–Matt Rowe, Music Tap
Release Date: 08 April 2009
Genre: Rock, Alternative, Folk Rock, Acoustic, Celtic
Publisher: (C) 2009 Red Rock Music LLC
Label: Red Rock Music LLC
Time: 22m 38s
Review Date:10-April-2009
Format: CD
JivePK™: http://jivepk.jivewired.com/shaunaburns
Click image to purchase from Amazon
Track Listing:
01. Smell 6:47
02. A Letter 3:34
03. Wind 3:09
04. Driving Far 2:42
05. So Tell Me... 6:26
Review:
Consummate musical intelligence, clarity of expression, and distinctive drama run throughout Anamnesis.
Much of this is exhibited in the very first track, "Smell", where proceedings begin with a trembling, but understated control, followed by a slight pause, and then a gentle escalation that creates a word-painting and enchanting experience. Shauna is just so "clued-in", using simple but brilliantly effective touches. This is easily the album's most important song as it creates both its ethereal theme and spacious mood. When she sings, she evokes a gentle upward curve, and as an audience, we are vaguely conscious of this, yet irrevocably drawn to listen to her message. Threading celestial imagery with an expressive musical arrangement, "Smell" is one of the best tracks on the CD.
The second track, and my favorite on Anamnesis is "a Letter". By knotting fragments of intellectual interest with a starry atmosphere, Burns creates a very memorable experience here. This is a masterpiece of construction with eloquently layered vocals and a musical backdrop that climaxes perfectly, a definite dynamic of both tension and release. Easily the greatest sonic divergence from the rest of the album, "a Letter" is fleshed out with full band accompaniment that unfolds in mesmerizing fashion.
"Wind" is an excellent choice as the centerpiece of this EP as it is the perfect showcase with an emphasis on both Shauna's angelic vocals and equally alluring piano. Perhaps the neatest trick in Burns' arsenal is an expressive delivery that strives for emotional honesty and simple beauty. This is an elegant sampling of what is to be expected from Burns - she breathes life into each song, giving them intensity, beauty and depth along with a subtle touch of allure.
"Driving far" is the catchy, memorable song from Anamnesis. It instantly begs you to sing along, with perfect changes in pitch that add a majestic opulence and texture to the delightful poetry of its lyrics. Burns makes it look easy here, but that should not minimize her work. This a great song and one that you can imagine enjoying for a long time.
The album's penultimate track, "So tell me....." is a glorious final flurry of magnificence and a sensational closer. This is a gutsy, eloquent lament of dwindling passion - shimmering, haunting, aching. Both moody and beguiling, "So tell me...." explores duality through the need for both love and pain, and the need for chaos and balance. These contradictions form the appeal for this song, bit it is it's intimacy that places it above and beyond. There is a real feeling and emotion to her lyrics which scores high marks because it is so believable, and a genuine longing in her vocals. Extra points for a beautiful arrangement and the haunting cello work of Steve Nelson.
Anamanesis, which means recollection, is a five-song EP that offers an introspection into the five physical senses. Marketed as sequel to her previous release, The Moon And The Fire Circle, Anamnesis is an excellent achievement and a wonderful continuation. Fans of Tori Amos, Kate Bush and Amy Lee of Evanescence may find similarities but Burns fuses cascading piano and a dynamic voice to come across as slightly more uplifting while remaining genuinely sincere. There is a semblance of broodiness and the lush arrangements to be expected of fans of her peers, but Shauna Burns stands ably on her own and this EP is a definite five-star recommendation. Give it some alone time and immerse yourself in it and realize just how special Anamnesis is.
--Brooke Horrocks Jivewired.com
About Shauna Burns:
Anamnesis is pianist/singer/songwriter Shauna Burns’ next work released under Red Rock Music in April 2009. This 5 song EP is the continuation of The Moon and the Fire Circle and the next step in her musical journey. Anamnesis, which means "recollection" or "remembrance", focuses on the senses that live in our memories. "Music is a trigger for things we remember," Shauna explains. "Each of the songs on Anamnesis represents one of the senses." The first song on the EP is titled "Smell" ...its reference is obvious. "A Letter" embraces the gift of sight, "Wind" references touch, "Driving Far" taste, and "So Tell Me…" our sense of hearing. The new album is full of Shauna’s trademark piano and vocals, James Clark on drums and percussion, Steve Lemmon on guitar and bass, Ryan Tilby on mandolin and dobro, Kiley Astle on violin and Steve Nelson on cello.
Shauna’s latest release in 2008, The Moon and the Fire Circle, was a fusion of the dark and light sides of the soul. It was a journey from the light to the dark and back to the light again. The Promise Live cheers: “With her ethereal voice, spacious arrangements and lots of piano, you can't help but become enchanted with The Moon and The Fire Circle.” And Southwest Blend acclaims that “Shauna Burns is a phenomenal talent, and the music on this album will take any listener on a journey that will connect one’s inner soul to the universe.” Now the journey continues…
Shauna's ethereal vocals and beautiful piano developed while growing up in Miami, Florida. Inspired by her mother's love for the piano, her songwriting thrived and when she headed west for college her music met cheers and enthusiastic recognition. After receiving a bachelor's degree in Anthropology at the University of Utah, Shauna spent a year in Europe preparing her debut album. Released under Red Rock Music in 2005 Every Thought was the foothold that lifted this talented pianist and singer to critical acclaim. “Beautiful cascading piano [and] ethereal vocals… a new fangled fusion that will ignite a spark that will be hard to replicate. Perfect.” States Smother.net. Shauna's songwriting extension to Every Thought was her 2006 follow up EP release entitled, Desert Tune.
Shauna has embarked on multiple vigorous tours since 2006 with over 75 shows and appearances stretching from coast to coast in the U.S. and the U.K. The new Wandering Planets Tour kicked off in April 2009.
“Around You”, the first single from The Moon and the Fire Circle, reached number 7 on the FMQB AC Chart, was one of WCH Radio’s “Top Songs for 2008” and reached number 1 on “Song Vault Radio”. The Moon and the Fire Circle was selected “Best of 2008” by Collected Sounds and The Promise Live. Radio Crystal Blue also chose Shauna as one of the “Top Recording Artists of the Year 2008”.
Shauna's debut CD, Every Thought was selected as one of the Top CD's of 2005 by Collected Sounds and the single, “Pink Girl”, was chosen as the number1 single from the MAACP show. The album was chosen for “Best of the Batch” from the Music Industry News Network and featured on TowerPod.com, Billboard, VH1, Artist Direct, AOL Music, Fox TV and countless others.
