For years, Brian Chartrand has been one of those under-the-radar artists yet to garner significant mainstream popularity. That's largely in part due to the fact that many of today's radio stations are far too concerned with the next teen sensation. Perhaps the release of his latest effort, "The Voce Project" will shed new light on Chartrand's ever-emerging talents and provide him with some of the attention he so rightly deserves. And make no mistake, for anyone disillusioned with the mediocrity in most pop music being released today, "The Voce Project" is a breath of fresh air and testament to the fact that excellence still finds its way to the top...if you're willing to look for it.
From the opening "Traveling Music", the listener is pulled in and taken for a ride that, like most great rides, seems to end too soon. Perhaps the most refreshing characteristic of Chartrand's work here is that one can almost envision the musicians' interaction with each other during the recording sessions. Listen to the funk-driven "Going To See My Baby" and you'll feel as though you're sitting in with the band.
It's true you won't hear Chartrand's songs being played on your favorite pop station anytime soon. Frankly, he's too good for radio that relies on the latest auto-tuned phenom to attract an audience. Thank goodness for the internet and the ability that singer/songwriters like Brian now have to get their music in front of listeners without having to depend on radio. Further, there is something authentically American in the music of "The Voce Project". It beckons back to a time when musicians...real musicians...played their respective parts on a song and let the melodies stand out. And because the players on this fine collection of music do allow the songs to breathe, one has the opportunity to hear the true poignancy of Chartrand's lyrics. Frankly, "The Voce Project" is a gem. You owe it to yourself to discover it.
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James Gedeon
