|  |
Tracy Chapman Biography
Review The Artist (15)
Source: http://www.tracychapman.tk
Grammy winning singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman returns to the recording fold with a new album that's as notable for its soulful hearthside vibes as for its deep-felt songs. Co-produced by Chapman and celebrated sound engineer and mixer Tchad Blake (Los Lobos, Peter Gabriel, Pearl Jam, Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson), Where You Live was recorded at an improvised San Francisco rehearsal space-turned-studio that inspired the singer and her accompanists to stretch out both musically and spiritually. The result is 11 original compositions complemented by some of the most intimate performances Chapman has ever captured. Running the stylistic gamut from hauntingly rendered ballads ("3,000 Miles," "Going Back"), to coarse-grained Americana ("Before Easter," "Taken," "America") and bright-burning acoustic rockers (the album's maiden single, "Change"), Where You Live is a remarkably intimate-sounding album that reestablishes Tracy Chapman as one of the premiere singer-songwriters of her time.
Though Chapman is hard pressed to trace the inspirational source of her new material, the singer discovered a common thread after Where You Live was completed. "All the songs seemed to reference this idea of where you live," Chapman explains. "In some songs, the reference is to a physical place and environment -- where you live physically in the world. In some of the other songs, the reference is to a state of mind; where you live in your head and in your heart. I'd say there's even a song or two that addresses how you think about yourself in relation to the universe. That's how the title of the record came to be."
With its memorable songs and true-to-life recording sounds, it seems inevitable that fans will embrace Where You Live with ardent enthusiasm. Chapman charts the album's musical course on the opening track, "Change." Built on a rock-steady folk rhythm, this compelling single finds Chapman posing timeless rhetorical questions that seem all the more relevant in this discordant age of affluence and poverty, war and peace, faith and science. To wit: "if you knew that you would die today / if you saw the face of God and love... would you change?"
With "Change" serving as a point of departure, Where You Live proceeds to transport listeners to an all-encompassing world of musical possibility. On the gorgeously rendered "Don't Dwell," Chapman frames bittersweet lyrics against ravishing torch song melodies. On "America," the singer ponders the escalating cost of western imperialism, setting her sentiments to driving rhythms that evoke the merciless lurch of progress. "Going Back" and "3,000 Miles," examines the struggle for identity in an increasingly dehumanized world, while tracks like "Talk to You" and "Love's Proof" follow in the romantic tradition of Tracy Chapman love songs like 1988's "Baby Can I Hold You" and 2002's "I Am Yours."
To underscore the album's truth-seeking lyricism, Chapman stripped away any sonic barriers that might impede the connection between artist and listener. Instead of booking time at a professional studio, the singer and co-producer Blake trucked recording gear into an unassuming Bay Area rehearsal space. The pair then invited a small but select group of musicians to join them, including guitarist / keyboardist Joe Gore (Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Eels) and percussionist Quinn (eastmountainsouth). Legendary bassist Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) was recruited to play on three tracks, while Chapman herself ably handled vocals, guitar, keys and clarinet.
The fortunate result of these experiments is the spontaneous, on-the-fly sound that animates Where You Live. Far removed from the claustrophobic pop productions of the day, Chapman's new album boasts an airy, wide-open sound that complements the forthrightness of her songs. "I felt like simplifying things would give me the flexibility I was seeking," the singer explains. "Playing with just a few musicians would give me the ability to do what I do when I play acoustic -- that is, to give an interpretation of a song that's for the moment, or a particular place. To me, it feels like this approach creates an opportunity for more emotion."
Just shy of her 20th anniversary as a recording artist, it's heartening to find Tracy Chapman still in hot pursuit of "more emotion." After all, it was Chapman who brought the metal-weary masses to their senses in 1988 with her self-titled debut album. Fueled by the success of the singles "Fast Car," "Talkin' Bout A Revolution" and "Baby Can I Hold You," Chapman's album went on to sell 6 million copies domestically and captured three Grammy awards, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Contemporary Folk Recording and Best New Artist. She was named Best New Artist (Pop / Rock) at the 1989 American Music Awards and was featured on the Amnesty International Human Rights Now! World tour with Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Youssou N'Dour.
