned Channel, ABC affiliate WRTV 6's (Indianapolis) prime-time series Indie Scene, and her song "Vine" was featured on the popular Indianapolis radio stations Z99.5 and WTTS (92.3 FM). Additionally Weiser has also been featured on several compilation albums which were distributed nationally. Weiser kicked off 2003 with an invite from Tina Shafer to participate in the NY Songwriter's Circle, where Vanessa Carlton, Norah Jones, Lisa Loeb, and countless others have performed. The event was standing-room only at the Bitter End.

With a fiercely independent spirit and do-it-yourself motto, she follows in her hero Ani Difranco's footsteps--selling records without compromising her principles. She has funded all of her own albums (with help from the fans), currently handles all of her own booking, designs her website, albums, and promotional materials. Weiser spent early 2003 touring the Midwest and will begin recording her fourth independent album in 2005.

reviews

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  • author: Todd

    I listen to country more then anything. After hearing a few of the songs off this cd I had to buy it. I was blown away by it. Its just an amazing cd and I am happy to have it in my collection.

  • Wow!
    author: LizBean

    I really enjoyed this CD! Have listened to it numerous times since receiving it a week ago and each time something grabs me that I missed before. 'Vine' is a personal favorite, I think because it's one of those songs that at some point in a relationship you can relate to. 'After The Rain' is haunting and sad. May there come a day when we never have songs written because the ignorance of some stole the life of an innocent.

  • author: Jess

    I bought this cd after hearing only a short clip of one song. Her voice and lyrics reminded me so much of Vienna Teng (who I also love) that I had to have it! Since then it's been stuck on play permanently.

  • Multi-talented
    author: Daniel Jouet

    Awesome cd. Jessica proved she can perform at different levels and at a professional pace. I'm very fond of "October". Cant wait to see her perform live.

  • author: Raffaella

    Thank you CDbaby (and the site fionahaswings.com who mentioned her) for letting me find again the thrill of a new, compelling singer! Jessica Weiser reminds me of the years when I discovered the indie scene and the female songwriters in particular. Music which was deep and ispired, not the bubble-gum pop which is high today. Unfortunately the music industry doesn't count on them much anymore, but thank God they exist still! Jessica has a great virtuoso voice and good writing skills - the tunes and lyrics are not always original, but sometimes really enchanting. I like best "Falling further in", "Vine", "October", but I could change my mind, since this is one of those albums where you find new nuances each time you listen to it. And oh, I love the "autumnal" look of the booklet, with its natural images. This too looks like "ripe" music, opposite to the eternal summer of pop... :-)

  • Did I pay enough for this?
    author: Amy

    Tell me, why do I pay $15 for a major label CD with 2 or 3 good songs when I can get an independent label album like this for $10? Absolutely incredible!

  • Her songs are very powerful but lacking a key element
    author: Alissiana N.

    I really enjoyed the music. After listening to the radio where have the time it's not even worth the pain my ears go through, it is nice to hear someone who does justice to music. I only wish the songs could be less pop-like. I think that slow and haunting is her style; she just needs to find that. The element she is missing is comfortableness, and once she finds her niche her music will soar.

  • awesome...journey that runs the gamut of emotional highs and lows
    author: Tricia at Crank it Up

    With lyrics that are socially conscious, emotionally complex, and stunningly beautiful, a voice that incredible and skills that go far beyond those of singer/songwriter, it is hard for me to see why Jessica Weiser has not been snatched up by a major label and tossed all over top 40 radio. Her newest album, After Silence, is an awesome ten song journey that runs the gamut of emotional highs and lows. From a great Neil Young cover to a song about the tragedies and injustices that affect our society, After Silence is an album that will take your breath away and leave you wanting more. After Silence is Jessica's third recording and first full length effort. She has two previous EPs, which I just got my hands on and have also been enjoying. Jessica plays piano, acoustic guitar, of course does vocals, and even has producing credits on this album. It is a superb example of a talented musician being what she is...a talented musician. There's none of that extra packaging which inevitably follows when someone is signed. My favorite song on the album is "After the Rain". This song is about the death of Matthew Shepard, and it's affect on the town of Laramie. Jessica's use of NPR clips with only a haunting piano playing in the background makes this song more impactful than it already is. "After the Rain" is one of those songs that really makes you think, makes you want to change something that you have no control over. "October" is a song that can mean so many different things for everyone. I love songs that let me apply my own life experiences to them. "To Be Seen" is an uptempo ditty that Jessica finished with only a few hours left in the studio. Such a procrastinator, but sometimes, the best things come from being under pressure. That is definitely the case with this song. "Empty" is another one of my favorites. It really makes you check yourself and realize that there are more important things in life than fame and money and all that jazz. I totally am feeling "Indifference" too. The lyrics totally decribe how I've felt in times of my life when I realize that a relationship is not going to work. This album is so incredible. I bought it without having heard one song, and I definitely don't regret that decision. If you're a fan of music that isn't shallow and that will make you think about yourself, other people, or society as a whole, this album is for you. Find out more about it at www.jessicaweiser.com. After Silence 1. Falling Further In 2. To Be Seen 3. Loniness 4. Vine 5. Empty 6. Indifference 7. October 8. Shut Our Eyes 9. After the Rain 10. Distant Camera -Tricia

  • Right from the opening “Falling Further In,” Jessica Weiser's voice is one that
    author: Northeast Performer Magazine

    Right from the opening “Falling Further In,” Jessica Weiser's voice is one that demands attention. As After Silence progresses, her emotional voice ranges from soaring and full of power to sweet and on the verge of breaking, and it is Weiser's voice that serves as the focal point throughout out the entire album. After receiving the Jim Beam-sponsored B.E.A.M. Emerging Artist grant, Weiser saw her music featured on a handful of national compilation albums, followed up by a pair of EPs, the latter of which she recorded in her apartment. With her first full-length, Weiser is blessed with a fuller band sound, as her voice is supported by the usual guitar, bass and drums, as well as a piano, violin, keyboards, lap steel and a little programming here and there. Still, it is Weiser's voice and lyrics that steal the spotlight every time. She pours her heart out through her brutally honest words as she addresses everything from political and social issues, to those more close to home. The album does a fine job of blending female pop and rock influences, beginning with the dark but pretty “Falling Further In” and branching out from there. Poppier numbers like “Loneliness,” “Shut Our Eyes,” and “Distant Camera” are balanced out by the slower and sadder “Vine” and the waltzing “Empty.” Other songs take a darker approach, like the sparse and piano-based “October,” or “After the Rain,” which is dedicated to Matthew Shepard and is introduced by a somber piano number laced with samples of news coverage of his death. One may have difficulty deciding whether Jessica Weiser would do better in an intimate coffeehouse setting, or performing to larger crowds at Lilith Fair. She certainly manages to hold her own though, and she often sounds so passionate that you can't help but stop and listen. -Eddie Fournier

  • Can't hide the beauty in the songs

    Captivating lyrics. My favorite song on the album is After the Rain. Moved me to tears, and is dedicated in the Memory of Matthew Shepard. You can tell that every single song and a true, deep, passionate meaning unlike most of the MTV/ TRL artists. This album is definately recommended and you'll won't regret purchasing it.

  • Absolutely Amazing- very catching!
    author: Sarah

    "After Silence" came in my mail a couple of weeks ago, and I listened to it immediately. I was amazed at the quality of the music. All the songs come from Jessica's heart and anyone can relate to them. The songs range in topic: self-discovery, world-events, and love. I wish there were more albums that I can listen to without getting sick of like this one. Not to mention, there are no songs that I would skip over, they are all fantastic! The music is all very real with fantastic vocals.

  • stunning
    author: tori

    this record is just that, stunning. amazing production, vocal performaces, mixing levels, lyrical ability, lovely acoustic guitars and pianos. all of the instruments are beautiful and nothing overpowers anything else on this record. jessica's singing and words will bring you to tears. i've seen few major label debuts as good and well performed as this one.

  • author: steve j.

    This album is one of the best I have heard all year. The melodies are catchy and moving, Jessica's voice is powerful and gorgeous, and the lyrics are very intelligent. I was also impressed by the artwork and stunning photographs and packaging that accompany this album. Better looking and sounding than some major label efforts I've seen. More than worthy of 5 stars!!

  • A refreshing change of pace from cookie cutter groups
    author: Candace

    After listening to the bubble gum pop that is being market as today’s music, After the Silence, by Jessica Weiser, is truly a breath of fresh air. With thought provoking lyrics and haunting melodies, this CD is definitely one I would recommend for your collection.

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