Sarah Tolar: Big Blue Moon

Posted by Chelsea

THE SKINNY: Passionate jazz vocalist debuts first full-length effort.

WEBSITE: http://www.sarahtolar.com
MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/sarahtolar
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/sarahtolar
PURCHASE: Amazon

Each day musicians, actors, singers and artists from all reaches of the world move to New York City in hopes of making it big in a place that breeds and thrives on creativity. Sarah Tolar is one of those individuals with ambitious dreams who has taken a chance to pursue the hope of becoming an original artist despite the odds.

Tolar earned her Master's degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas taking her knowledge of the art form to a level most do not. However, an advanced degree and awards were not enough for Tolar who could not deny her desire for songwriting.

Tolar recorded her first full-length effort Big Blue Moon in New York with producer David Cook. The album displays the knowledge and skills of what Tolar knows best with a folk-country flair. "Big Blue Moon" does seem to lack personality that would make the album truly her own. However, it remains comforting and warm with a familiar feel. This album is reminiscent of music one looks to listen to on a rainy Sunday afternoon, curled up with a glass of wine. The album features musicians who have played with known acts including Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall and Jennifer Hudson; an impressive group to support a blossoming songwriter. "Along for the Ride" and "Don't Call Me Baby" have an old school vibe displaying the rasp and personality in Tolar's voice. While "Gettin' Back to Me Again" is a soulful ballad in the vein of Norah Jones.

Tolar's first effort is truly respectable, but there is room for growth to truly find who she is as an artist. There is no doubt that Tolar has a respect and deep passion for jazz as well as talent as singer, but now is the time to take her love and turn it into something of her own to truly define herself.

"Don't Call Me Baby" off of Big Blue Moon:

"Gettin' Back To Me Again" off of Big Blue Moon:

FOR FANS OF: Norah Jones, Carole King, Idina Menzel