Torrisi hasn’t gotten here alone, however. Some of her influences clearly crop up in these songs. For example, “Breeze in Carolina,” which finds Torrisi highlighting her country side over a gently plucked acoustic guitar, is a lovely song, one which was probably inspired by Ryan Adams both in its style and subject matter. However, even when it’s possible to pinpoint Jessie Torrisi’s influences it doesn’t detract from her songs. One of her greatest strengths is taking disparate influences from pop, rock, and country and combining them into something that sounds very fresh and original.
Yet, it’s the closer, “The Brighter Side,” which really convinced me of Torrisi’s talent and potential as she sings matter-of-factly in a Texas drawl over a steady piano and shimmering slide guitar. The song lacks some of the energy of earlier songs but makes up for it with a compelling emotional tenor. It’s a terrific vocal performance by Torrisi and makes the song endlessly repeatable.
This song combined with the R&B-country of “So Many Miles” and the rest of this record serve as a reminder that Jessie Torrisi is an artist who can’t be tied down with expectations.
Article comments
1 - ian at wild curls music
"one woman band" is right. i hear live, jessie does a few songs from the drumset... & it is hhhhot.
i hope to catch them on tour in colorado next month.
2 - mtaub
we saw JT last year at the Tin Angel in philly. the place was captivated. she's original, refreshing and touching. can't wait 'til she comes back our way. can't be soon enough.
3 - dancin' sam
i saw jessie's CD release this weekend at lambert's.... the band's super fun live.
i think my fav song was *x in texas,* but the kazoo-a-long to end the show killed too.