Pi: Press

Absolutely delicious Pi, and I usually don’t eat things that sing with this much 70’s singer – songwriter inflection, but for some reason, this was tastier than rhubarb a la mode.

These songs are several large steps above typical singer/songwriter material because of this release’s excellent instrumental work. David Miller especially shines on his acoustic bass, which playfully interacts with Pi’s vocals and piano.

Musically, many of these sounds may remind you of Joni Mitchell music, mostly due to the overall jazziness. “Monster” throws a bit of Latin flavor into the pot, while “Ambition” includes just a touch of reggae.

The Curse of the Songwriter, in addition to its stylish contents, is also aptly illustrated. It pictures Pi straining to push a piano up a steep incline, much like the ancient Sisyphus rolling a rock up a hill. It gives the immediate impression that songwriting is hard work, which it is. But somehow, Pi makes smart songwriting seem easy.

Sometimes there are CDs that instantly change your frame of mind. Beat Mining in Dark Places from Pi is one of these. When I first heard her funky mix of pop and folk, I was in my car on a cold December day. Suddenly, I was on a beach in mid-July. In my head, at least, which is what counts. Pi's music is all those great things blue skies, white sand, warm sun. Her crystal-clear voice is flexible and flawless, rising to the call put forth by her lyrics and instrumentation. With great bass lines and interesting beats, Beat Mining in Dark Places is undoubtedly the most fun you can have this winter. Pi draws from some vastly different influences. She says, "My mom had reggae and soul and Bach. I listened to all of it, and that really influenced my music. " Add to that mix a BA in music and you have a wonderfully well-rounded musician. Pi has paid her dues too. She put herself through school by bartending, waitressing, and working as a "theme park musician.” She worked as a side musician for Nefertiti Jones, Ali Sheboni, and Percy Howard, to name a few. Pi's songs have been heard on several MTV shows, including "Making the Band," "Real World, " and "Road Rules." She has toured the West Coast and Middle America and helped start a collective called Babes with Beats. Beat Mining in Dark Places, her second album is definitely worth picking up, being both fun and very musically competent. - AH

PI "Beat Mining In Dark Places"
http://thatcrazychick.com - management@thatcrazychick.com

Catchy riffs and vocals, "Beat Mining In Dark Places" blends harmonic vocals with groovy beats that make the body move. Having a sound that seems to blend country-like pop rock sounds, PI tells a story with her voice. Sing-a-longs are a must with this CD. Learn the lyrics and sing along and I guarantee it will boost your spirit. PI tackled the creation of this CD alone, learning Pro-Tools and the result is an uplifting poppy funk-o-rama that like may others mastering this style, makes you want to just get up and wiggle your tush.

My hippy-trippy groove girl is back. About time. I reviewed Pi's debut album way too long ago, and now she sends me a CD even better than that one. She's still socially observant while looking back on an awkward adolescence and singing about it all with a wry smile.

Each song has a laid-back vibe, free spirit, and sense of humor. In fact, that humor serves as therapy in songs like "Freaks," in which she remembers her ugly-duckling phase, complete with thick glasses, braces, and other teenage torture devices. It hit home with me. She tackled this same topic wonderfully in the song "Target" off her first CD. I could add my own verses about zits and frizzy hair. I'm still not convinced this girl isn't somehow related to me. She does look suspiciously like my Aunt Jillian.

But I digress. These lyrics zing home on almost every topic. In the reggae-flavored "Sneak Attack," she's got the number of a game-playing boyfriend. "But if you're really sorry, you won't do it again," she snaps. And I love her lyrical Dr. Suess approach on "My Right Arm," a musically upbeat song about a broken heart. She can't tie her shoe or make fondue, comb her hair or play solitaire. Pi is one of those artists who can sing a song about depression and make you want to do an Ashlee Simpson jig around the room.

I noticed little things, like the laughter and adlibs caught here and there from band members, making the whole project sound like a fun jam. Like everyone just wandered in, picked up some instruments, and had a party. And after the fourth track, I noticed that the pauses between songs are quick, each song flowing seamlessly into the next. You could play this entire CD at your own party. Just put it on the stereo and walk away. The songs would mix and mingle on their own.

