Below is a video shot by my friend Moises at my CD release/birthday show!
Sounds Like
Jim Trageser of The North County Times has published a review of my album. He gave it an 'A' and had some wonderful things to say. See below:
A "Opal Essence"
Lindsey Yung
Self-released
San Diego singer-songwriter Lindsey Yung stands out in a crowded acoustic scene for several reasons, all good and all present on her new CD.
Playing keyboards rather than guitar gives her a different sound than most of the county's folk singers. (And, no, the keyboard is not acoustic, but her near-constant presence in local coffeehouses and at open mic nights has made her a treasured member of the local acoustic scene.) Adding to her distinctive sound is her crystalline voice, reminding of early Kate Bush or Jane Siberry.
But what really sets her apart is her songwriting. While most singer-songwriters hew to a folk sensibility, Yung has always been closer to the art-rock school ---- and "Opal Essence" moves even further in that direction than her previous disc, "Fusion."
Her songwriting has also improved; "Touchstone" is an alluring, hypnotic art-rock piece, anchored by Yung's haunting vocals. "Scent of Summer" is a cute little love song with clever word play in the lyrics, and "It Doesn't Get Better Than This" is a catchy, Hawaiian-tinged ode to domestic bliss.
While she employs a "wall of sound" approach to the song arrangements and production on the new album, it's done so well that it never sounds anything other than organic. Whether it's a bass line coming in atop her vocal mid-refrain or a slowly growing crescendo ..boards, it all adds up to work brilliantly.
Highlights from a review by John Book of the Run-Off Groove below:
You may not have heard of her and arguably her style of music doesn't fit the American Idol mold, but trust me, that's a good thing. I speak of Lindsey Yung, who was honored with the Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year at the 2006 Los Angeles Music Awards, and with that came the anticipation of what to come up with next.
Opal Essence (self-released) is an album that shows a true craft for songwriting and music, it's not just a mere decoration or something to sell cars. "Away From It All" opens the album with Yung explaining her mission on the album, and perhaps in life..
Yung is a storyteller in the style of Sarah McLachlan, where reality is the most colorful pallet to create the most vivid audio pictures. "Authentic Counterfeit" has her touching on elements that one might also hear in songs by Bess Rogers, where both of them go a bit deeper in their conviction towards hitting the part of us that isn't meant to be revealed, but is. She doesn't quite get into Tori Amos mode, but Yung is very much on that same level of reaching the epiphany but resisting the urge to go into it head first...
The music has a sense of freedom that I think we all search for in our lives, and with her pop flavored songs (think Ben Folds) she could easily become one of the premiere artists of the early 21st century. Want a left field comparison? At times she sounds like a much more polished Jennifer Lopez, although I don't think Lopez will be playing a piano or 'ukulele anytime soon, nor will she be writing arrangements for string sections. Fans of singer/songwriters demand something that will move them beyond initial expectations, and those who approach the music of Lindsey Yung will eventually be drawn to the talents that she has shared to the world.
Lindsey Yung is in a class all her own. A truly remarkable singer/songwriter, she has a voice that will stop you in your tracks and lyrics that have a way of resonating with the very core of her listeners. Her new album, “Opal Essence” showcases her uncanny ability to write songs that are infectious, moving and unique. She wrote all 10 songs on the album independently, plays both piano and ukulele, and has a voice that has been called “a beautifully refined and powerful instrument” (San Diego Troubadour).
Lindsey was born, raised and is currently residing in San Diego, CA, although you’ll often find her over in Maui where the source of inspiration for her latest album originated. She has been singing since she was a child, making her professional debut at age 5 in the musical “South Pacific.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Lindsey’s music has received recognition on many levels. She won the 2006 Los Angeles Music Award for the category: Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year and was nominated by popular vote for a 2007 San Diego H.A.T. award (Honoring Acoustic Talent Award) in the category of "best vocalist.” She received a 2008 “honor award” for her song “With Every Breath” from the 9th annual Great American Song Contest and was nominated for a 2008 and 2009 Asian Heritage Award in the category of “performing arts.” "Opal Essence" was included on the coveted list of "Best Albums of 2008" put out by KGRL fm and most recently, Lindsey’s song “It Doesn’t Get Better Than This” made it to the finals of the Kauai Music Festival Songwriting Competition 2009.
