AMY COURTS: Amy Courts

Amy Courts

Amy Courts

© 2006 AmaliaMusica (837101188333)

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With passionately evocative vocals fueled by driving instrumentals and insightful lyrics, Amy Courts weaves life into music captivating audiences with a heart-on-her-sleeve vulnerability.

notes

In her debut full-length record, Amy Courts shows with stunning ability that she is anything but a novice to the world of music. With the support and production genius of seasoned studio veteran Charles Judge, best known for his work with Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood, her first offering is as commercially gratifying as it is unaffected and bright.

With a childlike vulnerability, she conveys the basics of human frailty, frustration, and fantasy in shamelessly honest lyrics sustained by driving melodies and impassioned vocals. Listeners are mesmerized not only by her striking delivery, but more by her willingness to expose the heart at its weakest. Her voice stills listeners in their tracks; her authenticity evokes and kindles their lasting affection.

Vocally and musically, Amy draws inspiration from the edgy folk-rock sounds of artists like Jennifer Knapp, Patty Griffin, and Jonatha Brooke, whose influences lend a warm familiarity to her otherwise distinct brand. Scott Bolen, CEO of Red Fusion Records, describes her sound as a fresh blend of these and other influences like Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Stevie Nicks, and adds, "by infusing exceptional instrumentation with energy, flexibility, and the creativity of an entire band, coupled with her own unique vocal flair, Amy creates a smooth, instantly likable sound."

Lyrically, Amy is fearless, drawing from a well marked by personal experience and observation, reflections on spirituality, all against the backdrop of her degree in theology. There is no subject matter too dark, personal, or intimate for Amy to consider off-limits in writing. While many of her peers stick to the formula of encouraging listeners with positive reinforcement, Amy offers a refreshingly honest perspective on real issues people deal with daily. “I don’t subscribe to the idea that I should only write songs about faith and God and ignore my marriage, work, family, friends, and basic struggles in life. All I am and do is filtered through faith which seasons everything I write, no matter its theme. I don’t need to run or avoid the gamut of religious jargon in songs to prove I'm a Christian.”

In keeping with her conviction, Amy does anything but tread lightly throughout the record, exploring themes of love, loss, disappointment, and ultimate satisfaction with God and people. In "Where Are You Now" she proves she's no stranger to feelings of abandonment and confusion, while "Barely Breathing" and "Save Me" depict one whose recognition of her weakness provokes a plea for intervention. Yet, in more accessible songs like "Company" and "Alone" she surveys the human need for intimacy, and crowns the project with the simple but profound reality of "Nothing Better."

With such an artistically distinct and commercially pleasing debut, Amy Courts will satisfy even the toughest critic. If her first effort is any indication of what lies ahead, she will be a mainstay in Christian and mainstream music for years to come.

reviews

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  • Great Discovery!
    author: Bill Snodgrass

    Earlier this week, I received Amy Courts' RP--in her case, a seven track CD. I am very glad I ordered it! It is my opinion that Amy need not relocate to get noticed. Given her talent and how she uses it, she has many years of music ahead of her. Amy's CD is solidly produced, nicely packaged, and jammed full of songs that demonstrate a range in styles and a determined commitment to quality. Amy has a voice that reminded me remotely of Stevie Nicks, only smoother. Amy points to Jewel as an influence, and there are some similarities in voice there too--probably a better match than Nicks, who just happened to have shuffled through my iPod adjacent to Amy. (And, Amy does mention Fleetwood Mac as another influence, so maybe I earn partial credit.) Blend in a touch of Cheryl Crow, while your at it. In sum, she has a voice that, although certainly her own, has qualities that the listener will find familiar and instantly likable. She sings to arrangements that are energetic and variable. Making use of the standard guitar, keys, bass, and drums, Amy accomplishes what many other musicians fail to do--she creates a sound that is original but comfortable, that is well mixed, clean, and tight, and that carries the lyrics. She also manages to arrange the songs so that each is different, but not in a way that makes the song seem out of place with each other on the same album. The music on the CD works, start to finish. Themes within the songs reflect the Christian life. There are a variety of issues explored lyrically, and listeners should be satisfied with Amy's treatment of them. I'll not bias anyone with my interpretations, leaving each listener to enjoy the process for him/herself. Bottom line: a great discovery! I could easily put this CD on repeat and let it play over and over again as background music while I worked.

  • Thank You!
    author: Nikki

    FINALLY! Pure, natural, true talent. Beautiful songs, they give me goosebumps.

  • Beautiful
    author: Carolyn

    These songs are beautifully written and performed. They deal with heartbreak, joy, and redemption. Amy Courts is definitely an artist to keep your eye on and I can only eagerly anticipate another album.

  • A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!!!
    author: Rachael Rachael Music

    This has got to be the most satisfaction I've had from a CD in years!!! I feel so many wonderful things when i hear these songs. This album is just wonderful! I'm so grateful to Amy for finding me - she's truly amazing!!

