Laura Cheadle
The audiences in Greenwich Village (The Big Apple) should enjoy the smoothness of Laura Cheadle’s presentation. She starts a string of six engagements at The Baggot Inn and also plays select spots in Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Cheadle, who lives and works in the Philadelphia area, is a soulful singer whose current work is collected on the CD Falling In. "Midst of Your Mystery" from that collection features the singer’s voice and some excellent background organ. For some reason the slight roughness of the drums and guitar fits with what Cheadle is attempting to portray – lovable funkiness.
"Lay Me Down" is the upbeat rhythm track that helps balance some of the other chocolate-smooth tunes. This song uses some nice "slide down" chord work that will please the more informed musicians among her listeners. Cheadle’s voice may not be remarkable just yet, but she is definitely on the way to that level. Continuing to hook up with top session musicians will help, of course.
Wrapped Up In You" tricks the listener into thinking it is just a cute love song. Then, Cheadle and the musicians slip in a touch of the funk she hangs onto in all of her songs. It will be interesting to watch this young singer to see if she grows from the soul seedling she is now.
Tags: Laura Cheadle, music, indie, indie music, independent music
April 29th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Just listening to “Lay Me Down” turned me into an instant fan. Everything about this song is just..perfect. I quite like her voice. It’s a bit smoky and the tone reminds me a bit of a better sounding Fiona Apple in a weird sort of way. Another one I suggest taking a listening to (on a more mellow note) is “10 Weeks of Immortality”.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:00 am
I like Laura’s voice a great deal, too. It’s not the usual timbre of female singer’s voice that I prefer; I’m more of a Diana Krall/Carly Simon type of listener, but I’m perfectly willing to make an exception for Ms. Cheadle.
And heck, she lists Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong as two of her inspirations….that earns her some kudos in my book!