Melanie Marod & Chris Wiser Stars
Melanie Marod is a vocalist that has traveled the world to pursue a lifelong passion for discovering and absorbing musical arts, from performing in Europe to studying opera in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Instituto Universitario Nacional de Arte) and Hillsong College in Sydney, Australia. Born and raised in Western Michigan, she found her love for singing at age Seven. After graduating Cum Laude from Hope College, this small-town girl left for the New York Jazz scene. She thrived at the top Jazz venues (Birdland, The Blue Note, City Winery, and weekly residences at the Oak Room in The Plaza Hotel).
[section label=”About the Album”]
About the Album
Marod has joined Chris Wiser to write and produce her new EP Stars. The two complement each other by combining Marod’s Jazz influences with Wiser’s rock and blues style to form a unique and diverse sound. Laidback, intimate, and joyful with throwback undertones. Stars was recorded at Downtown Recording Studios in NYC and was mixed and mastered by GRAMMY-nominated Tyler McDiarmid (Gregory Porter, Fred Hersch). An All-Star Band can be heard on this album: Chris Wiser (vocals, guitar), Art Hirahara (keyboard, organ), Sam Bevan (bass, guitar), Brian Fishler (drums), Jim Shaneberger (slide guitar), Mitch Marcus (flute, trombone, trumpet, saxophone), Joe Hettinga (engineer, piano), and Max Lockwood (cello).
[section label=”Our Favorite Tracks”]
Our Favorite Tracks
“Stars” is the largest gem on the record and stands out as a perfect union of the two’s styles. Stepping up in instrumentation, the song really comes into its own as the instruments layer in and Marod, and Wiser sing the melody together. All the melding of singing and the multi-layered instruments make this the first point on the album that pulls the listener into the Stars journey.
“River” has a more upbeat sound and is simply a good time as Marod’s vocals float over the backbeat chords and grooving bassline. Wiser’s slide guitar solo is an all-out sonic blues treat as the whole band is drenched in the groove to deliver something that feels good. The last chorus has more fine guitar work, choir backgrounds, and excellent vocal fills by Marod.
[section label=”In Conclusion”]
In Conclusion
Stars is an EP that grows on you the more you listen. Once the music grips you, you recognize just how solid these tracks are. It has all the hallmarks of a great record and will reward those who take the time to grow accustomed to its modus operandi. So just sit back and enjoy the musical journey to the Stars.
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