There is something to relish in Heather O'Neill's voice. The jazz blues singer songwriter's presentation is like that of a Diane Krall and Natalie Merchant with the warmth of someone like Sarah McLachlan. In her latest effort, Feminist Manifesto, O'Neill tackles the challenges women in the music industry face.
Songs Follow A Theme
While the EP is not a concept album like Green Day's American Idiot, there are certainly strains of the story line that feed off of each song. O'Neill does it with humor and grace. Her voice is strong, but feminine. Her words are charming, but not cutesy. While listening to each song's lyrics it is as if O'Neill is writing a column; she never boasts, but she does bring with her a solid backup of talented jazz, blues and even pop sounding players.
"Ballerina" is a mellow, suave jazzy tune. The horn section and orchestration is near magical. O'Neill's voice complements the trumpet near the end of the song in this seductive dance. The ending to the song is as if the band gently walks out the door.
"Tiffany Town" finds the listener a little less down the jazz road and bordering the pop rock sound. This song reminded this writer of something more of what Natalie Merchant (sans 10,000 Maniacs) releases. At times, O'Neill's arrangement is soft, and at other times the tempo creeps up to a showcase of her range.
"1,000 Springs" Brings It Home
"1,000 Springs" has a very interesting connection happening between O'Neill's voice and this strutting electric violin orchestration. Such a different vibe! The overall feminist theme really hits home in this track. At times O'Neill sounds like Paula Cole or even Melissa Manchester. This is an outstanding piece.
"Monique" returns to the bluesy-jazz smokey feel. The background orchestra moves along in this lethargic tempo. It is a very mellow song; O'Neill's voice embarks on another tango with the sullen trumpet sound.
Only One Track Repetitive
The fifth track, "Black Paint" leaves the listener with a taste for more. This song has such a forlorn mood. The background orchestration, and bring especially, has this country rock (almost steel guitar!) sound to it. It is very mysterious. The sixth and final track "What A Way" has an intricate guitar orchestration matched against O'Neill's consistent voice. As the neck of the guitar screeches, her voice follows suit in a charming twist. However, "What A Way" is the track that seems to be the most repetitive.
Overall Review is B+
Overall, Feminist Manifesto is extremely charming. The review grade is a solid B+. Fans of Melissa Manchester, Paula Cole, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan and even Aimee Mann of ' Til Tuesday should check out Heather O'Neill's six-track Feminist Manifesto.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
