Fans of piano rock rejoice – a new queen of the ivories is emerging to tickle your fancy. Tiff Jimber has conjured up a style infusing influences such as Billy Joel, John Mayer, Nina Simone, and Adele. Her 2009 record, “Burning At Both Ends” contains ten enchanting tracks that will make you want to dance fast…or slow.
“Ol’ Joanna” captures the essence of Tiff Jimber at her best – a tantalizing piano-driven verse sandwiching a thumping, tremendously catchy chorus. It is likely the song Sara Bareilles wishes she could have written. “City Life” is similar in style with a lyric many will relate to, made memorable by an irresistible sing-a-long chorus. Things cool off for a bit, but she comes back strong with another infectious number called “Love That You Need”. “Garage” is a subdued ‘don’t give up’ anthem, probably a reference to the fact that she had to live in a garage to pursue her musical ambitions. The record ends with the title track – another upbeat inspirational piece encouraging you to go that extra mile for your dreams. In short, half the record is excellent and the other half is good. Tiff Jimber could knock it out of the park if she brings each and every song up the bar she’s set with the highlights mentioned above. Her voice is warm and clear, with a girl next door quality, but her music would benefit from more elaborate harmonies and more impressive vocal stunts.
“Burning At Both Ends” didn’t quite burn up the charts, but these songs display a serious artist in the making and were making me optimistic to hear her future material. Her new single is a cover version of Taio Cruz's dance hit "Dynamite" - available now on iTUNES. Sorry to say it doesn’t do much for me.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 6, 7, 10
Tiff Jimber on MySpace. Official site.
Listen to “Ol’ Joanna”
