So, this "live music" review is going to be a bit different than ones in the past. Usually, the review is written about a LIVE performance, attended by someone on the Cabin 7 Promotions staff.
This week will be different. Alys Ffion was a scheduled artist to perform at Rock The Grid back in March, but due to unforeseen circumstances she was unable to make the trip from the land down under to Florida.
But since, then, Alys has recorded several live music videos and posted them to You Tube as "Live From Heliport". So, I had already known what her music sounded like, but now I can actually write a "live music" article about Alys.
Alys Ffion is clearly the next big thing out of Australia. This young lady, with a perpetual good attitude and infectious smile is not just a singer, and not just a musician, but also a song-writer. The "total package" as some might say. And not just a one-trick musician either, she demonstrates amazing command over 4 different instruments during the "Live From Heliport" videos : acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano/keyboard, and her voice. Yes, this is definitely one of these instances where the voice is also an instrument - and not simply a way to recite lyrics.
The Live From Heliport session puts Alys out there, totally alone, and totally exposed for criticism - and that takes serious courage. The songs are just her and an instrument - no band - no studio audio tricks, no backing vocals, and nobody else in the studio at all. And IT WORKS!
She is able to showcase her amazing voice, while using the guitars and/or pianos to help tell the story. All original songs, all in the style of the great singer-songwriters of decades past - a great blend of the old and new. Happy, sad, melancholy, emotional, enjoyable, interesting, and catchy are all perfect adjectives to describe her music. Talented would be a great adjective (or is it a noun, or adverb in this usage) to describe Miss Ffion.
The other intangible that always impresses me, is the attitude and/or demeanor of the performer. And it is very clear that Alys absolutely loves what she is doing - absolute love for it (not just Almost Love)! And that is the most important aspect of playing music, in my humble opinion.
There are a few things I know for sure after watching the Heliport series - 1) I can't wait for a full length cd to be released and 2) I can't wait for Alys to make it to America for a tour!
Very impressive!!!!
Check out Live From Heliport - here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2m7HUmGITk&list=PLGYHKN9aECgzzWaQiyTr7wNB5U0tjmRo-
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