Forward Moving Records (2007)

Like the old adage of judging a book by its cover, apparently you can’t judge a CD by its cover, either.

Open Door by Emily Brass has been available for about five months, but we just got our hands on a copy in advance of her show at Awful Arthur’s in Blacksburg on March 7. When you see a blonde with a sax on the CD cover you might assume it is a jazz record. It’s not—though some jazz influences, along with a lot of other influences, are found in Brass’s music.

Beginning with the first song on the CD, you immediately realize that you’re in for something unexpected. “Changes” begins with a reggae beat and Brass’s sax quickly taking the spotlight. She then comes in with the vocals “So many changes in this world today, I don’t know what to do or what to say. But we must face it, we can’t run away. So many changes in this world today.” Then she launches into about 20 seconds of Blondie-style rap before coming back to singing followed by some more sax play. And thus the tone is set for the album.

The Floyd resident recorded her solo debut in Philadelphia with assistance from The Princes of Babylon, a trio on drums, guitar, and bass known for a blend of funk, reggae, hip-hop, rock and blues, a mosaic appropriate for Open Door. Noted studio musician Jeremy Dyen contributed on keys.

“Changes” along with the second song on the disc “The Present” are the two catchiest tunes, both capable of lingering in your head long after you’ve put the CD away. With that in mind, it might have been best to save one for later on the album, although “later” comes quickly. With only eight songs, you can listen to Open Door from beginning to end in just 25 minutes.

Brass makes the most of her 25 minutes, though, using her vocal influences ranging from Sade to Billie Holiday and Chrissie Hyde to Erykah Badu to come up with a smooth and flowing vocal performance. Having been raised in Montreal as the daughter of a jazz musician, Brass adapts easily to various musical styles and incorporates a plethora of influences. If you’re looking for a sound that’s unexpected, Brass might be your answer.

Tim W. Jackson enjoys an array of musical genres and wishes for a thriving local music scene in the NRV.