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| Dyann Woody Releases Debut Solo Album My Softer Side Who knew that this country singer was really a closet chanteuse? Dyann Woody makes a seamless transition from ‘Yee Haw’ to ‘Ooh La La’. She not only has the voice of an angelic siren, but what will amaze you even more is just how easy and pleasing her music is to listen to. She reaches across many genres and meshes elements of ‘70’s singer/songwriter style, jazz, blues and pop with the art of a well-crafted lyric. Although this is Dyann’s first solo album, she has shared musical success with her husband as part of the Country Music Group, The Woodys. Their debut album on Rounder Records went #1 on the Americana charts; they were voted the Top County Vocal Duo at the International Music News Awards and have received worldwide critical acclaim for all three of their albums. However, there was still a part of Dyann that was musically unfulfilled. She wanted to write songs that expressed all of the emotions and experiences that she and other women have had in their lives in relationship to men. Dyann also wanted to use the full range of her voice bringing into play the years that she studied voice, classical music and jazz. So, inspired by Norah Jones record, Come Fly Away, Dyann felt her time had come. She began writing songs for her own album drawing from earlier musical influences of the artists she loved like Billy Holliday and Bonnie Raitt. My Softer Side is a soulful and heartfelt musical offering that not only highlights great songwriting but her sweet & sultry vocals along with the stellar talents of Rick Vito (Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac), Barry Walsh (Shania Twain), Dave Pomeroy (Trisha Yearwood) and Steve Turner (Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton). Dyann’s very talented husband, Michael Woody, not only co-produced the album but played trumpet on it as well. He oversaw the entire project and brought to bear his expertise in songwriting (he is a #1 ASCAP songwriter) and encouraged Dyann’s Softer Side to be expressed through her singing. Pat Hutchinson of Warner Chappell Studios put the final icing on the cake as associate producer and engineer. “I have to admit, I loved this album, every single song. Now how often do you hear someone say that? I would be willing to bet, not nearly enough. This CD is the most down to earth and real expression of artistry you will ever find in recorded music.” - Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikReviews.com write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |