#1. Review by Andy Long – Third Bass - http://www.btinternet.com/~third.bass/reviews.html#forwardintothepast
A deliciously moody and mellow set of covers from this Atlanta-based vocal instructor and solo artist. Melissa Ellen takes us on a leisurely stroll through some of her influences. The trip takes in material by Kansas, The Police, Kenny Loggins and Cyndi Lauper, amongst others. My favourite two tracks were the artist's arrangements of Michael Jackson's 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' and The Cars 'Just What I Needed'. Both were radically different from the originals and have whetted my appetite for more. In the bass chair is Joseph Patrick Moore, a respected jazz soloist in his own right and a part of the EMP Project.”
#2. Review by © Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck - http://www.muzikreviews.com
Artist: Melissa Ellen Title: Forward Into The Past
Genre: Pop-R & B-Blues-Jazz
Melissa Ellen moves Forward Into The Past on her twelve-track tribute to a lifetime of inspiration to create music. At first glance of this CD, I was a bit put off, an entire album of covers…what is so unique about that? Well as it turns out this recording is very different, in fact, it is one of the most satisfying groups of well-known pop-rock covers I have ever heard. I have heard a few mind you, so that is saying something.
I found the cover interesting in that the capital M and E are very prominent in both size and color spelling her name, giving the hint that all of these songs are a clue to who Melissa Ellen is and when she grew up. Each of the songs was popular when I was growing up so I found immediate identification as “Dust In The Wind” began, one of my favorite tracks, along with “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” and “I Can't Stand The Rain.” Upon first listen, I could not see the correlation between the covers and the original songs; nothing sounded even remotely the same to the originals, at least I thought so initially. I gave it another spin, and then it all began to come together for me just like a puzzle. It is not that easy to hear similarities when an artist does a celebrated song so entirely different from the originally intended version.
It was not just the familiarity of the songs that endeared me to this CD…it was the incredible voice of the woman singing them. Ellen puts her own flair and touch into each tune, giving berth to new music, making something old something new again. This is not an easy task to see through from start to finish considering each song sounds so different. I heard funky R & B, blues, jazz and pop, all done with a classy and alluring sensual way that I would think most folks would find appealing.
When you look at the cover of the CD, your first thought is that this is a spiritual/new age album because of the colors, the sun and her pose of meditation. My interpretation is that Ellen’s musical journey is a very intimate personal one that we are fortunate enough to share with her. This album will grow on you with each listen; it is somewhat sneaky that way, but all very pleasant and joyous. Relive the past and step into the future with Melissa Ellen now, you will be so glad you did, I sure was.
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#3. Review by Darrell Collier
‘Covering the Teacher’
Forward Into the Past, by Melissa Ellen
Vocals - 4
Lyrics - N/A, alas the genius of others.
Musicianship - 4
Vocal Training, the secret every new artist with a bit of exposure to the music business discovers, is important. When demand for their talent begins to tire and overwhelm ability and experience with the vocal instrument, they must turn somewhere to learn. For every fresh new voice there is a master awaiting embarrassed pupil.
“You mean I have to train to sing?” Many have said as they discovered the method to reproducing the magic.
Yes there are teachers. There are teachers that are singers. Melissa Ellen is one such instructor.
When she is not molding new voices for Jan Smith Studios, Melissa Ellen is performing with her own sculpted instrument.
On her new album, Forward into the Past, Melissa Ellen covers eleven pop hits from the past odd thirty years. Her choices are eclectic. Songs by Michael Jackson, the Cars, Cindy Lauper, Sting, and Kansas, to name a few, are performed in what could have been a chaotic clash of styles. The cohesive elements that pull off this collection though are a soulful and jazzy arrangement to each selection, delivered by a confident, yet breezy and inviting vocal performance.
Upon first listen, surprises abound. The arrangements and instrumentation of these songs make some tracks, at first listen, almost unrecognizable. Deconstructed and rebuilt as they are, it brings delight and wonder at the creativity in presentation. Melissa Ellen does not imitate her selections, rather she challenges familiar tunes with a different ear.
There is artistry in interpretation on Melissa’s Album. From breathy and seductive crooning on “Dust in the Wind”, to inventive spoken/sung beat style “This is it”, she explores the stylistic range of her voice. With fluid grace she weaves through these selections, standing out especially, with power and soul on “Same ole’ Love”.
Covers can be tiring, these are not. Melissa has not only delivered vocal talent to already loved songs, she has managed to breathe a new and different life into each.
#4. Review by David Berman, Soliloquoy Loudspeaker, Monster Cable
“I am part of a company that manufactures high performance loudspeakers and consumer electronics. Our job is to recreate the performance exactly as the artist intended and so, when I hear music that demonstrates the true qualities of a good recording, I take notice. Having had some experience with Melissa over the years, I must say I was quite astounded at this latest effort. The production and recording was significantly better than any I had heard from previous recordings. The music was a perfect vehicle to showcase her unique abilities to bring power to a performance and passion to her music. These songs have been played and heard a thousand times, but Melissa makes them her own. The instrumental arrangements on Dust In The Wind sets the tone for the rest of the CD and from there on out, it's just, sit back, relax and let her take you for a ride. Any fan of easy jazz will be glad they added this to their collection.”
Sincerely,
David Berman
President: Soliloquy Loudspeaker Company, Inc.
http://www.solspeak.com
"Bringing Life To Sound"
Consultant/ Trainer: Monster Cable
#5. Review By Ferdinand Maylin, JAZZ NOW
http://www.jazznow.com/1105/1105NSF.html
November 2005
Melissa Ellen, vocals; Joseph Patrick Moore, all basses; Omar Phillips and Emrah Kotan, percussion; Vincent Hart, hand claps; Carlton Clark, Rhodes electric piano; Peter Vogl, Vic Stafford, Tom Righi, Billy Odum, and Jeep Hook, guitars; Rick Hinkle, guitar, ukulele, coral sitar; Buzz Amato, clavinet; John Driskell Hopkins, Nita Love, Sarah Mackley, Latasha Williams, Kenya King, Lisa Irby, Alicia Terry, background vocals
Vocal coach Melissa Ellen reconstructs eleven hit pop tunes of the last thirty years by such artists as Kenny Loggins, the Police, Sting, Kansas, Cyndi Lauper, the Cars, and Michael Jackson.
These are very different interpretations sung with a strong conviction by Melissa-passionate, sultry, raunchy, heartfelt, and sorrowful where required. There is always a lot going on in the background, with some strong bass playing by Joseph Patrick Moore, and Melissa is responsible for all the background vocal arrangements. All this offers a strong backbone for Melissa to lay her considerable talent upon. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" would be my favorites.
#6. Review by Lori Michael
- vocal instructor, songwriter
Melissa Ellen takes old songs to new places on her new cd, "Forward Into The Past." This eclectic collection of cover tunes is unified by an overall positive, upbeat feel. Somehow it doesn't feel as much like a collection of covers as a collection of "Melissa songs" that happened to be written and previously performed by someone else. That's because Melissa puts her own spin on each song with her smooth, rich vocal tone and fresh vocal interpretations. My favorite is Melissa's rendering of The Cars' "Just What I Needed." Thanks to Melissa's interpretation, a song that brought back rock 'n' roll high school memories matures into a slower, more mellow ballad. Why record a cover song if you're not going to take it somewhere new? Here are some examples of how to do just that. And why do a whole album of covers? Maybe to express a love and respect for great songs and songwriters. Or maybe to express yourself by exploring some of your own favorite songs. Either way, prepare to be surprise and taken away by "Forward Into the Past."