Songs From The After Hours by Heath Brandon

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Though I played the drums for a while, I had this innate sense that this is what I'm supposed to be doing." This early development came to its peak with the release of 2000's Introduction, Heath's debut EP. "I was very green when I recorded that CD - and on the whole had no real idea of what I was doing, but it represents a moment in time." When it was time for the follow up Brandon opted for a different route. Remarks Brandon, "I was being compared to a lot of artists I didn't even listen to, so I thought this time I was going to really make a record that sounded like the music that influenced me."

Songs From The After Hours, his second Swim Naked Records release, is wearing Heath's influences on its sleeve. "I really concentrated on specific elements for this record, mainly chord progressions and my vocal phrasing." Adds Brandon, "And of course, the beats." Though his debut EP, Introduction, was mainly a mellow, acoustic affair, Songs From The After Hours is groovin', melodically rich and very sexy.

The album's funky opener, "Ask", written by friend, Christina Reilly, is one example of Brandon's other strong skill, arranging. "I wrote most of the album on my own, but sometimes I'll just hear a great song and fall in love with it. Or I'll take a well-known tune and re-work it to the point of it being brand new." The latter is exemplified with the album closer, an unbelievably heartbreaking rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."

Songs From The After Hours runs the gamut; from the jazzy "Stolen" to the English house beats on "Goodbye, Morning Sky" to the painfully reveling "Stupid Boy," Songs From The After Hours hits on a number of musical landscapes. Heath Brandon's voice, both classic and familiar, puts the exclamation point on the album. And even with all his influences, Heath Brandon has done what he set out to do - create something all his own.

"...[His] best instrument is his smooth and smoky voice." - The Village Voice

"[Heath Brandon's] music invokes everyone from Phil Collins to David Gray, with a splash of Ben Harper." - The Village Voice

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