Artist review: Brighton Boulevard

Brighton Boulevard -- Starting Over [EP]
By Jeanie Straub for Colorado Music Buzz

Rachel James is a musical force to be reckoned with, and this three-song EP is a quality introduction to her amazing voice and abundant talent as a songwriter. (Do check her live. Even solo: Just wow.) James, front-woman of Brighton Boulevard, is extraordinary on her own. Add, courtesy of Craigslist, a few well-rounded musicians -- Darius Pope (bass, vocals), Kevin Jochem (drums), Dustin Lehr (lead guitar) and Hosung Son (guitar) -- to flesh out what is very much the Rachel James sound. What have you got? It is still her sensitivity to what makes a good pop song, her songwriting capability and her vocals -- vocals on par with Christina Aguilera and Ms. Mariah. At the same time Brighton Boulevard the band definitely holds its own in backing up the powerhouse. Whether it is Rachel James or Rachel James as Brighton Boulevard lead, if you love a fabulous female voice singing a well orchestrated pop single destined for radio play, Starting Over is one three-song EP you should not miss.

http://www.myspace.com/brightonboulevard
http://www.myspace.com/racheljamesmusic
http://twitter.com/IAmRachelJames