CD REVIEW: Kiki Ebsen - Love Loud
I have had the absolute pleasure of seeing Miss Ebsen perform live one time, and receiving her CD to review was
a real treat. Kiki oozes sincerity and warmth with each lyric and the CD doesn't disappoint at all. The album starts off with
probably the catchiest tune - "Nobody." In this first song, Kiki sings "all that you built, and all that you worked for, she just gave away for nothing." The second song "Know You Better" is a similar pop/acoustic gem. You get the feeling that Kiki really knows her own voice. Both as a writer and a singer, she sounds real comfortable and it's nice to hear someone so comfortable. Throughout the disc, Kiki follows similar terrain in that she writes some deep stuff and yet her voice soothes you as she sings over each lyric. It's a fine line to have such lyrical depth and still present it in a pleasing, pop sensability. She crosses that line over and over again with ease and grace. Kiki plays piano and sings each track, and is backed by some very talented and unobtrusive players. The arrangements breathe and never overindulge. For singer/songwriters starting out or thinking of recording their first album, I would strongly urge them to listen to this record. It's a fine example of strong songwriting, gorgeous vocals and pleasing arrangements. Lastly, it's my pleasure to say that the top 10 albums of 2002 include Kiki Ebsen - Love Loud. May we all follow Kiki's
suggestion; and love loud.
By Eliot Popkin - 04/22/02 - 01:21 PM EST

"FIRE" (from the CD "LOVE LOUD), sounds GREAT on-air! Love the piano interlude followed by that crunchy rock guitar -- tasty, tasty, very hip arrangement! And of course, your vocals and those great harmonies are clever, catchy and infectous-- among the best this DJ of 35 years has ever heard. Perfectly targeted CHR, AC solid hit material!
Kamasami Kong,FM802-Osaka/JAPAN
Having backed Tracy Chapman, Michael McDonald, Jeffrey Osborne and others, singer-keyboardist Kiki Ebsen has a strong resume. On her full-length solo CD she acquits herself admirably, very confident and at-home in the mellow pop-rock format. Her material is crafty and accessible, with well-observed lyrics which show a life lived. Arrangements, particularly Ebsen's lead and back-up vocals, are appealing and professional, augmenting the songs emotional flow. With good vocal presence and solid musicianship, this CD is worth a listen.Music Connection ,Los Angeles Dec. 2000 Kiki Ebsen paints heartfelt songs whose strong point, for me, is Ebsen's own piano canvass which feels guided by the songs, weaving tales of passion and love's sorrow. Ebsen's vocals spin melodies effortlessly and readily accept offers to soar.
Reviewed by Bryan Baker, Gajoob.com 12/12/2000.
 

KIKI EBSEN - Love Loud. Brilliant soft pop with this wellknown artist. A great mix of Dee Carstensen and Schascle. Sophisticated and intelligent pop. Fantastic production by Mark Browne.
Highly recomended record.
Carl Lagerholm,Music Box -SWEDEN1/1/2001
 

Band Spotlight

Artist: Kiki Ebsen
CD: Love Loud
By Les Reynolds
Indie-Music.com 12/2000

Kiki Ebsen's second release "Love Loud" is about as close to perfect as any recording can get. You'd spend days, weeks, trying to pinpoint anything that fell short of excellent -- and even that would be a stretch. Even the cover and interior liner notes art and photos are good.

Most noticeable elements are Kiki's voice, her piano playing and the guitar of Nick Kirgo. Oh, the lyrics are well crafted, too, but sometimes Kiki's nice soprano takes you away from the words. Well, ok, maybe there IS something amiss here, but her sultry, soothing and earthy vocals are so good, you don't even care that she's quite the clever wordsmith. (But you'll eventually notice, that's for sure.)

Right away, the opener "Nobody," sets the tone. With Kiki's smoky and sometimes breathy voice supported by her stylistic keyboards, Kirgo joins in with crisp, smooth and efficient electric guitar -- in and out, breathe and play -- and all with impeccable timing. They play off each other so well it's as if they've been bandmates for years. Kiki, a daughter of the famous actor Buddy Ebsen, comes by her talent honestly and sounds like a trained "gut" player on piano -- all the technique and fundamentals down pat, but, like the guitarist, knows just when to punch, when to stroke and when to pull back. Not a note is wasted. Neither are the words:

"You lay oh so close separated by oceans And the realization she's switched Her allegiance and devotion To somebody else And all that you built, And all that you worked for She just gave away for nothing

But nobody loved her more...No one but you..."

