Lizzy Loeb - The One

Lizzy Loeb’s new CD “Drawing Lines” is a knockout debut release. It’s rare that a songwriter of her youthful age comes along with such maturity and raw musical talent. Add to that Loeb’s tasteful guitar playing, and sincere and easily identifiable voice, and it becomes clear that Loeb is the real deal. From the opening track we hear voice and acoustic guitar take center stage. The addition of acoustic piano and Latin-tinged rhythms and chord changes seamlessly fuse Loeb’s jazzy but unmistakably pop sound. The sensitivity and breathiness of the vocal and melodic motifs invite comparison with songwriters John Mayer or Norah Jones but Loeb has developed her own originality as well. The word play in songs like “Living At All” provides thoughtful images: “It’s lonely here/the bookshelves are my company;” or “It’s hot out here/the sweat is sticking to my shirt/I’m getting reacquainted with the dirt.” The hook in “Living At All,” like many of her tunes, is infectious—the kind of tune you find yourself humming around the house—and when you recognize the tune immediately rush back to the CD to take another listen. The chromatic writing in the bridge section reveals a level of musical sophistication, heard throughout the CD, that grows on you. Of course having the musical pedigree helps. Loeb’s mother is the phenomenal vocal talent Carmen Cuesta, and her father, the guitarist Chuck Loeb, has been in the forefront of the jazz field for more than two decades. Chuck Loeb’s contributions to the production and guitar work only add to the overall success of the CD, which is full of musical gems. Songs like “The One” and “James,” really shine. The horn work and arrangement of David Mann on “James” particularly stands out and the bass playing of veteran Will Lee, among others, helps provide polished and solid rhythm tracks. “Later Or Sooner,” is one of the catchiest tracks on the CD. The opening groove recalls some of the best pop writing of Joe Jackson and Loeb continues to pen some clever lyrics: “I’m walking behind you/tripped over your shadow once or twice;” and the hook… “Sooner or later you’re gonna have to rescue me/Later or sooner you’re gonna see the worst of me/rather than sooner let’s make it later, shall we?” Other standouts are “A Matter of Pride,” “Victims of Sympathy,” “No Surprises Left,” the intimate “Who Are You,” which highlights just voice and guitar, and the title track “Drawing Lines,” with its soulful and yearning cello accompaniment. In fact, there really isn’t a weak track on the entire CD—quite an accomplishment! If this debut CD is any indication of what we can continue to expect from Lizzy Loeb, I’m looking forward to watching her blossom. Highly recommended!

author: Mark Davenport