–Lindsey Berman, Artvoice
Release Date: 18 August 2008
Genre: Jazz/Folk/Blues
Publisher: (C) 2008 Megan Callahan
Label: No Label Affiliation
Time: 54m 56s
Review Date:26-July-2009
Format: CD
JivePK™: Not currently a Jivewired member.
Click image to purchase from Amazon
Track Listing:
01. Catskill 5:02
02. Song For You 4:54
03. I'll Get By 4:30
04. Lullaby For K. 2:06
05. The Battle 5:51
06. Happy Song 3:26
07. Second Floor 3:14
08. So Into You 3:53
09. Copout 3:55
10. Staple Me Here 4:57
11. So What 3:08
Review:
Since The Fire, the first independently produced full-length album from Megan Callahan is a masterful gem beaming with a number of feel-good hits. If she had a mission statement, Megan would probably say it is to write songs that celebrate life's ups as well as it's occasional downs. Not saccharine or forcefully idealistic, the music here is instead joyous, alluring and effervescent. The dulcet melodies, sublime vocals and unassuming lyrics speak volumes; they are neither manipulative nor overstated. When Megan sings "I've got a soundtrack in my head today, a little Stevie Wonder and some Stevie Ray" on the single "Happy Song", it is easy to visualize that sense of optimistic jubilation. There's no moral or story here, just genuine happiness. It's that sincerity that makes this CD so good.
That being said, Megan is cognizant to present her message with a sense of intimacy throughout the album. Combining elements of bluesy-rock, alt-folk and jazz, the album is not entirely solo, but the instrumentation is so sparingly added to Megan's vocals, (cajon drums, guitar, bass, violin) that it may as well be. This puts most of the focus on Megan's dusky vocals, and it works well; the CD is very reminiscent of the VH-1 "Unplugged" series except for the fact that it is studio recorded. It's that cozy. Megan's vocals are strong when necessary and understated for effect when needed; the production and musical arrangements are laid-back and perfectly polished. Musically, Megan and her band are capable of appealing to anyone who has been charmed by Sara Bareilles or Natasha Bedingfield
The album opens with the song "Catskill", an innocent charmer that immediately grabs your attention, a rustic alt-hipster piece that has a sophisticated ear for both harmony and counterpoint. Perhaps reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, this song alternately flirts with hints of folk, blues and jazz while remaining untethered to any one specific convention. "Song For You" is a wonderful follow-up and Megan shines vocally here, remaining crystal clear and pitch-perfect yet vocally flexible. There is no naivety here, independent production not withstanding. Both songs are intricate and hauntingly beautiful, carefully and complexly composed but wholly natural to effortlessly satisfying effect.
"I'll Get By" offers a slight shift in speed and though the mood is slightly more remorse, it doesn't impede the feel or rhythm of the CD. The violin solo works well here too, and the music is upbeat enough to keep from making the song too melancholy, though it does have a familiar west coast/alt-country flavor along the lines of Bonnie Raitt.
Aside from the stellar first three tracks, other highlights include "Happy Song", "Copout" and "The Battle". "So Into You" is a longing, slow-burning song that in its ennui fails to restrain its contradictory sexually-charged feel. The theme is not nearly as innocent as its lyrics conveys. It is a standout song and my personal favorite.
"Since The Fire" is a first-rate CD and worth purchasing. There is a lot to like about it and it's strength lies in Megan's vocal abilities. Even at the high end of her range she maintains a purring edge, capable of being sweet and sultry at the same time. The disc definitely sets or perpetuates a mood, but there is enough melodic diversity overall to keep things interesting while maintaining its intimacy. Her backing band is skilled and a perfect accompaniment, and "Since The Fire" would be a great addition to your CD collection.
-- Michael Canter Jivewired.com
About Megan Callahan:
Megan, known to friends as a "jill of all trades" has been a musician longer then she has been anything else. She grew up in New Jersey, where she was fortunate to have a childhood full of the arts. She credits her life now as a professional artist as inspired by all the amazing performances she saw as a child, and a family who knew and fostered the vitality of artistic expression in young people. She has been singing since she could speak, and writing songs just about as long.
Classically trained in guitar, piano and voice, she played clarinet, tenor sax and viola in school, sang in many choirs and ensembles, wrote and arranged music for theatrical productions and sang in many productions. She went to college and graduate school for theater, and is also an actor and director. Music has been the thread that connects her many interests and "trades" together.
Formerly part of the duo Voxangelica, Megan has been a solo performer for many years, and put out her first full length independent release "Since the Fire" in Buffalo, NY. She has toured nationally and internationally and is passionate about arts education, access to the arts and the planet.
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