[FM] FAME Review: Antje (self titled CD) written by Kerry Bernard

[David N. Pyles]

Antje 
Antje

http://www.antjemusic.com

121 Park Dr., Suite #20
Boston, MA  02215
OR
Birkenstrasse 33
10551  Berlin, Germany

A review written for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange by Kerry Bernard
(kerry@younghunter.com)

Perhaps the greatest compliment one can lavish on someone who has taken
extensive vocal studies is that their singing voice sounds completely
natural and untrained.  Such is the case with Antje, a native of Germany
and a recent Songwriting/Vocal Studies graduate of the Berklee School of
Music (Boston) whose voice lilts out of her self-titled debut CD in a pure,
seemingly effortless wisp.

At first listen, it's tough to believe that this is, in fact, a debut CD.
>From the first word of the first song,  Antje's voice washes over the
listener with wonderous ease and simplicity.  Hearkening echoes of Kate
Rusby's sweet, lazy style, Antje is a gifted vocalist who knows something
that many singers spend a lifetime trying to figure out - that you can
convey vocal strength and prowess without belting, warbling, or thumping
your audience over the head.  No Mariah Carey-esque shrieks on this album -
just beautiful rendering of delicious melodies, deftly placed over
tasteful, subtle band arrangements (particularly impressive is the string
section on "Who Will Be the One" - a haunting arrangement of violin, viola,
cello, and doublebass).

Featuring seven original compositions and one cover ("Landslide" by Stevie
Nicks, which Antje relaxes and stamps with such individuality that I didn't
immediately recognize it), Antje's album is a delicate gem.  Although her
lyrics are somewhat sophomoric, the talent behind them is obvious and will
certainly become stronger with time (if nothing else, the chorus of voices
singing the unexpected anthem "God bless the Avon Lady" makes up for the
lyrical shortcomings of the other songs).  

Germany's loss is our gain, as Antje's mellifluous voice is that which puts
her head and shoulders above many of her American counterparts...
definitely one to watch.

 Track List:

Without an End
Avon Lady
Landslide
This Day
Who Will Be the One
Turn Back Time
I Would Do it Again
Looking Into the Sky

All songs by Antje Zumbansen except "Avon Lady" by Antje Zumbansen and
Amanda B. Gross, "Who Will Be the One" by Antje Zumbansen and Luciano
Storti, and "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks.   c.p. 1999 Zumba Music (GEMA)

Edited by David N. Pyles (dnpyles@acousticmusic.com)

Copyright 2000, Peterborough Folk Music Society.  This review may be
reprinted with prior permission and attribution. 

================
David N. Pyles
Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
P. O. Box 459
Brattleboro, VT 05302-0459
(802) 257-0336 Mon-Thur 9:30am-4:30pm
http://www.acousticmusic.com/frames
http://www.acousticmusic.com/frames/fame.htm
=====================
fast and loud, that's the world we live in
fast and loud, always in your face
trouble is 
with almost everything
that means anything
quiet is the volume
slowly is the pace

Grit Laskin "Fast & Loud"