Catch Patty's next gig:
Thursday, January 269:00 pm atBlu Lounge197 N 8th at Driggs Ave |
Patty has a voice that is smoky, urgent and real, and a songwriting
sensibility that is truly unique. She is a fascinating artist with
tremendous potential. I expect her to be around for a long time.
Patty Ocfemia's songs offer the beauty of a bruise, the off-kilter pulse
of pleasure, the bittersweet taste of recognition. Plus, they've got
more hooks than a tackle box.
"Gorgeous, breathy voice; compelling narrative songs about the trials of
NYC life."
When I'm feeling good, I listen to Patty to celebrate life; when I'm
down, I listen for soothing and comfort. I think it's a trademark of her
artistry that no matter what you may be needing at the time, Patty has
that wonderful ability to heartfully give her song like it was written
just for you. If she didn't dip deep into our collective unconscious to
reveal all of our Misspent Youth, I don't know how else that song could
have been written!
As soon as she opens her mouth, Patty O's voice is instantly captivating
and unique. A singer couldn't develop that sound if she tried. As she
sings the quirky lyrics of Margarita Sisters the opening track on her
six-song CD entitled Heaven's Best Guest, the musicians behind her play
in a reckless, lo-fi style, with gang backing vocals reminiscent in
spots of Exile on Main Street (or at least there seems to be that kind
of party going on...) Heavyset Man is another humorous look at love with
a trashy sounding drum groove and Patty singing in her inimitable style.
On other cuts the players provide a languid, sensitive backdrop for
stories about confusing family connections that we discover are perhaps
best left misunderstood (A Baby Changes Everything) or unexpected
relationships destined for sweet disintegration (Look Away) which also
has gorgeous backing vocals by Jennifer Haase.
There is something so compelling about Patty Ocfemia's evocative voice
and battered guitar that you will stop what you are doing and wait for
the twist, the hook, the line that reels you in. Whether it's the spirit
swinging from a Chinese lantern or the Margarita sisters smoking at the
bar, you will want to hear more about the vivid characters lit by Patty
O's unique vision.
There's such vital energy in her writing - and as a performer she's both
bashful and brash. An incredibly gifted storyteller.
Patty O packs a wallop - she plays hard, phrases her lyrics like no one
else, pitches her songs in rich vibe-y vocal places and sings them like
Deborah Harry by way of Sam Phillips not far from Lou Reed. |