http://www.guitarnoise.com/short-reviews/marilyn-miller-nighthawk/
A passionate debut CD that both rocks and sighs, Nighthawk takes you through a wild musical journey thriough the heart of Hudson, New York.
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Artist: Marilyn Miller
Nighthawk, Marilyn Miller’s debut CD is a testament to her love of music as well as to her hometown (and the people of), Hudson, New York. The ten songs on this album span genres, from heavy hypnotic Neil Young rock of the album’s title track to whimsical country and folk of “Crater” and “Dancing Tonight,” from the angry punk of “Crash and Burn” to electric boogy-blues of “What Is It?” and the hauntingly beautiful piano and vioal interplay of “Early Spring.” There’s a song for practically any mood you might happen to be in.
Marilyn’s put together a great group of backing musicians for this disc, featuring amazing electric guitar and pedal steel guitar work by New Yorker Keith Haman and haunting violin and viola courtesy of Eric Martin, and she herself delivers a honest and emotional performance.
You can hear and download Nighthawk in its entirety at Marilyn’s website, Marilyn Miller Music. You can also catch her performing locally in Hudson and the surrounding Columbia County area.
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Artist: Marilyn Miller
Album: Nighthawk
Review by Alec Cunningham
When an artist decides to create an album by compiling a list of songs from multiple genres, it can be an iffy decision – especially when the album is the artist’s first release. But that certainly did not stop Marilyn Miller when she decided to release her debut album entitled Nighthawk. Though the range of genres was a bold decision, Miller pulls it off without a single hitch. The album is everywhere at once, ranging from rock and folk to even blues and country.
The second song on Nighthawk, “Crater,” creates an old timey Western sound. Miller’s “na na nah’s,” the song’s twangy guitar sounds, and the background melody of a violin create an interestingly catchy tune that could easily be mistaken for one of Patsy Cline’s. Miller details how it feels to be stuck in the ‘crater’ of a relationship. “Don’t give me more than you are able, but a little bit of time would have made my day.”
Nighthawk continues with “Crash and Burn,” a rock song that contains a bit of a bite. Miller sings, “You know you’re gonna crash and burn, but I bet you still don’t learn.” The edgier tone and lyrics of the song gives it obvious punk characteristics. By this time in the album, the listener has gained a definite feel for the diverse range of genres that Miller is able to pull off. Miller taps into the roots of each genre in a skillful way that makes it seem as if she is a seasoned veteran within each music scene. “What Is It?” for example, is a hands down, pure blues tune. The guitar creates a fond bluesy melody, while the drums can be heard in the background keeping beat. The two would be nothing without Miller’s voice, however. Her voice ties the whole song together into a solid, well performed track.
The album changes direction once again after “What Is It?” to venture onto the title track of the album. “Nighthawk” is perhaps the most tranquil song on the album. It’s softer, mellow tune saunters along as Miller sings, “Nighthawk, can you give me what I want when I want it . . . when I need it?” It is a simple song with few lyrics, but Miller does well to keep an ambiguous tint over the song that urges the listener to remain focused on the lyrics.
Having apparent country tones, “Dancing Tonight” follows along the same lines as “Crater.” It will take more than one listen to soak in the song’s intricately woven storyline. Miller describes a girl whose mother warns her against going dancing. She goes against her mother’s wishes, and while there, she meets a fiddle player who “just kept on playing the fiddle until he broke [her] heart right down the middle.” The song ends with the narrator warning her children just as her mother had warned her.
While Nighthawk is a solid album through and through, Miller may do well to spend a bit of time honing in on her vocals. By no means is Miller’s voice subpar – she has a raw voice that suits her music well. Nighthawk does well to encourage the listener to listen to not only the music as a whole, but to soak in the lyrics as well. It is an album that can be listened to over and over again without becoming bored.
Review by Alec Cunningham
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
