Stephie James – As Night Fades
This is a deep dive independent CD with tunes that are distinctive with charm & a striking varied mixture of folk melodies, rockers & ingenuity. The opener “Company,” exemplifies a Robin Ward (“Wonderful Summer”) juvenile, gentle, sincere & succinct performance. As time goes by Stephie James could become a sassy easy listening vocalist. Beautiful tune.
And while the subsequent melodies are fine the production isn’t always up to snuff with Stephie’s vocal prowess at times. The musicianship should be a little heftier, with more presence to lift the tune & support her generous vocal instincts. The songs follow a pop recipe but with principled lyrics. “Party Doll” has lyrical lines that should, however, end on an ascending note not descending words such as “early morning.”
The melodies have a nice catchiness. Stephie sings well & that’s what keeps the tunes tight. “These Days,” again, with its fine melody & vocal needs the vocal treatment production or echo – deleted. Ms. James’ (vocals/guitar) is good without that hocus pocus & sings her words absorbingly & avoids cliches with style.
The 12-madrugada tunes on As Night Fades (Drops March 1–Independent/40:00) also show Stephie’s rock endurance. “Steve McQueen” on this debut LP is where she excels. Tailor-made arrangement. Her voice is close to Amy Winehouse & the addition of the Hammond organ skates in hard-like early 70s rock classics. This isn’t a sparkler…it’s TNT with its meticulously lit vocals & nothing is contrived.
The surprise? A typical pop instrumental comes along with “Surf.” It invokes the best of the 60s instrumentals (“Pipeline,” “Penetration,” “Wipe Out”). All are well-played & though short on originality it’s long on creativity. Nice work.
Stephie’s magic continues with her signature vocal tonality. As much a unique voice as the late Melanie Safka or Valerie June. A recognizable voice. It’s just a matter of developing a style. This CD does have many hints at what that could be since Stephie displays zeal in her showcase. She’s convincing throughout.
“Hard Place,” is Dr. John voodoo mixed with J.J. Cale blues. The soulful backup gives it stability since it lacks a nice sting & growl ala Janis Joplin. But the song itself is savoring. The set was produced by Andrija Tokic & the material captures the interesting musical slices. I like it on the whole. It’s honest. No showboating. The vocals are always good & (“Lost With You”) is well-articulated & consistent.
“Will You Be,” (Lonely When I Leave) is a distant cousin of 60s groups like The Shirelles & the Shangri-Las. Done to perfection. Wonderfully recorded.
Highlights – “Company,” “These Days,” “Steve McQueen,” “Surf,” “Hard Place,” “Lost With You” & “Will You Be.”
Musicians – Matt Menold (guitar/piano/organ/keys), Jack Lawrence & Dennis Crouch (bass), Charlie Germandia (drums), Billy Contreras (strings), Alexis Saski, Kyshona Armstrong & Vaughn Walters (vocals).
B&W image from Stephie’s Bandcamp. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.stephiejamesmusic.com/