Kiki caresses the words, making them sweet as honey but nevertheless poignant and sensitive. And at times, her finesse gives way to powerful emotion, bringing out the Carole King influence in her.

Actually, all the tunes are artfully crafted and produced, but there are definite highlights. "Fire," for instance, displays gorgeous vocal harmonization and great lyrics:

"Trapped inside your anger Where no woman could hold you down I stoked the flames of passion From these coals upon the ground I used to hold you to my breast but it's too hot now

So I'll fight fire with fire..."

Things continue to heat up a bit on the next tune "Angry Young Soul," a soft rolling, rocker featuring that electric guitar again, great rhythm and percussion (Mark Browne and Brian Zsupnick) and underneath it all, Kiki's piano.She lives up to her first name on the bouncy, kicky "End of the Road," with added effects of violin and cello from Alwyn Wright and Cameron Stone.

The entire CD, from start to finish, is so compelling and well-done that it's like a great suspense novel -- you can't put it away. Or, to paraphrase that potato chip commercial -- nobody can give this just one listen. You'll be hooked from the first song.

Artist Website: www.kikiebsen.com
 

Audio CD

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Customer Reviews

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What a great CD!, November 5, 2000

Reviewer: Sage from Prescott, Arizona USA

Singer/song writer Kiki Ebsen has got to be one of the great discoveries of this century! (okay, so it is early... be that as it may). I have her first CD, "Red", which I've already replaced once, due to excessive use. In "Red", Ebsen's song-writing skills are aptly showcased in artful jazzy/pop arrangements, keeping the mood elevated with rare glimpses of the emotional depth hidden in the lyrics (such as in songs like "Candle" and "False Hopes") I'm glad to say that "Love Loud" plunges right into that depth and stays there, confidently plucking at emotional strings you never knew you had. I have never felt so emotionally and creatively purged while listening to a CD. Few jazzy stylized arrangements to hold you back from emotional involvement this time, just that voice and some mostly acoustic instrumentation. My favorite cuts include: the passionate "Powerful Natures of Love"-which I dare anyone not to end up humming by the end of the day; "Cry"-where Ebsen arranges haunting background vocals with flair and creates a driving melody; "These 4 Walls"-featuring a Chris Isaacs-like vocal performance that displays range as well as power; and "Avenues", where her voice takes on a tragic poignancy seldom heard since Ricki Lee Jones' first album. This CD is a must for anyone who has ever traveled down life's darker roads in search of love.

Love Loud, October 20, 2000

Reviewer: larry@riedel.org from San Diego, USA

I feel lucky when I get to hear a combination of talent, musicianship, and artistic passion like I have heard on the album Love Loud, and that is why I gave it five stars. As far as the subjective aspect of whether the music has a significant positive impact on the listener, I can only say yes it has for me. Since I do not typically choose to listen or not listen to songs based on the degree to which they do or do not conform to a certain style, or sound like some other artist(s), I do not feel I have anything useful to say in that regard about this album.
 
 

Great CD!, October 22, 2000

Reviewer: A music fan from L. A., CA

I just purchased "LOVE LOUD" and I totally love it. Favorite tracks are "Powerful Natures of Love" and "End of the Road". Keep up the good work!

A rare find you're sure to enjoy!, October 23, 2000

Reviewer: Jenn from Los Angeles, CA, USA

If you're looking for soulful, fresh music that inspires then you've got to check out Love Loud! I was turned on to Kiki Ebsen's music by a friend and must say that she is one of the best new singer/songwriters that I have had the pleasure of listening to. Her diverse melodies and meaningful are artfully crafted and make for a CD that you can listen to again and again. Each track has something unique to offer, but my favorites "these four walls", "fire", "angry young soul", and "end of the road" are truly rare finds. In particular, "fire" is a refreshing mix of instrumental and vocal sounds that is sure to break through to the mainstream. Her music exudes a purity and originality that new music lovers are sure to appreciate. Ms. Ebsen's talent and heart come shining through in Love Loud. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!

Great CD, October 22, 2000

Reviewer: A music fan from California

Loved the CD ... great listening music, at home or driving along in the car, stirring ballads, romantic and rocking dance tunes, beautiful melodic voice. Went to see Kiki perform ...extremely enjoyable performance.