ANGELA'S IPOD

LIV WARFIELD
EMBRACE ME 2006/2007
4.5 Stars

From the first notes of the funky bass line you know you are in for a treat. Then, the husky, sultry tones of Liv Warfield joins the beat and you smile. Who knew such warm, sexiness could emerge from Portland, Oregon, her home town. Nevertheless, this newcomer is a force to be reckoned with. She is terrific and her potential is unlimited, especially if her first album is any indication of what is in store for us.

Listening to her CD will clearly be a sultry journey. And, sure enough, off you go on a slow, warm, lush journey into the heart and soul of a true chanteuse. Liz Warfield can sing. She blends rhythm and blues, neo-soul and hip-hop with a body and fullness few others can touch. And, she can scat. I’ve read reviews that describe her as “a singer who organically blends classic soul, electric rock, sultry rhythm and straight-up sexy blues like Tina Turner—and it’s only the beginning.” they couldn’t be more accurate.

Her CD features a collection of sexy, mid-tempo grooves that can be enjoyed from beginning to end. Her lyrical clarity, incredible vocal conviction and timeless arrangements are brilliant and the musical composition is lush and funky. Her very first track, “ABC’s”, starts with a great bass line and features Bernard “Pretty” Purdie on the drums. It is a good track to start with as it sets the tone for the rest of the CD. “Work For Me“, “Waiting”, and “Sophisticated Sista” are each a mid-tempo, band driven, soul-sounding, heavy groove that captivates you, and her slower tunes - “Feeling Lonely”, “Time”, and “I Decided” are beautiful, soft and intimate. But my favorite, is the title track, "Embrace Me." It is soft, sensual and warm. Especially when she croons, "can a woman want, can a woman get a little bit of your precious feelings." You can tell she is sharing a little bit of her softer, intimate self.

Liv Warfield is a real artist and I am glad to hear at least some of her music being played. With Liv, there is just pure talent. Her songs are powerfully-sung celebrations of happiness and the lyrics are nicely written, meaningful and expressive. My suggestion, check out Ms. Liv Warfield. Whether she’s passionately belting out a groove tune or whispering a love ballad, the singer’s heart is clearly true and her passion is front and center.

Check her out at http://www.livmymusic.com/