RADAR: Daphne Willis - What To Say
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 4:59PM 
Young Chicago singer/songwriter Daphne Willis brings a nimble soulfulness and lithe, laid-back vibe to her rhythmic Jack Johnson-styled jam pop debut What To Say, hitting February 9 via Vanguard. Fronting a well-oiled band that clearly knows its way around a tight, jazzy/reggae-tinged beat, the 22-year-old Willis keeps her approach fresh and brisk with a smokey vocal style that is all perceptive sass and tumbling, tongue-twisted verbal wit. With an unpretentious attitude, Willis and band deliver sharply etched, emotional and lyrical portraits that go down even easier when tacked on to a loose and limber instrumental backing.
While Willis and band had developed a solid and growing touring base in Chicago and midwest campuses, it wasn't until the head of Vanguard happened to catch a few Willis tracks on an airline in-flight, ear-bud serenade that the wheels really began to turn. Tracked down, signed and given studio support (especially a "revved up" sonic kick from producer Tim Lauer), Willis and her tight-knit band finished fleshing out versions of songs honed on the club stage and emerged with What To Say. The swaying, shimmering, tropic-heated single "Bluff", folk-pop confessional "Still Tryin'" and funky shuffle "Everybody Else" highlight a promising, sure-footed album that's already garnering solid advance buzz. Recommended.
Daphne Willis - "Bluff" (from the album What To Say)
Daphne Willis - "Love and Hate" (from the album What To Say)
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Reader Comments (2)
them kids shore know how to swing
I love that the rest of the world is getting the opportunity to experince the rocking sounds that come from these extremly talented musicians. If you have not yet had the chance to attend one of DW's amazing shows, check out when they are coming to a town near you and don't miss it. You will be hooked. Thanks DW for all the awesome tunes. The QC loves you!!