Just Another Independent Artist?
Tom Cayler | Denver Colorado | 08/03/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I had no idea of the surprise that awaited me after buying this CD at one of her shows. I recall hearing Joan perform with just an acoustic guitar and I liked her songs enough to buy her CD. What I didn't expect was the wonderful instrumentation I heard when I put the disc in my stereo. Right from the start Joan had me tapping my toes and singing along with her fun upbeat songs. Her ballads draw you to the lyric because the words are sung from a voice that delivers such a unique emotion. From song to song Joan has a way of touching your heart or breaking it the next. I usually find it risky buying independent records because they're never recorded very well but "Two Suitcases" surpasses the usual expectations from an Independent artist. The quality and production of this CD is very good. Its obvious Joan enlisted real creative professionals to produce such a wonderful collection of songs. If you like independent artists, this one is A++
"
Move over, Judy, Joni, and "other Joan"!
Scothia | California | 05/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Clean, soulful, lilting soprano backed by deft guitar work, engaging lyrics, and artful melodies--was this "Ladies of the Canyon" or "Colors of the Day"? Nope; my CD player was spinning Joan Enguita's new release "Two Suitcases", a hearty helping of Americana served up by the heart and talents of this remarkable performer. Enguita offers ten original tunes, offering cultural insights (the title track "Two Suitcases", "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", "America") and, of course, focusing on relationships. "I Want to Hear it From You" is a sweet, singalong crowd pleaser; the haunting "Heading for Shore" and "You Flew" are in the masterful class of some of the best songwriting I've ever heard. With some of the best backup musicianship and production Nashville has to offer, and her ability to connect with the audience whether live or via recording, Enguita has created a sure winner in "Two Suitcases".
I'm giving 4 starts instead of 5 because Amazon gives no option for half-stars, and I want to leave room for the perfection that will be Enguita's next recording."
Whisper at the Bus Stop
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/09/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Two Suitcases" is an excellent release from a singer with a expressive set of pipes. She worked with singer Harriet Schock whose CD Rosebud is in my collection. As a songwriter, Joan has an excellent sense of melody, creating distinctive songs. The opener "I Need to Hear it From You" is an upbeat, romantically hopeful tune about a woman trying to get a guy to pop the "L" word, "Shout it from the rooftop, Whisper @ the bus stop, Report it on the evening news, any way you choose." The title track is a moving ballad about a guy whose life has fallen apart. Writing with Schock and producer Travis Allen, "Kiss Me Awake" is a lush slow love song drenched in strings, "Lying here in your arms, I am safe in your keeping every day of my life." "Heading for Shore" boasts an excellent distinctive melody with a theme of surviving a dying relationship. "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" sounds like the Woody Guthrie school of songwriting with its homey melody & universal theme, "We are really not so different, you & I; It only takes a moment to see eye to eye." A scratchy record sound separates the past as a lover looks back over the events of a lifetime in "Where's the Time Gone." The CD closes with its anthem "America" that celebrates this wonderful country, "My daddy was a military man & he fought for the freedom of this land." This set bubbles with sunny emotions, sterling musicianship, excellent production, good songs and Joan Enguita's lovely voice. Enjoy!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1