PRESS AND PRAISE
November 2009
written by Dirk-Michael Mitter
Paint by Numbers - CD review
Der Schallplattenmann (www.schallplattenmann.de)
[English translation by Holly Hasted]
There are many musicians whose contracts are questionable. In the time of MySpace there are also plenty of artists, where we know exactly why they didn't make it. And between these two extremes are musicians that are so mature and brilliant that one asks why their talent has not been recognized. I am thinking here of electronic songwriter Terami Hirsch and all-round artist Rachael Sage, the latter of whom has already produced eight albums, none of which have been released in the USA or Europe.
New amongst these is Canadian Shawna Caspi, who's independent debut Paint by Numbers hits all the right notes. The styles of Aimee Mann and Ani Difranco have been explored by many artists before, but the music production and lyrics here are of such a caliber that one might expect big names to appear on the album. Excellent acoustic guitar meets soulful cello and Caspi's melodies remind us of a temperate Ani Difranco. With Bedtime Stories she succeeds in creating an outstanding song for which other successful musicians should have reason to be envious.
Paint by Numbers is not only a satisfying MySpace discovery, the album has a genuine and organic sound, and definitely deserves more attention.
@@@@ = definitive highlight
March 23, 2009
by Lia Karidas
Interview: Shawna Caspi
theMovementz (www.theMovementz.com)
As guitar notes dance about Shawna Caspi's full, wholesome voice, audiences listen- no, experience the stories that she has to tell. And while you might have to listen to them twice to get every single word, the journey is never painful.
December 2008
written by Shake
Paint by Numbers - CD review
rootstime (www.rootstime.be)
[English translation by Berrie Koetsier]
Shawna Caspi, a young, talented Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto, already made an EP in 2005 called Trip The Light. Now she surprised us with her first full-length CD, Paint By Numbers. In her guitar playing, you can hear the classical education she received when she was young. Shawna's folky guitar and beautiful voice are the main things on this album. Despite the use of some percussion, keyboards, cello, and electric guitar, we may still call this an acoustic album.
The ten self-written songs on this album can be described as "naked songs", as we would say in Flanders. They are about everyday life, social observations, or simply about love. But within this apparent simplicity, she is often brilliant. While listening to this album, there is some reminiscence of the subtlety of someone like Joni Mitchell.
Die Laughing is about an unexpected visit to someone and the humor that this brings. The title track, Paint By Numbers, is about the desire to hide out with your lover until you are forgotten by everyone. The Disappearance of the Long-Sleeved Sweater is a nice title to discuss climate change. The beautiful lovesong Nothing On You reminds us of Norah Jones. But the biggest gem on this album is Bedtime Stories. The song starts like a Medieval classic: The greatest bedtime stories / Only made it halfway through / And the last lines best remembered / Were like the last words that I heard from you. The sound of a cello perfectly emphasizes the melancholic nature of the song. Finally, in Whole New Body, she questions the feasibility of her own body.
If you are looking for music that radiates simplicity and calmness within the contemporary folk tradition, you will definitely feel at home with Shawna Caspi. Paint By Numbers has the quality of a meditative breathing space. As we know, sometimes that can be a virtue.
May 2008
"...a great solo acoustic wunderkind...she has a beautiful voice, a gigantic guitar, and really
sweet songs."
David Hein, singer-songwriter
May 1, 2008
Interviewer: Rachel Hahn
CIUT - Take 5
"...amazing guitar skills...Her fingerpicking is like Liona Boyd...her fingers just kind of fly..."
"Your songs are amazing, you're great with your fingers on that guitar, and your lyrics are just so truthful."
February 2008
written by Roger Scannura
Paint by Numbers - CD review
CD Baby
For lovers of intelligent folk music. A really beautiful voice and articulate guitar playing amount to a gentle collection of deeply felt songs. I highly recommend listening several times to hear the words, then the guitar. For lovers of Joni Mitchell's voice and Bruce Cockburn's guitar, this CD is a must.
October 17, 2006
written by Andrea Grassi and Ali Kasim
Watch, Listen, and Discover...: Indie Week 2006 infects Toronto
The Medium - University of Toronto at Mississauga (www.mediumonline.ca)
...the folksy Caspi was armed only with an acoustic guitar and her powerful vocals. Blending slow love songs with songs about global warming, the Toronto native would excite any Joplin/Baez fan with her poetic lyrics and soft guitar plucking.
October 13, 2006
review by Matt Wojas
Indie Week
Toonage Magazine (www.toonage.ca)
...Following Everlea was the beautiful Shawna Caspi, whose music and voice captivated this writer's ears for the bulk of the set. Shawna presented a very mature sound to the audience, and was definitely one of the most impressive acts of the evening. I could easily see her music on my CD player on a rainy Sunday morning as I stare out the window, sipping on a tea, working over a hangover, or just basking in the sublimity of it all. Impressive stuff!