Artist: Emma-Lee, Album: Backseat Heroine, Song: Figure It Out

Emma-Lee is a singer songwriter from Toronto, Ontario.  She released her debut album in 2008 with Bumstead Records.  Her voice is second to none which she has been belting out for a few years now but she appears to be really hitting her stride with this new release.   And deservedly so.  Her debut album was a well crafted genre bending mix of music that included pop, roots, blues and jazz.  The latter (jazz) became more of a label to categorize her music which she quickly contradicts with her sophomore release, Backseat Heroine.  This album is one of the finest Canadian releases for 2012.  She co-wrote songs with American songstress, Nicole Atkins ("War Torn", "Under The Milky Way") as well as Luke Doucet (see blog 8/22/11), Jill Barber ("Hard Line") and band mate, Karen Kosowski.  She also self produced the album at The Chalet in Uxbridge, Ontario with band mates, Marc Rogers and Karen Kosowski.  Figure It Out, is her new single and perhaps the masterpiece on the album.  I don't think you can write a more perfect tune than this.  Soulful and melodic.  This tune was meant for radio.  It has a real throwback feel to it as though it was recorded during the 70's.  I also find her vocals reminiscent of singer songwriter, Tift Merritt ("Stray Paper").  Emma is actually inviting her fans to record their own version of the song in a contest on her website. You can check out the excellent video for, Figure It Out, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gyw3yvC0rgo).  Emma has just returned from a western tour supporting Luke Doucet's band, Whitehorse, and is currently playing shows in Eastern Canada.  You can follow her at http://emma-lee.com/.  You can purchase the album, Backseat Heroine, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!