Sunroom

If you're like me and a member of Generation X, consider yourself lucky because we came of age during the most invigorating and innovative time period that music ever had----the 1970s. Some of my fondest life memories ever involve block parties and cross-country car trips booming with Motown, The Sounds of Philadelphia, Stax and countless other soul icons. And if that privileged level of audio education wasn't enough, my parents taking their then 7-year-old along to see Earth, Wind & Fire solidified a burgoning passion for stage performance and live musicianship. In my years as a pro, I've learned that, obviously, not everyone in the streams or on the charts can offer up floating pyramids, a stage jam-packed with immeasurable talent and charismatic singers in bell-bottomed fro'd-out glory, but when one particular artist does display an organic range in both live AND digital formats, hooking your eardrum from the first moment a note reverberates, that level of performance prowess is rare and worthy of celebration. So, drumroll please----pull back the shades and bask in The Sunroom by Avery Sunshine. Ever since I saw Avery open for Kem a couple of years back, tickling the ivories and exuberantly pouring her heart and sultry soprano into songs of uplift, I knew she was going places and that I would be happy to join her for the ride. And that's what the music of this Chester, PA native does----floats you into a space of sweetness with a modern flair, yet an unapologetic hearkening to the vintage apple-hats and stacked-platform-rocking era of soul music. Ms. Sunshine and her collaborator, guitarist Dana "BigDane" Johnson, have spent years combining and cultivating their skills, weaving tales of everyday love and life situations into rich tapestries, all their own thanks to BigDane's guitar and Ms. Sunshine's chameleon-esque delivery: the upbeat "One Foot Ahead" has a jaunty jazz undertone, horns punctuating Avery's resolution to "step out on faith, just like I know I should/today is the day that I leave all those things behind me that are doing me no good." "See You When I Get There" beckons and soothes, a swaying rhythm that invites others to follow their destinies as they see fit and that wherever they end up, she'll be waiting. What many may find remarkable is that Johnson and Sunshine, only in their 30s, have mastered a way to exude optimism without coming off as giddy, goofy or 'la-di-da' pretentious. It's a unique type of artistry that can sing the Lord's praises (the spine-tingling "Safe In His Arms," "Meditation #1"), coax a war-wounded love veteran back onto the battlefield (the funky, Al Green-recalling "Won't You Try") and yearn for more horizontal quality time (the lush and languidly-paced "Sweet Afternoon") without losing focus or intensity, all while making the transitions seem as easy as skipping a track (don't worry, you won't feel compelled to do that in The Sunroom). It isn't all that easy to do, but if I had to pick one standout to play on 'repeat,' it would be the salty "I Do Love You (You Ain't Got To Lie)." Reminiscent in tone to Jill Scott's "Cross My Mind," Ms. Avery sassily tells a man, with tambourine-shaking and guitar-plucking, that both adoring him and being with him are mutually incompatible and, for the sake of serenity, she's hitting the bricks: "What was that you just said, up under your breath?/You done worked my very nerve, yet are tap-dancing on the one I got left." *insert waving church fan and praise-dancing here if you've been there with your man/woman. I'll wait.* Avery Sunshine's Sunroom offers just what it implies: a warm, inviting spot far away from modern madness of obligatory hip-hop injections and Auto-Tune where folks can revel in some retro-fitted, rejuvenating soul music. She's familiar, yet refreshing, sweet with just the right amount of spice to keep the palette satisfied. And whether you're ready to throw open the blinds to absorb it all or let it peek in bit by bit, all of us could use a hearty dose of Sunshine.

Long before this sun rose, I have been a fan!! In all her singing lives Avery*sunshine has been a shining star in the musical constellations. Her music is what I like to call "jazzgosoul". Avery is able to combine jazz, gospel and soul music in a way that leaves an indelible impression on the listener's spirit. With this album she masterfully weaves together the "old school" with the new. Using the rich tones and textures of sound from artists past with thoughtful lyrics and her signature unrestrained delivery, Avery hits the center of the bulls-eye with her sophomore offering.While it is difficult to choose a favorite when it comes to her music, on this album, Avery*sunshine provides a few selections that truly "stick to your bones". "Nothing to Something", with its spring-like vibes, speaks of love in a way that is relevant and real. The lyrics' authentic acknowledgement of how a heart can be changed by love will resonate with many who may have started to believe that love is no longer a possibility. Channeling the master Al Green, "Won't You Try" makes you want to grab a partner and do a little two-step around the living room in front of the stereo! While most of us groove to MP3's, it takes you back to that place and time. As with "I Got Sunshine" from her self-titled debut, Avery delivers a pleasant yet powerful anthem of positivity with "Time to Shine". She constantly reminds us all to "shine" through all of life's joys and pains. Lastly, and most certainly not least, is "Safe in His Arms". With her gospel roots on full display, she takes us to a higher plane with peace, power and love in tow.Whether this is your first time shining or even if you are a seasoned "sunbeam", you will enjoy this album. Should you have a chance to see her live, it's even better. Come on in the Sun Room and bask in the light that is Avery*sunshine!!

Avery Sunshine's self-titled CD from 2010 was stunning with "Blessin' Me" & "Need to Know" going to #1 in my personal top ten. Her follow-up set, "The Sun Room," is a worthy successor. "One Foot Ahead" is an entrancing track with a pumping beat and Avery's vocals velvet smooth, "Said we walk by faith and not by sight; so I'm walking on not what I see but what I know." "Listen, I'm going to say shine about 379,000 times in this song, but it's only because I want you to shine," Avery says to introduce "Time to Shine" which is a lovely little blast of soulful bubblegum. "Nothing to Something" has almost a samba beat with Avery's vocals so powerfully expressive, "Can I tell you what you've done? You've been my super love. You've turned my nothing into something." "I Do Love You (You Ain't Got to Lie)" bounces on an addictive beat as there are a few rocks in Lovers' Lane, "What was that you just said under your breath? You don't want my very nerves tap dancing on the one I got left."* "Sweet Afternoon" send me into the stratosphere with its lazy afternoon love song. With "The Sun Room" Avery Sunshine has taken her time to deliver a sophomore set that builds on her first triumph and will certainly work to bring her the wide audience she so richly deserves. Brava!*Note: Lyrics according to my ear.

Avery Sunshine!!! Avery is a fabulous performer and has great music. I have both CD's and although the first one is my favorite, this one is good as well.After seeing her at the Cincinnati Music Festival, I was hooked. She is GREAT, can SING for real and plays the hell out of that keyboard!!! She is the REAL DEAL...

Avery Sunshine in my opinion is a great singer. She didn't disappoint with this cd.

OFF THE CHAIN..WHERE HAS THIS WOMAN BEEN.PLEASE BUY THIS CD & WATCH HER VIDEOS ON YOUR YOUTUBE..MY FAVORITE SONGS ARE .."CALL MY NAME & SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE"..HAVE MERCY!..A NEW FRESH FACE..I WILL GO BACK & BUY HER 1ST CD..LETS SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PUTTING THEIR HEART & SOUL & R&B BACK INTO MUSIC..THIS CD IS IN MY ROTATION FOR A LONG TIME