It takes guts to cover a Captain & Tennille tune and an especial joie de vivre to carry it off with conviction.
Vernon singer Dawn King treads those murky uncertain waters and ends up with a left-field success with an unlikely but clever song choice.
Despite the reworked ‘70s proto condo-rock, King’s voice and phrasing seem to beam straight out of Nashville with a strong affinity for catchphrase, country-pop (Nothin’ But the Truth, All I Ever Wanted). Those original tracks have the style and sound of the Music City big country vibe nailed, minus the pedal steel guitar.
There are no down moments on her album, It’s Time to Shine, and King’s emphasis on inspirational themes carries over into piano ballads, a potential minefield for minor key introspection and maudlinism.
Not so on The Real Me, a light rock biographical remembrance written by Robert King. The track is a highlight of the honesty that King coveys naturally – her vocal is assured but friendly.
The vibe of ‘70s/’80s’ AM pop rock heyday is a strong component of Its Time to Shine in the form of narrative lyrical themes and King’s uncluttered melodic delivery. She’s a vocalist who hits the right notes with a sweet tone.
A highlight of this sound is on Yellow Tercel, a nostalgia-driven love song powered by King’s smiley vocal hook and an insistent pop rock progression.
King’s new album is a showcase for her honey-toned voice and the smart selection of well-crafted pop songs.
– Dean Gordon-Smith is a Vernon-based musician who writes about new music releases for The Morning Star every Friday.
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Robert and Dawn King are holding a CD release party for It’s Time to Shine Saturday, June 7 at Vernon’s Powerhouse Theatre.
The show is billed Celebrating The Singer, The Songwriter, The Song and features local singer-songwriter Carolyn Anele, up-and-coming talent Olivia Penalva, with Dan Oldfield, and Kerry Parks and Keith Hustler of the band Steel Wound.
“It’s inspiring to see all the local music flowering around us these days,” said Parks. “We have a great crop of musicians right here in the North Okanagan putting out excellent material. Sure, some of us are a little more seedy and shovel compost, but it’s growing. Support live music!”
Tickets for the show, which starts at 7 p.m. are $25, available at the Ticket Seller, 250-549-7469, www.ticketseller.ca.
