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The "North County Times" daily newspaper in North County San Diego published a wonderful review of Tracy Niles' CD "breaking the silence" in "Preview" Magazine, the arts & entertainment section of the "North County Times."

MARCH 21, 2002

CD REVIEWS

BLUES

"Breaking the Silence"
Tracy Niles
Released by: Self-release
B+

Vocalist Tracy Niles, who appeared most recently in Escondido during First Night 2002, returns this weekend. The occasion is to celebrate release of her new CD, "Breaking the Silence."

Niles is basically a blues singer, but not in the torch-singer tradition. She adds rock, with touches of soul and jazz, and accompanies herself on acoustic guitar. The result is a hybrid that's all her own.

Where most blues singers concentrate on the lower notes, Niles' delivery is strongest in the upper range. The 10 songs, which Niles either wrote or co-wrote, are traditional in subject matter. In various permutations, they concern lost loves or love gone wrong.

Domenic DeMaggio wrote the music for the opener, "Higher Road." The song about longing and its promise of hope establishes the blues theme, which Niles treats personally. She follows with "You're My Way Home," which is somewhat lighter in feeling, but she returns to form in "Over and Over," with music by Ean Corbet, with whom Niles has often performed.

The highlight of the disc is "Everything With You," which is more upbeat than the other songs, and set to a different beat. "Out of the Shadow," another with music by Corbet, who also collaborated on the lyrics, also has merit. "I'm Alive" closes the program on a positive note.

Niles is a better singer than a songwriter. She has an impressive range and marvelous vocal control. Her sudden swoops into the upper register are dramatic and effective. But she needs more variety in her music.

Tracy Niles performs 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Metaphor Cafe, 258 E. Second Ave., Escondido. There is a $5 suggested donation. Call (760) 489-8890 for information.

- BF