cd review
Erica Falls
HOMEGROWN
( I N D E P E N D E N T )
In a city like New Orleans that has produced a multitude of
talented vocalists one might well ask, “Is there still room for another
one?” The answer is yes and foremost among that number, Erica Falls
rises above the pack. If she was singing on “The Voice” all of the
judges’ chairs would be quickly turned toward her in awe of her vocal
power and dexterity, but she is well beyond that stage of her career.
This album offers proof that she is destined for full stardom.
On this, her first full CD (second overall following an earlier
EP release), Falls showcases the full range of her vocal abilities,
effortlessly venturing into the upper octaves where most other
singers fear to tread. Her mastery of the interdependent genres of
Neo-soul and Vintage Soul is on full display here but Falls is no onedimensional
performer. She can rock you onto the dance floor or
croon you into a romantic fantasy between the sheets. And, unlike
most of the other contemporary vocalists, Falls writes her own lyrics.
Eight of the CD’s ten tracks are her original compositions, with
musical arrangements by several of her backup band members. She
sings these songs like she owns them, which she does.
Among the standout tracks, “Lovin’ the Feelin’” is so sensual you
can literally wrap your arms around it, along with your head and your
heart. This song could hold its own up against Deniece Williams’
“Free” and that’s as glowing a compliment as it gets. Another standout
is the 7-minute “Alright,” a romantic piece accompanied by lilting
backup vocals and instrumentation from her equally talented band
members: a textbook example of Neo-soul. As testimonies to her love
for New Orleans and the direction her career has taken her, both the
title track and “Destiny” tell those stories. And, as a house rocker
guaranteed to bring her audiences to their feet, the up-tempo, funky,
sassy “Don’t Stop Ya Lovin’” is as good as it gets.
Special plaudits go out to Falls’ musical director and bassist
Donald Ramsey for his skillful arrangements on most of the tracks
and the equally dexterous studio engineering by David Farrell and
Jacques de la Tour. As a special note, this CD is slated for a re-release
on the Louisiana Red Hot label with several additional tracks. Be
looking for it.
REVIEW BY DEAN M. SHAPIRO
J U LY / AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 breakthrumediamagazine.com | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | 19
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