TRACY BONHAM: The Bee EP

Tracy Bonham

The Bee EP

© 2003 Tracy Bonham

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Former Island recording artist Tracy Bonham releases her first independently produced CD while currently touring with the Blue Man Group.

tracks

1 Eyes
2 All Thumbs
3 Shine
4 Freed
5 Black Dog

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notes

A native of Eugene, Oregon, Tracy Bonham feels fortunate to have grown up in such a culturally rich environment. Daughter of a music teacher, she began singing at age 5, studying classical violin at age 9, and studiying classical piano at age 15. She credits her parents and her teachers in Eugene for her success.

Bonham transfered from the University of Southern California, where she studied classical violin performance, to Berklee College of Music in Boston where she studied vocal and violin performance for one year. In 1994 she began writing her own music and soon started her own band. It was not long after this that she was thrust into the spotlight with a local hit on Boston?s WFNX called "The One"; recorded as a demo and appearing on a compilation of local female artists called "Girl". In 1995 she released an EP entitled "The Liverpool Sessions" on Boston?s indie label Cherrydisc Records which helped her win honors as Best New Artist, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Indie Single at the Boston Music Awards. A two-night stint playing violin on the Hartford/Boston stop of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant?s "No Quarter" tour further raised Bonham?s profile and she quickly found herself in the middle of a major label bidding war.

In 1996 Bonham?s major label debut "The Burdens of Being Upright" (Island Records) achieved gold status in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and her hit single "Mother Mother" stayed at #1 on the rock charts for four weeks. In 1997 Bonham was nominated for two Grammy awards for Best Alternative Performance for "The Burdens Of Being Upright" and Best Female Vocal for her performance on the single "Mother Mother".

Her sophmore record "Down Here" was released four years later, delayed due to record industry shake-ups. Produced by Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake, her music became more introspective and texturally rich. Unfortunately it was not the right time for female artists and her label did not support the record.

She has since become an independent artist playing her music around the country with her acoustic trio. Finding it necessary to reinvent herself, her new music is melodically richer, lyrically laid bare, and more hopeful. The changes in her music reflect the changes in her life.

In the spring of 2003, Tracy appeared with Blue Man Group on their promotional tour for their rock album "The Complex". Tracy joined them on stage as featured vocalist and violinist in addition to opening the show with her acoustic trio. Before going out on the road, Bonham went into various home studios to produce a homemade EP with her new music (plus a few goodies). The result is her EP entitled "Bee" available only for fans at her live performances. "I wanted to give people a souvenir when they came out to the shows. It?s something special that they can?t get anywhere else" Bonham said.

Tracy will be touring the U.S. with Blue Man Group throughout the summer, and between gigs will be recording with Aerosmith on their new record due in stores later this year. In the fall of 2003, Bonham will go into the studio, with her new songs to record her third full length album.

reviews

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  • Great Discovery!
    author: Rose in Fresno

    Searched out your music after seeing Blue Man Group. Your voice and songs were something we wanted in our collection. This album does not disappoint. Not enough though...want MORE! Will be waiting to find more of your music!

  • "All Thumbs" alone is worth the money
    author: Matt B

    I like the version of "All Thumbs" on this EP much better than the version on Blink the Brightest. I ordered this EP just for this version of that song.

  • Another winner
    author: Jon Swift

    Tracy Bonham always rocks, and does not fail to disappoint here. This is a must have for all Tracy Bonham fans.

  • Tracy rocks! Better every time I hear her.
    author: Santa's Nephew

    What can I say that someone else hasn't already covered? Tracy is just a wonderful artist. Shine won my heart immediately, and her live version of Freed is simply awesome. Keep it up Tracy! Your fans are still passing the word about your wonderful collection of work.

  • author: Amenia

    Oh my dear tracy.... forever gooooooooooooodd!!! the cd is arriving too fast in france good site!!!!

  • author: Rob

    This CD is fantastic, as is everything Tracy records. What a beautiful voice, and great range...

  • The Bee EP - Trtacy Bonham
    author: Jon Clay

    Well another fine cd from the lady known as Tracy Bonham. Why this lady has not broken over here in the UK is a question I keep asking (and probably keep asking unfortunately). Anyhow if you're a fan of hers, get this.

  • Good EP
    author: eddie

    Tracy's EP, The bee is good. All songs are fresh like The liverpool session. Just listen.

  • Tracy turns the guitars down but the rockin' up!
    author: Colin Schroeder

    This is what EP's should be; a diversion. Here Tracy goes the acoustic route and it pays off. Despite being acoustic, I think the song Eyes is her most rockin' song yet! I can't get it out of my head. The other two originals are really good too. A cool acoustic rendition of Led Zeppelin's Black Dog is perfect! Only 5 songs but enough to make me wanting more!

  • Another great effort. More, please!
    author: Sageev George

    I enjoyed the entire CD. It deserved the five star rating because it's a wonderful effort for an artist who isn't getting the financial backing the music industry that she deserved. The first track, Eyes, is addictive. It has the fierceness that is found in some of Tracy's work, while still being a very original effort. Tracks 2 thru 4 have the beautiful arrangement of instruments and lyrics of Tracy's more thoughtful work. Black Dog was a pleasant bonus for me, even though it doesn't fall into my typical Tracy categories.

  • author: ryan tschetter

    i'm really excited to hear the full album.

  • Great CD, can't wait for next full album
    author: Michael Mirasola

    As with Tracy's previous 2 CDs, this CD grew on me quickly. It just makes me excited for her next full length CD. Can't wait Tracy!

  • Good effort but not like live!
    author: Jack Hardy

    I first heard Tracy at a Blue Man concert and thought she was spectacular. On this EP she shows her vocal and instrumenal abilities but it just didn't sound as well as the concert. It won't deter me from buying her next one, which will hopefully be full length.

