Crystal Night

I was in Fairbanks, Alaska in August 2007 when I first heard the voice of Paris singer Crystal Night. I was browsing the menu at the Captain Bartlett's Inn, intrigued and mildly disgusted that caribou steak was on the menu. (Caribou is really reindeer and it's a local favorite I tell you). I met a band of Canadian siblings, whose names all began with T; two guys, two gals, all in their late 20s to early 30s. They looked like smokers to me so I looked around to make sure they were seated far enough from me so that I wouldn't inadvertently inhale the carcinogens. Not so much. As my luck would have it, they sat directly across from my booth and started conversing with me at once.

The girls started first, with questions regarding my visit to Fairbanks. I didn't mind. Within 3 minutes of our conversation, the oldest of the four, Thaniel the soldier, whipped out a CD without a cover and asked if I listened to the Brand New Heavies. I eagerly replied yes, all the while extremely impressed yet a little put off that I could be read so easily and so well. That conversation turned to music in general and great singers. The soldier told me that I'd just die if I didn't hear "this one girl" who he happened to see some time ago at a casino in France.

He let me listen to his Crystal Night CD, "Sweet Melodies." It was a journey of funky-fresh feel good, bits of sweet realities, juicy like peach pulp. I was digging it.

But I don't believe in coincidences. Not to discount our French soul sistren and brethren, but there was something a little too knowing in this lady's voice, a certain familiarity that only comes with living in a particular place and time. I later learned that Crystal Night is from Atlanta and like so, so many others, she found her angelic voice in church.

I sat in the hotel lobby and listened with my eyes closed enjoying the range of Crystal's voice. It's soft and light with hints of a Larrieux influence. But what cannot be missed throughout the CD are the instrumentals. The band is fun and serious with an island calypso feel.

On a slower track, "You Inspire" Crystal gives thanks for a patient lover who, "loves me just as much as I love you." (Sweet reciprocity).

As for Thaniel, he's not a smoker and neither are his siblings. I was wrong.

Sweet Melodies was released in 2006 to a happy and strong following of Parisians who have the luxury of jamming live to Crystal's voice as she enjoys a regular French touring circuit.

Not To Be Missed: The jazzy instrumentals and airy vocal harmonies throughout the CD.

My Projections: Crystal Night won't be an unsigned artist for long.
http://www.myspace.com/crystalnight

-Sharcie J.