By Kevin Koeninger
When Intenet browsers happen to stumble upon Toby Lightman’s Web site by mistake, their first inkling might be to peg her as a fledgling pop princess. Indeed, Lightman’s alluring looks would seem suited for the next American Idol, but the sultry songstress is much more than just a pretty face.
After her second album “Bird on a Wire” was released in late July of 2006, Lightman has embarked on a furious touring schedule that included a stop at the Hard Rock Cafe in Louisville last Wed., March 28. The concert included a number of performers and the proceeds were donated to http://www.MusicRising.org, an organization designed to help replace instruments lost in the recently devastated Central Gulf Coast region.
Unlike previous experiences on the road, the singer/songwriter was the main attraction of every show on her recent tour. Having opened for stars like Jewel, James Blunt and Rob Thomas, Lightman has definitely garnered enough experience to step out on her own.
Lightman musically melds a variety of genres including pop, R&B and funk to create a laid back, soothing sound similar to that of Norah Jones. USA Today recently referred to the up-and-comer as a “female troubadour worth keeping your eyes and ears on,” and the critical success of her album certainly speaks to this type of glowing praise.
Hailing from New York City, Lightman brandishes influences that are as wide-ranging and diverse as her hometown. Artists like Prince, Aretha Franklin and Bob Marley have all aroused feelings in the quickly maturing artist, and each has channeled his or her way into Lightman’s music in some form.
Lightman’s syrupy sweet voice instantly ensnares her audience, but it’s the mature and soulful songwriting that keeps their attention. As she states on her MySpace page, “[I want] to be truthful in my writing. I don’t write party songs; every song I write comes out of a real experience.”
And her dedication to writing about truthful experience comes shining through on just about all of her songs. Melodic and inviting songs like “Better” and “My Sweet Song” are pure pop at its best, while the gospel vamp “Don’t Wake Me” showcases Lightman’s divergent influences as well as her prolific vocal talent.
While her studio albums have accumulated nothing but positive feedback, the road has always held a special place in Lightman’s heart, and more recently, in her music. As she explains on her MySpace page, “I fell in love with the live aspect of performing, and relying on humans rather than programmed computers. It was then I decided I wanted my music to become more organic.”
Thus, her second album, “Bird on a Wire,” shifts the musical focus away from preprogrammed drum machines towards more “organic” instrumentation, relying heavily on acoustic guitar and lush vocal arrangements. Most of the music is unintentionally meaningless, however, as Lightman’s voice takes precedence throughout.
A dedicated songwriter at heart, Lightman eases her way into listeners’ consciousness with all the delicacy of a warm summer night, penetrating with a warmth that’s sure to stay well after the sun has gone down over the horizon.
-Kevin Koeninger
