Customer Reviews

Midnight Pumpkin

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The pride of Austin, TX returns with her followup to 1999's marvelous LOWDOWN AND UP. Once again, Toni proves herself to be worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Billie Holliday, Maria McKee, Irma Thomas and Emmylou Harris-- she seeks out the unique songs of others (esp. Gwil Owen) and makes them her own. In other words, her amazing voice is matched by her instincts for seeking out material. Surrounded by a stellar group of musicians from her own road band and by special invitation (James Burton! David Grissom! Tommy Shannon! Lisa Pankratz! Stanley Smith! Olivier Giraud! Ian McLagen!), Toni delivers an engaging song cycle that mixes bittersweet irony ("Thank You for the Love"), funky realism (the percussive, Latin-beat "Work on It"), and tough as nails candor ("Who Needs Tears"). Some of the best moments are the bluesiest and quietest, such as "Right Kind of Man", "Like You Used to", and "We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye", where you'd swear Toni and company are sitting in your living room and playing some tunes just for you. Two other songs of mention are "Call of My Heart" (which was the show-stopper on Toni's recent appearance on Austin City Limits) and a lively duet with Malford Milligan (formerly of Storyville) on Joe Tex's "I Want to Do Everything for You". If you are are a long-time fan, you'll love this album, and if you're new to Toni, let's just say you will become smitten and soon devoted to this dynamic singer from the Lone Star State.

Throughout her career, Toni Price has always defied the boundaries most artists place on their lives on a daily basis. Be it blues, folk, country, or jazz, Price embraces it all with a reckless abandon making each song she sings seem like hers and hers alone. On her fifth - and best - album the former roots rocker/blues siren has managed to take her genre defying musical style farther than ever, exploring a variety of musical styles from almost every era of popular music.

On this musical timeline of songs culled from the early jazz of the 30s, the Memphis soul of the 60s, the funkiness of R&B, the down home sound of bluegrass, and finally the blues, Price takes us on a musical journey of woman needs man and how the need to scratch that proverbial itch and get the business of love done is as old as humanity itself. What ties this all together, is the fact that sex/love/man/woman is what so much of the best of American music has been all about all along. With this disk, Price reminds us of what this music could still be about if it hadn't gotten lost along the way.

Although not known as a songwriter, and in possession of a voice that is more sturdy than brilliant, it is her interpretive abilities, phrasing, and natural fluency with whatever style of music she chooses to sing that sets her apart and showcases her ability to not just inhabit every song she sings but to transport it to its proper time and place as well. Few singers could move so effortlessly from the starlit jazz of "The Right Kind of Man" to the bluegrass of "Call of My Heart" then switch seamlessly to the 60s soul of "Work on It" and make it sound so soulfully alive. Simply put - this woman oozes sex in every note she sings and if the cool breathy sexiness of "Something in the Water" doesn't make you remember how that love thing works you need to run not walk to the nearest doctor.

If there was any justice in this world songs like "The Start of Something Good", and "Keep this Love Alive" would be on every radio station in the Country and would be hotter than bacon grease in a frying pan. For lovers of true soul and for those who are not afraid if a few boundaries are broken along the way, Toni Price's brand of Austin soul is a musical stew for the senses.

I live in Austin, TX and saw Toni Price perform live at the Continental Club for her weekly Hippy Hour performance yesterday, and, boy, was I blown away. Even though I've lived in this city for 12 years, I'd never seen her live until yesterday. I'm kicking myself for all of her shows that I've missed! Toni seems very down to earth and very sensual in her performances. And, she drank just about as much whisky on stage as I did beer in the audience. She seemed to be having a blast onstage. She has a way of making her fans feel welcome and at ease. And, then there's her voice. She has a beautiful, natural voice. It's hard to describe her music, which seems to me to be a blend of rockabilly and old time country with a heavy dose of the BLUES. It's pure ear candy that keeps you coming back for more. She's a wonderful example of Austin music. No one should visit Austin without seeing her live. I only have 3 of her CDs (so far): Sol Power, Swim Away, and Midnight Pumpkin. To the Toni Price newbie, I would recommend getting your hands on either Swim Away or Midnight Pumpkin. My introduction to Toni Price was Swim Away because it was on sale at Waterloo Records (a fine establishment). I became addicted to listening to Toni Price after buying Swim Away. Of course, if you purchase her other CD, Sol Power, you will get a somewhat accurate picture of Toni live. In case anyone's wondering what my musical tastes are to see if they jive with yours, I listen mostly to the Cowboy Junkies, Cassandra Wilson, Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin (another great Austin singer), Tom Waits, Uncle Tupelo, Nick Drake, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Holiday, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Buckley, Bob Schneider, you get the picture. Go out and buy all of her albums!!!!!!

