Kaitlin McGaw: Reviews

"Haunting simplicity. Absolutely gorgeous and addicting!"

"Straight from the art galleries and dinner parties of San Francisco come The Simple Things. Their self-titled debut may be one of the more intriguing releases of 2008. Eschewing drums and guitar, The Simple Things go with vocals, piano and bass. In the world of popular music this would be considered either gutsy or foolish. A lot depends on whether a band has the chutzpah and talent to pull it off. The Simple Things do.

The Simple Things started out as the duo of Kaitlin McGaw (vox) and Raymond Ruiz (bass). In 2007 Michael Gallant brought his jazz and classical based piano talents into the now burgeoning trio. The Simple Things as we hear them now were born. Gallant and Ruiz seem to have found a musical chemistry that creates a perfect base for the glorious alto voice of Kaitlin McGaw. McGaw is part Natalie Merchant and part Margo Timmons (Cowboy Junkies) but manages to sound like no one other than herself.

What The Simple Things possess more than anything else is a penchant for gorgeous, sometimes heartbreaking melodies, and a minimalist approach to instrumentation. Having realized that silence is also a musical note, The Simple Things speak musically only when necessary. The result is a collection of 10 starkly beautiful and longingly passionate songs. If you are a fan of The Brothers Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies side project) you will love the musical arrangements here.

My favorite track on the disc is Cold, a sultry jazz invitation that is the ultimate answer to Barry White. McGaw gives every ounce of her voice on this song and melts some speaker wire in the process. What's Good For Me is a theatrical jazz/soul statement of terms that drips from the heat. The Simple Things turn more plaintive on tunes like The Moon Is Torn one of the quieter and lovelier moments on their debut. Other highlights include Flying Horses; Gone, Gone and It's Still Light Out.

I can't recommend this disc highly enough. The Simple Things aren't going to see pop radio or charts, but I would suggest that in the jazz world and on XM and NPR they'd build huge followings. For music purists it doesn't get any better than this. The Simple Things is a gorgeous and deep debut, a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc, and one that I suspect will be on my regular personal play list for some time to come. If you give them a listen I'm sure they'll be on yours too."

"Delighted to have been able to lay The Moon is Torn. I was hooked from the start by the amazing bass sound, then when Kaitlin's vocals came in, I was entranced. Add to all that intelligent lyrics in well structured songs and we have a winner."

Don’t judge a CD by its title. Alphabet Rockers, a fresh collection of fun songs is not entirely alphabet-centric. Counting backwards form 10 to 1, the days of the week, shapes and the weather, are all here covering age appropriate topics with toe-tapping appeal..."

"Need a fresh album for your child's collection? Look no further. Songs such as "Seven Days a Week" and "The Money Song" do a great job of weaving curriculum into catchy lyrics and music with an R&B feel. And songs like "The New Kid in School" deal with the social aspects of student life. You and your child will be jammin' (and learnin') before you know it."

"My daughter likes it... I like it - this has not happened before with kids music."

"Get rid of the kiddie lyrics, and this music might actually make it onto your iPod!"

"A hip collection of snappy tunes with an urban beat and a street sensibility that should even hold mom and dad’s attention…"

"Alphabet Rockers is cool educational kids music that the whole family can enjoy
together."

“It's about time there's a fresher approach to educational music!"