Singer/songwriter

Robyn Landis - Many Moons

Brave Hearts Music BHM01

Picture this: the wind blows a whirling dust devil across the broad open plain as the young woman stands outside of the rustic cabin and gazes with weary, strained eyes far into the empty distance. The first spare verse of Jamison Brown, co-written with David Zink, paints a clearly defined opening scene in just ten carefully selected words. This is an admirable skill for a songwriter to possess and

Robyn Landis seems to do it so well through out her new CD titled Many Moons, whether it be in her co-writing or solo compositions. Ms. Landis' smooth vocals caress the sensitive poetry and bittersweet sorrow of an inevitable good-bye in her version of Dry Rain, Calm Wind, one of two songs on this release written along with Larry Murante. The studio work of every musician featured is exquisite and delicately delivered with just enough holdback and control to keep the listener hanging on each delicious note, anticipating the next. We've all walked away from one of these relationships and she nails it beautifully with her tender sweet voice. Hey Dog has distinctive country flair to it with all the necessary prescribed elements to make a proper country song (y'all) with subtle, strategic image placement. If it's possible to write at the cellular level, Robyn Landis does just that with Leave You Behind.

With each literary illustration, the landscape blurs by around another winding curve and bump in the road; another set of headlights grow then disappear in a flash, and yet a ghostly image remains. Ah yes, she can put you behind the wheel with her cohesive words and melody. Landis has been turning heads at many songwriters' contests and festivals and as a result has chocked up her share of nominations and awards. Listening to the content and production quality of Many Moons, there is no doubt as to why.

Beautiful metaphors woven intricately into Lowlands tell many stories and leave behind even more questions of the path a man chooses and opportunities missed. Landis has a way of articulating so many of life's experiences along with a certain sense of community from a poet's perspective. Each word is carefully selected and remains fluid and sculpted. She Don't Have Your Eyes is a perfect example of that; a story that is here and now while at the same time traveling far into the unknown future. Many Moons is a brightly polished piece of work that will capture and carry you gently along on an intricate narrative adventure; an exceptional release.

(Nancy Vivolo)