September 1999

Rebecca Martin- Thoroughfare / Rebbytunes
Rebecca is the diva who was the lead singer for the regrettably defunct band Once Blue and is the leader of The Independence Project. 
When we received her CD in the mail, it was time to begin reviews of recorded work.
She doesn't just sing-- her vocals glide.
Thoroughfare is a blend of acoustic pop and jazz, with a poetic sensibility toward its subjects. Rebecca's voice, with a soaring bell-like tone, 
floats above a pristine blend of acoustic and electric Metheny-like guitar by Steve Cardenas, bass by Larry Grenadier and light, articulate work 
on the traps and percussion by Kenny Wollesen. The CD is suffused with goodbyes and the hurt is still around, but the singer is in control of 
her emotions here. The voice takes the pain, and, examining it, turns it over in the singer's hand and even tosses it lightly in the air.
The CD opens with 'Goodbye my Love," a bittersweet look back at an affair that has ended. The lyrics are just cryptic enough to suggest the 
possibility of something more than a lost love. The rythmn is bouncy and light as if to say, "Ah well, time to move on."
"Your Arms Around Me Now" looks at the fear that a lover might disappear back into the crowd but whose presence now is all that matters. 
Reverb, echo and Rebecca's background harmonies combine to recreate a sweeping ecstasy.
The title cut "Thoroughfare" has a Latin, bossanova-like beat. Its coolness makes good use of Rebecca's smooth vocal style.
The last cut, "The Red Wall," is my favorite. I heard Rebecca do it live and the emotions ride on the surface here just the way they did then.
There's nothing quite like sitting in a small club, sharing the same space with her…and hearing that voice live. You can, however, buy this CD from her.
Go to the website: www.independenceproject.com, get the CD, crank up the volume and let the sound wash over you.
-- Richard Cuccaro