Lindsey’s new album is a product of almost 2 years of work. She’ll be the first to tell you that she put everything she is into it. The end result is a beautiful collection of her finest work and a pure reflection of who she is.
you can now order Lindsey's new cd!! Click on the paypal link! You DON'T have to be a paypal user to buy it this way.
BASICS:
I am 1/2 Caucasian and 1/2 Chinese.
Greatest Passion: Music. Writing, recording and performing music is what I love to do most.
Hobbies: Photography (click here to see my photography), making jewelry, tending to my orchids, playing with my cats, flower arranging and snorkeling.
Day job: Nurse Practitioner
I love: Nature, sea turtles, my kitties, vibrant colors, spending time with my dad, kayaking, being in Maui, snorkeling in Maui, reading poetry, America's Funniest Home Videos, coffee, playing my ukulele, Mac computers (everything made by Apple), my day job, the employees and patients at my work, orchids, Chinese food, summertime, and the obvious (friends, loved ones, family)…
Pet peeves: people who don’t thank you when you hold the door open for them, those who leave their turn signal on long after switching lanes, unhappy people who are cruel and don’t recognize the source of their cruelty, healthcare professionals who smoke in uniform, people who clean their windshields while driving in front of you so that YOUR windshield gets sprayed, and lately…politicians.
***Below is my new music video for "With Every Breath." It was shot by the fabulous Sharisse Coutler. All the sea turtle/underwater footage was shot by me in Maui!! We blended the home video in. :) I hope you enjoy. ***
Help a sista out and post my banner on your page to spread the word!
Containing the complete written music from GRAMMY® nominated He Nani and GRAMMY® winning CD 'ikena.
Holiday Sale ALL CDs only $12 until 12/31/09, only at DanielHo.com. The discount will not appear on your order form but will be applied when we charge your credit card.
Aloha. Our site is coming along nicely check out www.GoGirlzzz.com You can also now follow us on Facebook and on Twitter for updates on the site and The Girlzzz. Send us news concerning you, your sport, your team or your band that you'd like us to announce to all the Girlzzz. The site is set to launch in the next couple months and we are very excited to have you with us. Aloha.
Run,run,run Buckaroos, there's this Fatman wearing Red with a long white beard just behind me, must be some kind of Commie or a Crazy Ass Hippie...I'm telling you, this World is going to Hell in a Hand Bag! Serious!! He's getting closer, might wanna lock your Doors and if you hear anythang funny going on...Call the Marines! They know how to take care of just about Anything! I hope ya'll have a Great week but really...watch out for this Fatman in Red with a long white beard...And you should see the smoke coming from his pipe! Stuff Smells Funny...Really, this Fatman in Red is NOT Normal...Hide your Kids!
Dear Lindsey, have a most blessed and joyous Christmas and a happy and successful new year. Thank you so much for the gift of both your friendship and your artistry. God bless + you and keep you always. Love, peace and blessings
Containing the complete written music from GRAMMY® nominated He Nani and GRAMMY® winning CD 'ikena.
Holiday Sale ALL CDs only $12 until 12/31/09, only at DanielHo.com. The discount will not appear on your order form but will be applied when we charge your credit card.
They don't follow the fashion Latest trend, no reaction State of the world's affairs Seem indifferent, but really care Self-reliance what its all about Don't need it, you do without In the balance of the universe Doesn't matter could be worse ....."Exceptionally Cool".....
Dearest Lindsey, you have such a beautiful eye; hope to see them both together soon. May your weekend be filled with the same grace that the music which flows from you showers upon us all. Love, peace and blessings always dear one