Alyson - Take a Good Look

from Jimi Bruce

Guide Rating -

Energetic. "There's Nothing More To Say," but while you are here please "Take A Good Look" at Alyson, nominated for Best New Dance Artist (Diva-to-be category) at this year's International Dance Music Awards ceremony. Her album, Take a Good Look (PM Media), smokes from its first scintillating rhythms on the first cut, "Feel You," a great intro for both the first track and the album as a whole. This song echoes the mode of classic feel-good club music, reverberating in the walls of the Paradise Garage or Raspberry Freeze.

Here we have nine brand-new tracks and six remix versions composed and produced in collaboration with someone named Daveed whom Alyson met shortly after moving to Los Angeles from the Big Apple a couple of years ago. 'Gee, isn't that how it always happens,' I ask with a dreamy smile. Seriously though, his live musicianship appealed to her, and although she says she's only been singing professionally for two years, their collaboration makes them sound like seasoned pros. Hex Hector and Ralphi Rosario also chime in with a little added spice.

Of course I must pay homage to her being from New York City, the intangibles of which reliably produce independent, self-starting individuals like Alyson. This CD reflects her uniquely New York-styled diverse musical appetite ranging from Reggae to Dance, Rhythm and Blues. Its not surprising, therefore, that she is self-schooled in the ABCs of "the biz," behind a desk by day managing her own label, behind the mic by night as a breakthrough performer.

The musical magic of her first five tracks drops you into the middle of a non-stop, all-hours dance frenzy. We are not stranded there, however; by the first chords of "Without You" (track seven), a certain versatile mystery has been infused which only rounds out an excursion into the totality of how this Alyson conveys her messages.

Already making several forays into the top ten on various charts, she has now been discovered by at least thirty-three radio stations, terrestrial and satellite, including New York City's dance powerhouse WKTU.

"Nothin More To Say", recently charting in Billboard's top ten Dance/Club play chart, has an infectious hook, and if I were personally spinning on the air, I'd play it at the end of my show as an end theme everyday.

"Didn't Ya Think," track eleven, is a pulsating potpourri of rhythms and her honey-dipped vocalizations. How she forms her lyrics lends your ear to easy comprehension.

For you who wanna go south of the border, sample the Spanish guitar of track twelve which has us on that journey via the remix route of "Take A Good Look." Suave!

This has something for everyone and a flavor for each palate. Still a non-believer? Then I give you the island texture of "Forever." To finish, she reprises "Nothin' More..." down to basic blue basement light slow jam territory for its remix version. Once again that great hook works, whatever the tempo.

I've always admired artists who are bold enough to get by and be successful with just one name – maybe from now on I'll just be "Jimi." Thanks to Alyson for the inspiration! Saying "I've been really happy people have received them [her songs] so well," all I can say is I "Feel You." She gets my wish for a long and fruitful career and five frisky stars on the great CD!

~ Jimi Bruce

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