Other notables include the full-on rock song ("San Francisco"), as well as "Pi For Prez," a playfully acoustic party platform. You come away from this CD with a smile in your soul. It's cheaper than actual therapy and a lot more fun.

5 out of 5 stars
Wow! Here voice is warm and lifting! Guys listen to plasticSpoon and take your women dancing in the kitchen, she will love you for it!

I would recommend that anyone who enjoys singer-songwriter stuff check her out at www.thatcrazychick.com. And if you are into the pop stuff, then look into picking up Beat Mining in Dark Places.

The lead singer's voice is very clear and beautiful

Hi,
I saw you in San Diego with
Enigmatec/Eclectic Guitars last week (and bought your CD).
Thanks for the performance and great lyrics.
I read about your ITP. My wife died of breast
cancer in Jan so I have also
seen the inside of cancer wards. They are places
of heartbreaking dispair, wacky optimism and bizarre humour and it shows in your music.
Please keep on performing and recording. Music that touches the soul is often tempered by hard times and pain.
Thanks,
Rod

Review of Meow Mix Show on 1/17/2004
Mebeebs NYC local band blog
http://mebeeb.blog-city.com/read/445330.htm

I had never heard or met her before but I could hear the sounds of a full band and a female singer.Boy was I surprised...this is what I saw.
A yellow boombox emitting fantastic beats and a girl singing with a guitar, alone on stage. She had captured the audience with this bare setup.

... when you listen to Pi, you can tell she knows how to write songs. Her lyrics and her strong beats are spot on. Her writing style and musical composition are as beautiful as she is.

Pi could be described as elegant, seductive, melodic, soulful, sexy and dynamic as a performer. A few other adjectives could certainly apply to the angelic vocals she presents. The creative side of the artist is the part which needs to be taken very seriously. She writes songs with an intense dance groove and strong sensible lyrics which one can relate to easily. All considered she has a winning formula and she is running with it. Catch a train, plane, boat, whatever, but don't miss the chance to catch Pi. If one can not catch her live show, "Irrational" is certainly the next best thing. Buckle up because this artist does not let up on the vocal throttle for anything, its full speed ahead. Crank it up today.
Pi has put together an album which has a new millennium feel which virtually screams fresh and vibrant. Much in the same vein as Madonna's "Music" CD, this one has originality and uniqueness that too few albums achieve. Every once in a while one comes across an album destined to leave it's mark on the music scene, this is one. One spin on the deck and all will agree, Pi has struck gold with this formula. Or is it platinum?

Track by Track reviews of "Irrational" by Larry.

I love this woman.
I love her voice. I love her music. I love this CD. I love what she does with words. "If I was a flower, I'd only open for a chosen few. If I was a painting, I'd only hang for a private view. If I was a question, you might never get the answer right.... This is no therapy, now you're gawking at my life like some accident scene."
That's from the opening track. I kept playing that one again, and certain lines kept zinging out and making an immediate connection with me. "I'm not angry; I find that talking doesn't help too much."
She also makes a connection with "Target." "Everybody knows who's cool in the school and it's not me.... I'm a target with a kick me sign on my back.... the boy I like is talking to some skanky-ass groupie. Are you with me?" Am I ever. There's a reason I stay away from my high school reunions.
Pi describes herself in her press kit as "a product of a whacked-out hippie childhood where value was placed on life experience and beauty in art and life." Outings with mom included music gatherings and drum circles. Maybe that explains why I want to roll around in the grass and sing along when I play these songs.
I'd file this music in a subfolder of Rock and Roll and label it "playful grooves." She sings about life, from everyday irritations to romantic odd couples to being nervous about going out on a date. She slows it down in "Still Waiting," crooning this sad love song in her gorgeous voice.
As soon as summer finally hits, I'm going to be lying by the pool under the warm sun, loving the smell of the grass and trees and listening to this CD on my headphones. Don't bother me.