Celeste Terrell CD Review

Celeste Terrell
Live Your Dream
Terrell & Revak LLC 859700977996
*****
An album packed with songs bursting with atmosphere and stunning poetic lyrics
Every so often you come across an artist who just blows you away – Celeste Terrell is one such artist. Born and raised in Louisiana, Celeste moved to Boston to attend the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Her career blossomed with Celeste becoming a personal chef and then starting her own business. Music was always her first love, whether it was a jukebox in a bar or watching videos of Michael Jackson. Celeste’s roots are firmly in country music with The Judds being classed as one of her major musical influences. Other musical influences include Brandi Carlile, Fleetwood Mac and U2. Celeste now lives in the Houston area and calls that home. Celeste blends a bit of every style of music into her work from blues to jazz and country to pop. This wonderful debut album opens with a modern country number called Angels or Demons. This is a striking number, which showcases Celeste’s deep voice and strong vocals. The lyrics are poignant and ones that many daughters will relate to. Don’t Leave Me Here Tonight is packed full of amazing lyrics. Celeste is obviously a talented songwriter whose lyrics are like deep meaningful poems put to music. This song has a blues feel to it. Celeste gives a highly polished performance on this number. Like A Hurricane has a grainy feel about it, which illustrates beautifully Celeste’s sensual, gravely voice. This is a slow song bursting with atmosphere. The gentle backing music allows Celeste’s voice to really shine. One I Love is a faster number with a blues sound blended with a hint of modern country. It would be easy to compare Celeste’s vocal talents to those of Wynonna Judd on this song; there is a great similarity between their voices. Rain is a slow song, which again employs a great use of instrumentation. This song is emotional, beautiful and gorgeous. Live Your Dream is the title song from the album and is about not giving up on your dreams. This is another top notch song with a soulful feel. North is a slightly faster number with a rocky sound. A catchy song, which is pleasant on the ear. Star sees the pace of the album slowed right down, almost to a stop. This is a jazz infused song with a dream like quality. Celeste uses this song to showcase her delicate soft and somewhat haunting vocals. The music is stripped right back blending perfectly with her voice. Listeners will be captivated by this heavenly song. The pace of the album picks up again on Use Me Anytime. Fusing together country, blues and gospel this song will make you want to sing and dance as it is so infectious. There is a Reba McEntire quality and sound about this uplifting song. The final song on this album called Rivers is a gentle pop/country song. Again this is a high quality number, which rounds the album off nicely. Celeste has put together a collection of fine songs, which brilliantly showcase her enormous singing and song writing talents. All the songs on this album are divine, with Star being the jewel in the crown. A really hypnotic song! This album is bulging with emotion, cleverly fused lyrics, soulful vocals and moody music, which never encroaches on Celeste’s amazing voice. There is only one word fitting to describe this album and that word is glorious.