|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Melissa Giges: ’Far Beyond the Pacific’ Singer and songwriter Melissa Giges continues her search for self with a renewed sense of hope and a clearer direction of the path she is taking in her second album, "Far Beyond the Pacific." As in her first album, "No Perfect Time", it's the exquisite voice that attracts first and then the lyrics begin to take hold, but it's clear from the outset that "Far Beyond the Pacific" is the work of a more mature and confident musician. Giges will celebrate the debut of "Far Beyond the Pacific" at an album release party open to the public at the Baggot Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village, on Thursday, Nov. 2. Giges explains that while "Far Beyond the Pacific" continues the search started in the first album for the dream of a life of possibilities, love, stability and promise, it is an optimistic journey. As Giges says, "It's about learning to be true and honest and excited for life's true calling. Although it is an uncertain road, it is a passionate one." The album's title that encapsulates the 15 songs is taken from a line in "Caught": I had hoped for tidal waves and oceans far beyond the pacific,Simple strokes and fairy tales and unexpected love in time. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, she draws on a range of musical genres so that her sound can't be placed under the heading of jazz or rhythm & blues or pop-rock or even urban folk. She's none of these and all of these, an infusion of sound and emotion that flows freely. Co-producer of the album, she credits her collaboration with producer August Eriksmoen and co-producer Nik Chinboukas with helping her create in the studio exactly what she had dreamed. The musicians who also contributed to make her dream a reality include Shawn Pelton (drums and percussion); Nicholas D'Amato (bass); August Eriksmoen (guitars); Pat Glynn (acoustic bass); and Dave Eggar (cello). Giges performed her own background vocals and piano accompaniment. The album was recorded and mixed at Spin Studios in Astoria, New York, mixed and engineered by Nik Chinboukas. Born and raised in White Plains, N.Y., Giges began piano lessons at age four. She has explored everything from musical theatre and pop to opera and jazz. She released her first album during her senior year at George Washington University, where she majored in classical voice. She has lived in New York since 2002 where she performs both solo and with a band at area clubs. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |