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By Keith Hannaleck - August 30, 2008 iBerkshires Columnist
Living Down River
Tamara Lewis is a brave soul. After suffering through 10 years of chronic fatigue immune dysfunction, she decided to pick up the guitar, write songs and sing them. All of this happened at the tender age of 46. Now if that is not inspiring, what is?
"Living Down River" is a 10-track recording encompassing real-life situations and feelings all set to a tasteful mix of folk, Americana and blues.
Lewis has a clear and thoughtful vocal style that is convincing while very pleasing and inviting regardless of what style of music she is playing. She also writes all of her own material and maintains her independence as an artist with no attachments to any third parties. OK, I am really starting to like this woman, everything about her is real and original and she is indie — that is the entire package for me. Well the music needs to be good, too, and in this case, it is the icing on the cake.
This CD is solid in every way, the production is good, the musicianship exemplary — all of the most important aspects are in focus so we have ourselves a captivating group of songs to listen to. I have no doubt after reading about the life of this artist that she truly is living the songs performed.
Keith 'Muzikman' Hannaleck
When you hear "Better Day," it echoes with emotion and the feeling of someone that has gone through, experienced, and endured some hardships only to come out the other side and step into the light — then be able to share that experience with someone who needs some inspiration to do the same. "Big City Blues" is my favorite, which comes as no surprise because I do love the blues and it is a very upbeat track. Lewis and her friends really strut their stuff on this one.
I think a prerequisite to listening to this music and understanding it is to be in a reflective and somewhat serious mood but also light-hearted enough to enjoy the warmth and sunshine it can put in your heart because of all the hope and emotion that comes down the river, just as the title and closing track says. It is a bluesy number with a harmonica that is longing for a friend. A perfect closer to these stories told so well.
"That Leavin' Sound" is a lament to a relationship getting ready to end as the singer anticipates a break up by that sound of leaving in the person's voice. These particular songs made a noticeable impact on me musically and emotionally.
To relate to music is to know it, and to know it is to understand the artist presenting it. I think I connected on "Living Down River."
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck of Adams offers up his best-listening bets as a regular contributor to iBerkshires. For more reviews, www.muzikreviews.com.
Genre: Folk/ Americana/blues Label: Independent Website CD Babylink Sourcelink