After Toni Price won another batch of Best of Austin awards, I thought, "what's the big deal?" I'd heard her compared to Bonnie Raitt enough that I was never interested in finding out for myself what the fuss was about. My eyes and ears have opened!, this record is a FIND. Buy it. You'll shake your head in wonder each time you play it. It's been in my CD player for a month. Toni is the singer you've been looking for all your life. I'm planning a trip to Austin ASAP to catch her Hippie Hour at the Continental. I need to experience her in real life. What a gift she is.

I am a proud owner of all of Toni Price's cds. They are all unbelievable and if you don't own them, BUY THEM! This newest cd that she has put out is a cd that commercial radio SHOULD BE ASHAMED not to play over and over again. She changes her styles so perfectly, you can't believe it's one woman. This is PURE TALENT. This cd is a MUST for ALL people who love music. Although I LOVE each and every one of her cds, I must admit, this is my favorite yet. Her voice is so strong and beautiful. This is a MUST HAVE for ANY music collection. BUY IT NOW!!!!! You won't be sorry, I promise!!!!!!!!!

"Midnight Pumpkin" is one of the best sets you'll hear. Toni Price's voice coaxes and teases you into submission. Surrender has never been so sweet. The CD blasts off with the flirtatious "Start of Something Good." Larry Fulcher's infectious bass line with Toni's alluring siren-like vocal make this classic. As if things couldn't get better, this is followed by my current #1 song, "Thank You for the Love." I always hit the repeat button when it comes on. The cowbell percussion & how Toni's voice builds when she sings, "It happens all the time" are amazing. CLASSIC TRACK! "Work On It" rocks out. Toni has a more whispered vocal on the slower "Something in the Water" with a searing electric lead guitar. She goes retro to the 1940's with a soft shoe style on "The Right Kind of Man." "Call of My Heart" is uptempo bluegrass; while "Darlin'" slows the pace with gorgeous traditional bluegrass harmony vocals. The driving beat of "Measure for Measure" delivers, "One foot in front of the other got us here." The soulful Joe Tex workout, "I Want to Do Everything for You," has one of the tastiest instrumental breaks you're likely to hear. Fast finger work on guitar highlights the uptempo "Who Needs Texas." J.J. Cale's bouncy shuffle "Like You Used To" is contrasted with the rocker "Keep This Love Alive" with John Mills' tasty sax. The CD concludes by turning the clock back again to 1942 with the happy upbeat "We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye." "Midnight Pumpkin" is an exceptional disc because it opens with 2 killer tracks, shows great variety in song styles done equally well, and Toni Price's amazing presence which shines through vocally. She is one of the greats. Don't miss out.

I "came of age" in Austin and have pretty high standards for this music, in fact it took a long time for Toni Price to grow on me, but honestly, she just keeps getting better and better. Maybe it's the great song selection or the amiable but top-flight musicianship, but there's something special about this one. Gives me the chills, and makes me homesick for the Continental Club. Next Tuesday night I'm in Austin, you'll know where to find me. --LW

I "came of age" in Austin and have pretty high standards for this music, in fact it took a long time for Toni Price to grow on me, but honestly, she just keeps getting better and better. Maybe it's the great song selection or the amiable but top-flight musicianship, but there's something special about this one. Gives me the chills, and makes me homesick for the Continental Club. The next Tuesday night I'm in Austin, you'll know where to find me. --LW

"I want to do" was my wedding march on 10.10.10 ... need I say more? I love Toni. Saw her for the first time in 96 at the Continental Club in Austin, TX. She rocks!

Toni Price - Midnight Pumpkin

There are several reviews already for this CD and all rate it high for good reason. There is a lot to like here. Fine playing from all aboard with special mention for James Burton and Derek O'Brien. So nice to hear James picking beautifully. This is just a great crew of musicians who lay it down so well. The star of the show though is certainly Toni Price who sings with authority and total confidence. She never strains for a note and sings so smooth and sweet, bringing to mind Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks to me.

Summary - fine playing, great songs, nice variety and top notch singing. Recommended.