VISION ON THE RISE, described as a "Definately once in a millennium CD," is a wonderfully-daring uniquely-eclectic blend of 17 original tracks that range immeasureably in style from folk-jazz, broadway-rock, a couple rap n... more »umbers, to some cleverly enigmatic nuances in between. (Track 18 is AVA's trademark ending to shows and CDs--a powerfully-exquisite operatic aria.) Instrumentation includes piano, sax, flute, clarinet, bass, drums, percussion, guitar, backup vocals, and a song with kids.With music that is hauntingly mesmerizing, spiritual, satirical, personally and politically inspirational, bittersweet, sensual, earthy, and downright extraordinary, this self-produced VISION ON THE RISE is a successful complex of unconventional at it's finest.Buyer response has included "Your voice and music are beyond incredible! Get out there, or you're doing yourself and the world a disservice!" "I've got chills!" "It's so unique!" "Why aren't you number one yet? You should be?" People have also said "What the heck is this stuff!?"AVA states "Music is about communication. Music is about building bridges. You can't put limits on expression, and that's what this album is about for me....My hope is that this album pushed the envelope. That people can relate to it, and it lets them know and see that they don't have to get caught up in a format. Experiment. Get in touch with your own ways of self-expression. I wanted this album to be something people would like, but even if they don't, I'll always have it. When I'm old or dead I want my grandchildren to be able to hear it and for me to be proud of it. Hopefully, it's like a tattoo you still want when you're old." (Oakland Tribune, Dec. 1st, 1998)« less
All Artists:AVA Title:VISION ON THE RISE Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Original Release Date: 10/28/1998 Release Date: 10/28/1998 Genre:Folk Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:667329598023
Synopsis
Album Description
VISION ON THE RISE, described as a "Definately once in a millennium CD," is a wonderfully-daring uniquely-eclectic blend of 17 original tracks that range immeasureably in style from folk-jazz, broadway-rock, a couple rap numbers, to some cleverly enigmatic nuances in between. (Track 18 is AVA's trademark ending to shows and CDs--a powerfully-exquisite operatic aria.) Instrumentation includes piano, sax, flute, clarinet, bass, drums, percussion, guitar, backup vocals, and a song with kids.With music that is hauntingly mesmerizing, spiritual, satirical, personally and politically inspirational, bittersweet, sensual, earthy, and downright extraordinary, this self-produced VISION ON THE RISE is a successful complex of unconventional at it's finest.Buyer response has included "Your voice and music are beyond incredible! Get out there, or you're doing yourself and the world a disservice!" "I've got chills!" "It's so unique!" "Why aren't you number one yet? You should be?" People have also said "What the heck is this stuff!?"AVA states "Music is about communication. Music is about building bridges. You can't put limits on expression, and that's what this album is about for me....My hope is that this album pushed the envelope. That people can relate to it, and it lets them know and see that they don't have to get caught up in a format. Experiment. Get in touch with your own ways of self-expression. I wanted this album to be something people would like, but even if they don't, I'll always have it. When I'm old or dead I want my grandchildren to be able to hear it and for me to be proud of it. Hopefully, it's like a tattoo you still want when you're old." (Oakland Tribune, Dec. 1st, 1998)
CD Reviews
I ENJOY THIS CD A LOT!!!!!
05/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoy AVA's VISION ON THE RISE a lot!! It is a very eclectic group of songs. AVA's lyrics are extremely creative, poetic, and evoke incredibly vivid images...sometimes poignant and pensive...sometimes fun and whimsical...and other times, raw and explosive. The harmonies are very original. Arrangements are interesting, with a mixture of jazz, rock, and new age. AVA has a very strong, rich voice and her delivery is passionate and authentic. Thumbs Up!"
WOW! Should be # 1!
