Leslie Nuchow - Tenderland  (1998, Slam Records)

By Ellen Rawson

http://www.slammusic.com

Leslie Nuchow was talented enough that Virginia Slims/Philip Morris wanted to feature her on WomanThing Music, their new company for unsigned female talent. Unfortunately, Nuchow learned that the only way to purchase their CDs was to buy two packs of cigarettes. Since she didn’t particularly wish to encourage young women to smoke, she abandoned that deal and created the Virginia Slam. It grew like hot fire. Artists as diverse as Heather Eatman, the Indigo Girls, and Susan McKeown joined Nuchow in concert for her anti-tobacco cause. Slam also is responsible for Tenderland, Nuchow’s debut CD.

Nuchow rips out rocking on “Bruise” and the incredible “Tenderland” (but don’t miss the latter’s acoustic version as the CD’s bonus track). She quiets down for a mellow guitar piece, “The Better Part of Me,” and while the song itself is nice, it feels as if it has too many high half-whispers. Her lower register just sounds more authentic and honest.

The juxtaposition of some of the tracks is questionable. “You Killed the Part of Me that Died,” although featuring electric guitar and a very subtle, yet direct Nuchow vocal, and “Something for the Pain” just seem to create too much of a quiet yet angry mood when heard one directly after the other.

The pace picks up again, though, with “Mirror, Mirror.” Nuchow is good at treating serious subjects in a way that her audience can relate to them. Her running piano opening echoes the moves made by the late gymnast to whom “Mirror, Mirror” is dedicated, and the melody neatly belies the song’s very serious content regarding body image. The strong vocals on “Savior and the Saved” take a confused search for identity and turn it into a confident acknowledgement of self.“

Apology” starts with a bit of a contemplative Janis Ian-like sound and a rather poetic opening line: “The moon’s just a sliver in the sun set sky.” The disc’s stand-out track, however, is “But Still.” Accompanied only by a piano, Nuchow’s vocals are gentle but persistent as she almost intones the chorus. This introspective piece is an instant grabber. Philip Morris lost a good act when the company made Nuchow an offer she definitely could refuse.

©  FEMMUSIC 1999-2008

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