Impervious to trends, Chapman has commendably stayed her musical course, winning acclaim for such albums as "Crossroads" (1989 -- certified platinum), "Matters of the Heart" (1992 -- certified gold)," "New Beginning" (1995 -- 5x platinum), "Telling Stories" (2000 -- gold) and "Let It Rain" (2002). The singer's incandescent recordings have continued to win the approbation of fans, critics and peers. "Give Me One Reason," the bluesy single from "New Beginning," netted Chapman her fourth Grammy.
Now, with the release of her new album, Tracy Chapman continues on the strong-willed path that has made her one the world's most acclaimed singer-songwriters. Where You Live possesses an aural integrity and nuanced emotionalism rarely evidenced in contemporary pop music.
"It's a very 'vibey' record," the singer says, laughing at her own coinage. "In some way, the sound of this album manages to convey the mood and tone of the (recording sessions), and I'm thrilled about that. This absolutely has been one of the best experiences I've had making a record. I'm ecstatic."
Thanks to StefChapman for submitting the biography. |
Would you please submit the latest Tracy Chapman biography to me? Thank You.
|
Review about Tracy Chapman
Truly Classic! | Reviewer: Aug | 7/8/2008Truly Tracy Chapman's music is inspiring, I met a gal (now my wife) while driving on a highway with 'Fast Car' playing because i only listened to her music when driving over and over again. Its timeless..Thank you for the music Tracy
A real pride! | Reviewer: Balla Keita | 6/30/2008
I really enjoy listening to Tracy's music since i was a kid!
She's is all my pride! She sang for poor people, that's unforgettable!
I wish you Tracy a long life and permanent life!
Best to you!
Balla from Mali!
TRULY AMAZING | Reviewer: Anonymous | 12/30/2007
I could listen to Tracy Chapman day and night. It is really a blessing to have such an artist in the world. Thank you Tracy.
BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!!!!!! | Reviewer: ROBIN | 9/18/2007
Tracy Chapman is an amazing artist. I love so many of her songs and I believe she is one of the greatest musicians ever heard. It started out for me when I was 9 or 10 when I heard "Fast Car" that song stopped me in my tracks. Now I can't get enough of "Baby Can I Hold You" it to me is the best song I have ever listened to in my life. My significant other and I listen to it about a dozen times or more a day!!! A DAY!!! BRAVO Tracy, BRAVO!!
BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!!!!!! | Reviewer: ROBIN | 9/18/2007
Tracy Chapman is an amazing artist. I love so many of her songs and I believe she is one of the greatest musicians ever heard. It started out for me when I was 9 or 10 when I heard "Fast Car" that song stopped me in my tracks. Now I can't get enough of "Baby Can I Hold You" it to me is the best song I have ever listened to in my life. My significant other and I listen to it about a dozen times or more a day!!! A DAY!!!
Song/All That You Have Is Your Soul | Reviewer: Anonymous | 8/30/2007
Tracy has been truly blessed with multiple facets of music. I thank God that she is able share this gift with the world. Meaningful lyrics and she keeps the accompaniment to a minimum. What a powerful voice....her music nourishes my soul. Thank you, Tracy, for staying so true. In my opinion, this is music the way it was meant to be presented.
Just simply thank you | Reviewer: curt | 7/24/2007
I dont know if you'll ever read this Tracy or not, but Ill feel better and good to say this anyways. I have always enjoyed your music and your voice. You have a very soulful calming wonderful voice with every song you sing and me and my fiance love to listen to your songs. I just simply would like to say to you....thank you for making the music that you do. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and so many other fans. May your future be filled with many more wonderful songs and may the world always be benefitted by your talents.
just cant put it in words! | Reviewer: atul | 7/23/2007
i just cant put it in words
songs with meaning
i like fast cars and i wont say how many times i have heard it!
hatss off tracy!
Fabulous | Reviewer: Asayehegn Tekeste | 7/17/2007
HI all,
I am a big fan of Tracy, I just bought her CD and LISTENED TO this release ONLY ONCE. I know i am gonna listen to it until I get her new album. I have always been listening to her songs. SO lovely and strong messages to your heart.
She is a black star to me, exemplary in her life and songs.
Thank you, long live Tracy!
The Greatest of all | Reviewer: LAWAL anas | 5/31/2007
I m grateful to Tracy for making me and girl happy by her inspirational and Love songs.I want you to know that,You re an Angel.You have an Open Arm in me! Abig shoutout from Nigeria.
Review By Pages: 1 2
Review the Artist Tracy Chapman
| |
|