04/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! It's a credit to her. AVA's voice is wonderful and very expressive! I have enjoyed so much listening to her CD. It is intense and vital and bespeaks of struggle and triumph. Good luck to her! I hope it is successful. She should be number one!!I loved her rendition of Vissi D'Arte. I am a great opera fan and believe me, she is as good as any of them.I particularily liked the following tracks too - Beside - Right Now - Peace - and so on and on. The Barbie track was very amusing and clever. I also liked her 'rap' song. So much variety. The whole CD is very professional.I like the cover, the title and the title song too.Go girl, you've got style!!"
Something for everyone
03/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Vision on the Rise is an exciting find for anyone who wonders where all the melodies have gone. Ava has a gift for melody. Her music is also in a variety of styles with a lot of rhythm and creative and varied instrumentation. The use of the saxophone is especially effective.Buyers of this CD certainly get their money's worth. There is over an hour of music with 18 songs. All but one is an original composition by Ava. She also wrote the lyrics. They convey a message. She tells it like it is. And somewhere in the message there is always a vision of hope. The lyrics are all included in the booklet. Far and away, the best instrument on the CD is Ava's own rich, expressive voice. She is a true singer. Her diction is excellent, so the listener can understand the lyrics. There is something for everyone here. This listener's favorites include "Can't Run" for its message, lifely rhythm and instrumentation; "Wake Up" for its liveliness, contrast, message, instrumentation, and use of Ava's voice; "If I Was A Barbie" for its humor; "A Child's Rights" for the melody, the energetic singing of the children, and the saxophone; "Leprechauns & Moonbeams" for its melody and message; "Dancing Under The Ruins" for its melody, contrasts and use of Ava's voice. On another day this list might be different, but three songs would always be included on any list of mine. "Right Now" stands out as a song that has everythingÐa message that speaks to most people, a beautiful melody, the excitement of a male/female duet in a love song, Ava's lovely obligato, and great use of the saxophone and other instruments. "Beside" is also a special song with lyrics describing the ideal modern relatonship,a lovely melody and a female duet. The CD ends with the only song that Ava didn't compose, the lovely aria "Vissi d'arte", in which Ava demonstrates the quality of her voice and the classiness of her singing. This is a "must try it" CD!"
A Gutsy, Ingeniously Passionate Coloring Outside The Lines!
03/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"BRAVA AVA!This CD is a one-of-a-kind gem in a DJ's stacks of sound-alikes. AVA's music is an undaunted, solidly polished rock grounded in integrity, social consciousness, and pure passion.Moving effortlessly from "Takes Everyone,"--a gut-getting rap about rape--to "A Child's Rights,"-- a beautifully-moving song about and with the innocence of children, AVA's music stirs the listener's heart.Like Ani DeFranco's conviction to a different and deeper drum, AVA's songs range in style and expression. They're kind of folk, jazz, rock, and broadway burned into one jewel of a CD.AVA's voice is like a fine-tuned instrument she uses with ease to share her unique music, message, and emotions. Rich. Versatle. Powerful. And a range beyond ranges!The instrumentation is clever and smooth--as with such melts from emphatic sax lines into a hypnotizing clarinet blended seemlessly with AVA's mesmerizing vocals in the jazz-rock CD opener, "Can't Run."Passion. Politics. Play.VISION ON THE RISE is an incredible coloring outside the lines. AVA shares a unique, soulful expression sure to touch something in everyone!BRAVA AVA!"
Thoughtful and eclectic debut release
03/20/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Vision on the Rise is a fantasic debut CD. The songs are an eclectic mix of folk, rock and pop. Ava's songwriting is a thoughtful blend of social consciousness, emotional turmoil, and good old-fashioned romance. The ballads "Beside" and "Right Now" are truly standout performances. The chorus of children's voices on "A Child's Rights" gives real passion to this song, a timely reminder to nurture our future generations. And "If I Was A Barbie" pokes cynical fun at our image-crazed society. Ava's voice has the range to hit the high notes and low notes with equal strength, and the accompanying musicians are right in step with her. As a plus, the liner notes are complete with all lyrics, something too many artists omit. Vision On the Rise is a good show all around!"
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1