Eileen Carey The Cinema
Culver City
Contact: Hotline, 818-929-2942; ecareymusic@aol.com
Web: www.eileencarey.com
The Players: Eileen Carey, lead vocals; John McDuffie, guitar, backing vocals; Will MacGregor, bass, backing vocals; Vince Bonham, keyboards, backing vocals; Suzanne Morisette, drums, backup vocals.
Material: Eileen Carey’s country/ rock sound produces an atmosphere that is energetic and entertaining. With pop melodies and lighthearted lyrics, Carey’s songs can be compared to artists like Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood. Some memorable tunes are “Hollywood” and “Good Time Charlie.” They show off a humorous and charming side of this artist.
Musicianship: Carey has done well to surround herself with a fine group of musicians. All the members assist with backup vocals in addition to instrumental duties. Though Carey clearly enjoys performing country music, her voice possesses that even-textured quality that would also sound great singing blues/jazz music a la Norah Jones. McDuffie is an incredible guitarist whose slide work and solos add a touch of 70’s classic rock, while keyboardist Bonham uses piano and Hammond sounds that add a honky-tonk vibe. The rhythm section of MacGregor and Morisette are solid throughout.
Performance: All of the members of Carey and group appeared to be enjoying themselves onstage. Each musician complemented the other with quality dynamics that only comes from years of live experience. Carey performed mostly originals, but also added a song by Terry Clark and Keith Urban. She maintained a great rapport with the audience, introducing each song and telling a story of how it came to be written.
Summary: Years of experience and a true passion for music has obviously paid off for Eileen Carey. She writes quality commercial songs and backs them up with grade A musicians. But, Carey could set herself apart from her many colleagues If she develops a signature sound.
––Anne O’Neary