Seattle's Tess Henley began training under the Suzuki Method for piano at age three and by age five was dissecting harmonies that even her mother - a singer by trade - found difficult. She's honed her live skills opening for folks like Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton and playing her own solo shows while also building her profile as a songwriter. Henley's single "Boy In The Window" from her 2010 EP, The Appetizer, earned a 2011 Independent Music Award for Best R&B Song, won the 2011 International Song Competition for SoulTracks.com (the largest soul site in America), was awarded top 3 honors in the prestigious John Lennon 2011 International Songwriting Competition and was featured on the soundtrack for 2012's Hello I Must Be Going starring Blythe Danner. After Dice Raw from The Roots heard her music, he took an immediate interest in the young talent, taking Tess under his wing. He brought her to Philadelphia - the epicenter of a soul sound all it's own - and introduced her to fellow-producer Khari Mateen (The Roots, Jill Scott, J*DaVeY). Dice and Khari signed on to produce Tess's debut album High Heels & Sneakers and recorded the album at legendary arranger Larry Gold's "The Studio" over the course of a year and features 14 new songs, including the first singles Daydreaming (2013 "People's Choice" Independent Music Award), Who Are You and From The Get Go.
U**R
It's an awesome project and worth the purchase.
This is a great album from start to finish. First heard of her on Google Play a few months ago and I've been hooked every since. Great to hear "real music" from "real artist". The writing is amazing and the production is spot on. Tess voice has a raw feel and her style embodies emotion. Favorite tracks are Vultures, You Are the One and Heartless Queen. Like Prince, I feel albums matter so I purchased the CD a few weeks ago and its been in the player every since.
D**H
Give This Seattle Songstress a Listen!
Anyone who is into what has been happening in the last few years in Soul and R & B should listen to this young lady. She is talented as a singer, as a songwriter, and as a pianist. She is a true musical triple threat! Add to that production by Dice Raw (of The Roots fame) and Khari Mateen, and you have a combination that is pretty unbeatable. High Heels & Sneakers could be one of the best collections of music this year.
S**N
Tess has beautiful, soulful voice
Exceeded expectations. Tess has beautiful, soulful voice. Had opportunity to meet her in Atlanta before concert. As kind in person as her music is beautiful. Absolutely recommend this cd.
P**6
Five Stars
Wife loves this artist!
D**E
"HIGH HEELS & SNEAKERS"
Tess Henley is a pianist trained since three in the Suzuki Method. She’s also a vocalist possessing the vocal dexterity that made her an opening act for Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton. However, songwriting is Henley’s calling card. Her work as a songwriter did more than win her accolades – it also won the Seattle native awards. Henley won the three awards at the John Lennon 2011 International Songwriting Competition. Her song “Boy in the Window” from her 2010 EP The Appetizer claimed the 2011 Independent Music Award for Best R&B Song. Henley also took the top prize in SoulTracks’ International Song Competition.That kind of resume will raise expectations for Henley’s latest project, the recently released High Heels & Sneakers. The songwriting more than measures up, and those who place a premium on musicianship and production values will also walk away happy.High Heels & Sneakers sports ballads such as “Going Back” and the beautiful “You Are the One.” The up-tempo tunes come multiple speeds. There is the jaunty pop/soul of “Daydreaming,” a track in which Henley engages in a mid-day reverie about a romantic getaway with her guy. This is one of many songs on High Heels & Sneakers where Henley displays mastery in writing hooks. She moves to brassy funk on “Daydreaming,” while the energetic “Heartless Queen” sports a bouncy Caribbean feel punctuated by Latin tinged horns. Henley alters tempos like a master operator. However, quality lyrics remain the constant.Henley’s songwriting possesses qualities expected from a good lyricist. One such talent is the ability to capture the magic of a specific moment in time. This is a necessity for anyone who writes love songs. That comes through on the mid-tempo “Part of My Dance.” Here, Henley tells the story of falling on a crowded street at the moment that she locks eyes with a good-looking dockworker. Instead of being dissuaded by an embarrassing moment that leaves her with dusty and with ripped jeans, the lady decides to let the guy know that she likes what she sees. The lyrics on “Something to Say” match the musical arrangement’s blues/funk feel, as well as Henley’s sassy vocal delivery. The tune finds Henley telling her soon-to-be ex that despite his sweet kisses and style, she can no longer deal with his inflexible and arrogant ways.Henley’s bailiwick is love and romance, which means that she has to fight the perception that her lyrics are simple. Love songs didn’t always have such a bad reputation. Romance was the stock and trade of Great American Songbook lyricists. Smokey Robinson is another highly regarded songwriters. It’s probably too soon to elevate Henley to that lofty status, but listeners won’t get too far into High Heels & Sneakers before acknowledging that Henley’s got skills worthy of both awards and applause.
S**E
MUSIC PHENOM!! Amazing Album!
Tess Henley is such a talented singer/songwriter and this new album fully showcases her gift. This album has amazing songs that you will want to have on repeat all day and will definitely get you movin. LOVE these tracks!
K**E
Watch out Aretha
Tess' new album is full of depth, innovation, creativity and HEART AND SOUL. It is fresh. It is fierce. I want to play it and replay it. Buy it. Share it. Love it!
A**L
Incredible sounds!
This is an awesome CD...She is such a talented singer and writer! Can't wait to see the "big door" open for her!
G**U
SUPERB!
ダイノジの大谷さんのannでも紹介してさっそく聴いてみました。70年代のようなスプリームスのような雰囲気もあるし、愛に満ちあふれたオシャレなアルバム。ここ数年ドハマリする洋楽がなかったんだけど、これはとってもお勧めなアーティストだと思う。久しぶりにいいの聴いた！ 聴いてて心地いい！ヘビーローテーションで聴きそう。ボス、ありがとう！ P.S.2013年5月22日の放送で褒められた！YATTA!
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