Emily Bezar - "Grandmother's Tea Leaves" Review

Artist/ Band: Emily Bezar
Title: Grandmother's Tea Leaves
Label: Olio Records
Year of Release: 1993
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Grandmother’s Tea Leaves is Emily Bezar’s debut solo album which contains some of her most artistic music to date. It’s more geared to the progressive side of music so it may not be an easy listen for most audiences. This album is to me, what Tori Amos, could have recorded if she wasn’t under the watchful eye of a major label pushing for hits. After several listens, I come to believe this is Emily’s most personal album with a beauty to it that set the standards for her next three releases.

In many ways this album could be considered a early companion to her latest cd Angels’ Abacus based solely on the similarity in the approach. While Angels’ Abacus has a more jazz leaning, Grandmother’s Tea Leaves has a more orchestral vibe to it especially in the vocals. I really have enjoyed Grandmother’s Tea Leaves, even though it’s the least accessible record of her career. I do believe it’s an important album, not only being her first but that it shows that even females can be a creative force in music not just ear candy or a novelty act.

If this perks your interest, but need to hear Emily’s music. You’re in luck! On her site she has samples as well as full downloadable tracks but I recommend you purchase the albums out right. It’ll help support one of music’s most underrated artists plus you get to read the booklets, that’s something you can’t do with downloads.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on December 6th, 2005

Tracks:

1. Hypertrophia

2. Avalanche

3. I Really Don’t

4. Grandmother’s Tea Leaves

5. La Place Dauphine

6. Just Like Orestes

7. I Tear Down

8. Barricade

9. Rest Me Here

10. Madame’s Reverie

Reviewed Discography

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