‘Sweet hot chocolate and one hand in my pocket …’
These are some of the lyrics included in Brie Nielson’s ‘ Happy Song’, a tune which is a small part of a bigger ‘ Picture Show’. An album which will be officially launched on October 4 at Sala Rossa – 4848 blvd St. Laurent in Montreal.
Alannis Morisette had one hand in her pocket while the other was giving high fives. Brie Neilson, of Vancouver, B.C – carries sweet hot chocolate in the hand which is not embedded in her pocket.
A poignant difference which should give Brie ‘ the upper hand ‘. After all – not everyone likes high fives. Practically everyone loves ‘sweet hot chocolate’!
Music swirling around like a warm breeze on a damp early morning . This is what Brie donates to the listener. A potpourri of incense burning brightly and softly in the background of a cozy den. A rustic blend of acoustic guitars, a horn section worthy of more than a footnote and the knee jerking tight – knit beats of a rhythm section gone mad …
Comfortabilty is what Neilson and her band of ‘Othermen’ add to a world which walks ankle deep in troubles. Real and imagined. Brie Nielson’s songs are real and so is her conviction – filled voice.
This is her second ep since moving to Montreal and aside from being part of a spectacular band named ‘ The Unsettlers’, Brie is determined to make believers of her music.
The title track – ‘ Picture Show’ is a tune that gets your toes a tappin’. It starts off with guitar and Brie’s soothing voice. When Tim van de Ven ( drums) and Ram Krishnan’s ( bass) rhythm section joins the fray … a road trip to partyville starts its journey. Declan O’Donovan’s slick piano work just makes everything that much more ‘giddy.’ By the time the horns kick in – the listener should be dancing in the backseat …
‘Now I Know’ is a song that showcases Brie’s vocals and O’Donovan’s deft touch on the piano. Acoustic strummin’ gathers thoughts as the tune is a perfect vehicule to perhaps gaze out the window on the trip. Reflective, profound and real. A gem. A diamond.
Ever listen to the Monty Python song; ‘Always look on the bright side of life’? Neilson’s tune – ‘Happy Song’ is reminiscent although on a slower pace.The energy behind the message is just waiting to bust free like a caged lion.Short and sweet, the song is as advertised; happy!
‘Secrets’ opens up with slick guitar work and kicks into a groove – a non threatening groove. Neislon’s voice like a newly arrived angel on a planet filled with impish toads. Close your eyes – safety is what sets Brie apart from the normal blend of feminine choruses circling the globe.
Alex Gutjar plays trumpet on the album and arranges fellow horn players Franco Proietti (baritone sax) and Kyla Campbell (trombone) and Brie herself
(trumpet). Alex is a genius on the track ‘Green’. He grabs the steering wheel and lifts a spirit tired by life’s troubles into a world where cabarets, cotton candy and Ferris wheels provide the background. O’Donovan’s snappy piano once more spitting in the same direction of this breezy composition.
When a tune is fifty percent better than most of the songs heard on tired radio stations and at the same time is the bridge between a more modern sound and the refreshing sounds of yesteryear – well, Brie and her othermen are doing something right.
‘Big Guy’ does just that.
A commotIon takes place. A perfect blend of the disc’s ‘folky’ rythyms and the sounds of today. Halfway through ‘The Picture Show’, the projectionist alters the reel. Oak trees replace the maples on this auditory scenic journey. A voyage which is pleasantly urged along thanks to the backing vocals of David Simard. A voice heard throughout the record.
‘Dress me up’ is Brie’s jazzy demand for a date. Cocky and assertive with a blues feel footed in the rhythms of life – logically and ethically. Sounds heard before yet new and intriguing. Take her advice, offer a hand – you may get a kiss on the cheek.
Following a journey of folk, blues, jazz, cabaret-ish sing alongs and leg moving rolls, the following two songs appear to involve a getting to know process. ‘Oh my Darling’ and ‘I Can Do It Alone’ provide a stripped down Neilson. Lyrically and musically. Both are ballads worthy of a child’s bedtime. Brie allows someone in with honesty while her band takes backseat. Two songs which showcase two sides of a woman. A pair of soft spoken syllables …
In the sixties, Nancy Sinatra sang a little ditty called ‘These Boots are Made for Walking’. Brie’s song ‘Be Alone’ is a modern day version …
An underlying groove reminds of Sinatra’s statement but provides more elements. A sure -to- be favourite live tune which compels a standing ovation upon completion. Just one of those songs which could represent an entire generation. A statement of a person with a big heart who just needs a little time on their own.
The final track is Beatle- esque. Shades of ‘Oh Darling’ front a love song straight from the fifties. Roller skates, poodle skirts and milk shakes outside a drive-in theatre. A feel good hommage to a simpler time.
Hats off to Brie and her Othermen. This is the type of record which should he sold and dispersed onto an unsuspecting public.
The type of record which is … happy!
Please support this brilliant artist and re- learn the way music is supposed to be played …
Brie Neilson: Vocals, guitar and trumpet Ram Krishnan: Vocals, bass, tambourine Tim van de Ven: Drums Declan O’Donovan: Vocals, piano, organ David Simard: Vocals, guitar Alex Gutjahr: Trumpet, horn arrangements Franco Proietti: Baritone sax Kyla Campbell: Trombone
Rick Keene Music Scene 