  • author: A. McClenahan

    While I like all the songs on this EP and don't skip any of them, I tend to like her full-length albums more. However, it's definitely a great addition to your music library. Some reviewers prefer when Tracy "rocks out", but I find this EP refreshing. She's got a great voice and has terrific songs, and this EP is a wonderful showecase of her talents.

  • Good stuff.
    author: Jim

    While her albums are better, this EP is a good stopgap until the time when her next album is released, which I'm hoping is soon.

  • AWESOME!!!!! Tracy Bonham rocks and so does CD Baby!!!
    author: Hope Bikle

    This cd has such a great flavor. It's true Tracy Bonham sound with a lot of range in style. I can listen to the whole thing over and over and over.... So after this cd, I'm STILL a huge fan!!! Hope

  • A Top Release
    author: Lamont Hill

    After a long time, Tracy has come back showing she has not lost that brilliance!! If you loved her other releases, you must check this one out! You won't be dissapointed!

  • first time i played it,loved it,still in my car.
    author: charles powell

    I don't expect too much from e.p.'s, this was a awesome surprise. from the first song "eyes" to the led zepplin cover at the end, it captured my attension and her music permeated my car, please,please,please put out a new cd, this is too much of a tease.

  • Trust Tracy - A Constant in an ever crap world
    author: Fandango

    Eyes is the track I keep replaying over and over. Tracy is one of the few artists I get excited by. When I found Eyes I was ecstatic, and CD Baby got it to me in days.

  • Nice!
    author: Jorge

    This is a great EP! I wish I'd bought it at the show, but I'm glad it's finally available. If it were longer, I wouldn't have to play it so many times :-)

  • Tracy Bonham is Amazing - This Album Rocks!
    author: tom

    This CD is excellent! As to the reviewer who said they liked when Tracy rocked out more - My feeling is the "bee" ep is well written, well performed and DOES ROCK OUT. While, I love Tracy's other (heavier) albums, it was nice to see another side of an arist whom I have respected for so long. Also, it was nice to hear an old favorite of mine "Black Dog". Keep up the incredible work Tracy! Remember, your fans have not forgotten about you and you are loved by many... Now get back to work on that new album! ;)

  • Love the EP, a must for fans!
    author: Raul Odin..., wessyde!

    Tracy's EP is a "regular" in my car's 12 disc player. THe Black dog cover was a nice surprise as well - lot's of fun! If you're a fan of Tracy, you've got to add this to your music collection. Stop reading the reviews now and order it - you won't be sorry!

  • Can't stop listening to it
    author: Stephen

    A great CD. I've loved everything that Tracy has released and this is no exception. After having this CD for only a few days I was able to sing along to every song. Highlights for me are "Eyes" and the violin solo on "Freed". A sensitive collection of songs, each with a very intimate feel to them.

  • A very fun EP to round out your collection
    author: ILUMNIKARL

    This is a GREAT EP that Tracy threw together with the VERY catchy "Eyes" starting it off, a nice, live version of "Freed" and a surprisingly addictive (and almost obligatory) Led Zepplin cover of "Black Dog". CANNOT WAIT for the next album

  • Loved it!
    author: Pedro Serrano Filho

    Bee is an exceptional work for an independent CD. Didn´t really like this version of "Freed" (I generally prefer the Live versions, since they are much more true to the music, but still, I liked the old version better), but "Eyes", "All Thumbs" and "Shine" were well worth my time and money (considering that here in Brazil everything is 5 times more expensive because of taxes and currency diferences... )! Ok, maybe my opinion is kind of suspect, since I´m a big fan, but the CD is really great. Too bad there are only 5 songs in it!

  • A welcome addition. More please.
    author: Matt Lugton

    Three great new songs, an "interesting" cover, and a live version of an old favourite make this a worthy addition to any fans collection. This whets the appetite for a new album, which will hopefully come sooner than later. If this is anything to go by it will be another great one.

  • for fans only - boring
    author: laurent

    It's not that the songs are not good, it's just that the whole CD is boring really... Tracy Bonham can write fantastic songs - as demonstated here again with 'Eyes' - but in my humble opinion acoustic songs are just boring. I like Tracy Bonham when she rocks, not when she whines. Still, good to have to complete your collection. If this is the first Tracy Bonham you buy, don't forget to buy 'The Liverpool Session' too, just to restore your faith...

  • I have been waiting patiently for this CD!
    author: Desiree

    I saw Tracy Bonham with Blue Man Group and just fell in love with her music and stage presence. I did not purchase the CD at the concert and then thoroughly regretted that decision. I tried to order any of her CD's through Future Shop and after waiting over a month looked to her website. Within no time I was sent the CD through CD Baby and it was worth the wait! Excellent CD, just wish it was about two hours longer! I will definitely be purchasing her other CD's as well and look forward to her next release!

  • Tracy wins fans, young &, uh, younger
    author: Shellye & Elizabeth

    I purchased "Bee" after seeing Tracy on tour w/Blue Man. The very next day, my 9yo daughter fell in love with "Bee" (and Tracy). My poor husband thinks it's time to listen to something else now, but he's outnumbered. "Bee" is awesome!

  • One of the Best Cd's around
    author: Kathy

    I think that this is now one of my most favorite albums of all times. I really liked the song Black Dog...It was a great song the violin went very well with it, it sounded almost like a break away rock hit. This is a great album for those of you who like to try new thing, You'll be hooked for life I gauruntee it.

  • wow. this is real ... A+++
    author: J-BALL

    Tracy Bonham is a true talent !! Beautiful voice. Creative production. Catchy songs. ''the bee ep'' is just perfect... This is a must have CD !!!

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