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Martha Redbone was born of Black American and American Indian ancestry, and the name ‘Redbone’ is taken from her heritage. After growing up in New York and Kentucky she moved to London where two things happened that would forge the beginning of her musical career: she had her heart broken and was introduced to producer Aaron Whitby who went on to become her songwriting partner to this day. HOME OF THE BRAVE is a very accomplished piece of work. Martha has a truly unique and captivating voice that is fully utilised throughout this album. The opening track, "Vineyard", opens with a sample of a little girl talking and breaks into a cool little funkfest characterised by a guitar and a wah-wah pedal. The uplifting vocals are instantly reminiscent of a Tina Turner in her prime. "Underdog" displays some exquisite harmonies in the chorus and a toe-tapping beat that works well with the strings that swirl quietly around it. The lyrics to this song in particular point to a maturity that belies Redbone’s status in the world of music. The instrumentation throughout the album is of a very high quality, with stabbing horns and funky guitars echoing sporadically through each tune. Redbone’s soulful vocals remain constant. High notes are reached effortlessly, as they are on the mellow groove of Track 11. Samples are also used to clever effect. The album closer opens with a police siren that segues into a gently bopping ballad with a final bout of outstanding harmonies. There are indeed many treasures to unfold in this hidden gem of an album. Go ahead and drop in on HOME OF THE BRAVE because waiting at home is someone very special.
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OF THE BRAVE album review| HOME OF THE BRAVE album review
As if she knew that landing in my mail bin would result in the surprise sneak attack of the summer, Martha Redbone tells it like it is, like it should be, and how it won’t be again. This record basically came out of thin air and blew the many fine efforts also waiting for a review out of the proverbial water. What’s so great about this album, you might ask? Well, for starters, there’s depth, soul, cynicism, joy and wisdom. There’s fantastic production quality, seemingly made possible by very few principle players. And then there’s Redbone herself, a regular force of nature wrapped up in a picture-perfect package. This woman has "it", that quality you can’t pinpoint but it separates the naturally gifted from the forced performer. "It" gives us performers that bring something special to the table, and fit into any era. Martha Redbone could easily be lumped into the mainstream accepted group of artists that has been dubbed "neo-soul" – Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, D’Angelo, etc. But it may be more accurate to say that Redbone’s not "likened" to neo-soul, she IS neo-soul. And she is a scorned, but WISE woman. Taking cues from, along similar vocal style tips, Roberta Flack, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Prince, Martha Redbone doesn’t over-sing, over-produce, or play down her vocal abilities. The result is a risky, edgy performance full of honesty, wit, and a wily sense of humor. It’s exactly this type of effort that women everywhere, especially, can relate to. The words and vocal intonation are so pure and open that this record really belongs in a higher class than most that come across my desk. There’s something here for everyone and while the themes and subject matter are universal, Redbone’s personalized delivery is enchanting. "Soul" means many things to many people, but I believe that this record covers all the angles – from a bit of staccato funk to social consciousness to personal musings. Home of the Brave is the correct title for this album, because Redbone lays it all out for her audience to take in….bravery is putting your experiences down on tape and still having the fortitude to share it with the world. Standout tracks: "Intro", "Free", "Vineyard", "Someday We’ll Be Friends", "Liar", and wait it out for the hidden track – you won’t be disappointed.
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The latter-day soul movement is blazing away this holiday season via Gotham's latest rocker chick sensation. You want some Creole funk in your eggnog and gospel shouting in your carols? Then come on out and genuflect before Redbone the soul stirrer. As heiress to such luminaries as Sly, Phillippe Wynne, and Roberta Flack, Miss Thang Martha looks poised to be Americana's next superstar. This here redbone non-atheist cousin can dig it. December 14 at 9, Galapagos, 70 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, 718-782-5188. $7. (CRAZY HORSE) |
MARTHA REDBONE'S CHRISTMAS PARTY|
“WE ARE THE UNDERDOG, we’re the fighters getting ready for the next round” sings Martha Redbone in her critically acclaimed debut album, “HOME of the BRAVE”. Well, this underdog was recently honored as 2002’s Best Debut Artist by the Native American Music Awards. Growing up in New York and Kentucky, Redbone drew inspiration from friend Walter “Junie” Morrison who later joined Parliament Funkadelic. When George Clinton heard her sexy soulful voice later on, Redbone was invited to sing back-up vocals on a P-Funk album. These days Redbone is busy writing songs for her second album and playing shows in Brooklyn, San Diego, Chicago and of course, Duluth. The funky grooves, smooth organic beats and Redbone’s soulful voice make for a very, very cool and original sound. If you like folk, R&B, soul or roots music you will like Martha Redbone. Fitger’s Brewhouse, 600 E. Superior St. Duluth.
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