  • Sweetly free of artificial sweeteners
    author: Randy Brandt (Al Menconi Ministries)

    I must confess that I've known Amy Courts since she was in elementary school, and even chipped in a few bucks toward her first "quality" guitar. The potential I believed in back then has been realized with the release of her self-titled EP. A singer/songwriter in the folk-rock mold, Amy is sometimes compared to Jennifer Knapp or Patty Griffin. This seven-song EP provides a nice cross-section of her repertoire, showcasing her voice from ethereal to contemplative to aggressive. The first-rate production is courtesy of keyboardist/producer Charles Judge, known for his work with Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill and others. Guest musicians include industry veteran George Cocchini and Amy's husband Paul Koopman on guitars. Nonetheless, professionally produced talented singers are a dime a dozen. What makes an album unique is the lyrical quality, and this is where Amy insists on standing out from the crowd. She can be sweet ("Nothing Better"), but she'd rather shock a little, as in "Save Me," one of my favorite tracks. Despite her beautiful depiction of the redemptive work of Christ, she's bound to upset a few listeners when she laments, "I'm a filthy whore"; of course, they need to keep listening until they hear the solution: Take the blood drained from Your side / And You can turn a prostitute into a bride / Take three nails, a crown of thorns / and you can shape a wife out of a whore / Save, save, save me / Save, save, save me In a world of cookie-cutter artists and blandly formulaic lyrics, I'm proud to have a friend who takes her art more seriously than those who conform just to land label deals. Despite my admitted bias, it's safe to say that this CD is a "must have" for anyone who appreciates top-notch female singer/songwriters who aren't smothered in artificial sweetner. The CD is $10 plus $2.50 shipping. You can listen to samples and find order info at MySpace. Amy takes PayPal, checks or money orders and if you say I sent you, she'll probably sign the CD for you.

  • Nothing Better!!!! This ep is great Company on road trips!
    author: Gordon

    During my daily drive there is Nothing Better to listen to. I never feel Alone because Amy's ep is keeping me Company. It helps to Save Me from the long boring drive and my thoughts of Where Are You Now! If you don't have a copy of this ep you must be Barley Breathing, so feel Free to buy a copy or two!

  • Nothing Better!!!! This ep is great Company on road trips!
    author: Gordon

    During my daily drive there is Nothing Better to listen to. I never feel Alone because Amy's ep is keeping me Company. It helps to Save Me from the long boring drive and my thoughts of Where Are You Now! If you don't have a copy of this ep you must be Barley Breathing, so feel Free to buy a copy or two!

  • Awesome!
    author: Ashley

    5 Stars for sure! I love this CD. :-> Everyone MUST buy!

  • This is a CD everyone should get a hold of!
    author: Tania Rowan

    The lyrics, the music, the vocals are absolutely brilliant on this EP by Amy Courts. After listening to the 7 songs you can't help but listen again...and again. Songs like 'Company', 'Barely Breathing' and 'Nothing Better' make you sit back and say "Wow!". These are songs that in 10 years you will be able to listen to and enjoy as much as you do the first few times you hear them. Don't be surprised if you think Amy Courts is singing what you're feeling.

  • Amy Courts' music makes a lasting impression
    author: Steve Doughman

    In today's world of high speed internet and readily available CD duplication on home computers just about anybody can put together an album, right? Maybe so, but Amy Courts is definitely one of those rising stars to watch. She sings effortlessly and with passion. Her voice is not over-processed on the album which is even a bigger plus. (If somethin' ain't broke, don't fix it!) The album also brings a refreshing blend of accoustic and electric sound which is done to perfection. While it's easy to become focused on her captivating vocals and contemplative lyrics, the production as a whole should not go unnoticed. The harmonies are perfectly placed as are accompanying instruments such as synths, strings, guitars, percussion, and the like. Amy has definitely mastered the skill of keeping her music simple and yet complex at the same time. Her songs are engaging and to the point, yet have an almost intangible element that makes the listener want to come back for more. With her self-titled EP, Amy Courts has made it clear that she is one of the select few independent artists able to make a lasting impression on her listeners.

  • love Love LOVE!! you must buy Buy BUY!!!
    author: Laura W

    This cd hasn't left my player since the day I got it in the mail; it's definitely one of the BEST cds I've heard in a long time! The lyrics are amazing...music is incredible...Amy's voice is phenomenal. You will love it! Buy it NOW!!! Seriously! Stop reading this and hit "buy now"!!! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

  • The beginning of something great
    author: Todd

    If I could sum up what I think of it in one word, all I could say would be "glorious." Your vocals are right-on. I blasted the songs proudly in my car while I drove down the street. Definitely had to sing along with "that I'm scared to death to go" lyric. Enjoying the LP very much, would recommend it to anyone who loves great music and a great voice.

  • Awesome!
    author: Corri

    AWESOME,AWESOME,AWESOME....that's all there is to it.

  • Enamored!
    author: Jason

    I am absolutely enamored with what I'm hearing here on your EP; definitely music I can play on the iTunes and fall asleep to! Very lovely indeed.

  • Glorious!
    author: Todd Newton

    I don't normally "gush" but here goes. I just listened to the first four songs of the EP on the way to work. If I could sum up what I think of it in one word, all I could say would be "glorious." Amy's genre isn't normally one that I listen to (though I wouldn't deny it to others, of course) and that I am somewhat of a music snob (I look for new music pretty often but I'm not scared to say when something is poor). Her vocals are right-on; the tracks are superbly produced. I blasted the songs proudly in my car while I drove down the street. Definitely had to sing along with "that I'm scared to death to go". Amy Courts does freaking rock. I know she'll do well, and that this is the start of something big for her. And I am ever so glad I can experience the fruits of that.

  • Endless Spinning!
    author: Laura Westcott

    Got it. Love it. A lot!!! Haven't stopped listening to it since I walked in the door at 7pm last night!! : ) You're the only person I know who can pass off singing filthy whore...twice in one song!! HA! Excellent. I'm in love with all the lyrics. So fantastic. Thanks, Amy Courts, for using and sharing your amazing gifts!

  • 5 Stars for Amy Courts
    author: Nick, Store owner, Melodic Revolutions

    I am speachless what a great EP. I have already spun it 3 times I just cant get enough of it. I am giving it 5 Revolutions on our website.

  • Best of thousands.
    author: Keith Mohr, President, Indieheaven.com

    Excellent EP.. Congrats! I come in contact with thousands and thousands of indies and Amy Courts is one of the most talented ones Ive come across!

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