Artist description + Musical Style: Acoustic Jazz-Rock-Folk Fusion +Born and Raised in Chapel Hill, NC +Solo performer: Piano and Guitar, and all vocals +Self produced 2 CD's of original songs: + LOOKING GLASS CONVERSATIONS, With 13 tracks, 10 by Alysson, released locally Sept. 2003 +WATER, with 8 original songs written and performed entirely by Alysson, released October, 2001 +#1 Artist Overall at Artist Launch.com, (July-Sept. 2002), +#1 in Folk! #1 in Folk, Jazz, and Easy Listening April,'02; at the same time, +at Mp3.com #2 in Pop Vocals, #41 overall; and later #2 in Jazz Vocals! +Finalist in 2002 NC Songwriting contest +Finalist in 2003 NC Battle of the Bands as a Solo Artist! +Finalist in 2003 Cat's Cradle Songwriting Contest +2 time Berklee College of Music Scholarship winner +Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar at prestigious Chapel Hill High (James Taylor, Ben Folds, many others), +performed more than 100 shows, solo (including Lincoln Theatre, Berkeley Café, Cat's Cradle, Six String, Evening Muse, Middle East -Cambridge, Mass,) +TV and radio interviews, many press interviews locally and nationally +Now, in the NYC area, attending Sarah Lawrence College

Music Style Acoustic Rock/Folk/Jazz-Rock Fusion

Musical Influences Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole, Joni Mitchell, Carole King

Similar Artists Tori Amos, Paula Cole, Sara McLachlan

Artist History Alysson Light just released her second CD of original songs (13 tracks this time). Young (dob 4/19/85), but already a veteran of the music scene in North Carolina, and now NYC, Alysson has been performing solo (just her voice and her piano) since she was 15. She has been called the fastest rising star of the Triangle area by the local press, and has garnered best bets and spotlight articles throughout the Southeast as she has worked hard to bring her music to as many towns and cities as she can reach with the limitations of a real High School plus College curriculum (8 AP classes, 3 college classes-she's a National Merit Scholarship Finalist). Her music is definitely not for teeny boppers, but will strike a chord with those who remember Joni Mitchell, or who enjoy the complex melodies and poetic lyrics of Tori Amos. Her music and style is best described as genuine! Her first musical mentor (beginning at age 5) was her grandmother, a piano teacher and graduate of Juliard, and former singer with the famous choral director, Robert Shaw. Alysson now has two CDs of original works. They are available at local record stores and www.cdbaby.com and www.amazon.com and www.artistlaunch.com. The first CD, titled "Water", is entirely original works written, sung and played by Alysson herself. The songs on "Water" were inspired by Alysson's year spent in Utah in 1999-2000, where the dry climate of the high desert left her dreaming of the ocean ("Underwater") and showery days ("Rain") of her North Carolina home. Her most popular songs include "Liquid Eyes" and "Minna", both with mysterious, poetic imagery that is supported by unusual musical backdrops. Alysson's vocal style is amazingly mature, and the songs move the listener with her emotions and dynamics. In her new CD "Looking Glass Conversations", Alysson adds production skills and brings in strings, and percussion to complement her piano and guitar. Songs from this CD have been #1 in their demo form on several internet sites.

Group Members Alysson Light

Instruments piano, guitar

Albums Looking Glass Conversations; Through the Glass Darkly: Water

Press Reviews Looking Glass Conversations Rating - A+ The first I heard Alysson Light's music was about two years ago on mp3.com. At that time she was sixteen years old and I was amazed that a person of such a youthful age could produce such mature and intelligent music. I have followed her career since then and I am excited that she will be attending music school in New York City where I may be afforded the opportunity to see her perform live. With the release of "Looking Glass Conversations" Alysson again demonstrates maturity beyond her years. Alysson is a gifted pianist and the tunes are piano driven creating an atmosphere both ethereal and beautiful. "Into Winter" is a lovely song where Alysson really shows off her skills on the piano. Light is joined by a host of musicians on the disc including guitars, bass, cello, and violin. "Maybe" is still my favorite Alysson Light song and can not help but move the listener. Alysson sings the chorus in a perfect falsetto. This song alone is enough to raise her to superstar status. On all songs, her lyrics are heartfelt and thought provoking beyond those you would expect from someone just on the threshold of adulthood. I can only imagine what a bit more real world experience is going to do for Alysson's songwriting skills. The use of two vocalists on the chorus of "Hurricane" creates an impressive backdrop to Alysson's verses. Alysson shows her vocal range singing in a full soprano for "Silken Wind." The production, engineering, and mastering are highly professional on the CD. If you are a fan of piano driven music with a classical influence, strong vocals, and well written and thought out songs, then I highly recommend this CD. I am afforded the opportunity to listen to quite a bit of music through the site and this CD comes with my highest recommendation! Dennis Halsey The Best Female Musicians If interested in booking ask for a press kit.

Location Chapel Hill, North Carolina - USA

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