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News & Reviews
Ms. Valentine is now on the airwaves in
Denmark -- April 7, 2001
Esther is #3 on New Artist Radio!
March 1, 2001
See Esther Valentine's review in Music Connection below
(February 12, 2001)
Esther has received local as well as international airplay -- her music has been heard in
California, Virginia, England, Canada, Spain, Australia, and even Romania
('guess Vlad liked it, too!)
"Can't Watch Yourself Dance" (CD) is now also available at "Mysteries,
Movies & Mayhem"
located in Sherman Oaks, California
Esther's song "Can't Watch Yourself Dance" will appear
in a Krystal Theatre Production in June, 2001
Esther was interviewed on "The Voice" radio
Music Connection 
"Valentine's pro credits as a session singer prepared us for a well-executed listening
experience and, with this seven-song CD of original tunes, she does not disappoint.
Her performances are spot-on, complimented by lush arrangements that caress the ear."
earBuzz Review 
"A dancing high alto folk voice, ala Melanie, combined with the rock sense of Heart
and a completely original approach to songwriting - add well crafted pop/rock/folk/
Celtic/vocal songwriting and memorable choruses, and you'd be well on your way in
describing the music contained in Esther Valentine's 1999 CD, "Can't Watch Yourself
Dance". The 7-song recording is intimate, with guitar and piano supported by the
likes of accordions, flutes, at times a full rock band, and an entire string section.
Valentine sings with an urgency that is reflected in the sheer quantity of words that
go by within the song - poetic and concise - and the interpretations, along with the
lion share of the lyrics, give Esther the room to move her voice around the musical
scales like a well trained acrobat - climbing scales, jumping octaves, and spreading
her vivacious life through the vocal tracks (check out the vocals on mp3 clip of
"Can't Watch Yourself Dance," with cool 32nd note cool chaotic strums on acoustic
guitar). There's a lot of musical territory covered within the record. In the final
track, "If My Complaints Your Passions Move," Valentine ambitiously records a
six-part? a cappella and early medieval Elizabethan vocal composition by John Dowland --
lyrics sing, 'Oh Lord I live and die in thee, thy grief in my deep sighs still speaks, thy
wounds do freshly bleed in me, my heart for thy unkindness breaks.' Definitely not
your typical folk/pop ditty - the depth in the chordal movements represent the musical
training Valentine has received, and it is marvelously refreshing to hear .
The highlight of the CD, however, is the third track, "Dreaming" - here, Valentine carves
a gorgeous verse melody and an even richer chorus area - with a storytelling quality that's
endearing and emotional. The verse climbs down in harmonic minor, hitting the major 3rd,
while gently caressed by a mostly minor accompaniment - the contrast is magical. The
chorus showcases the versatility in Esther's voice - as she hits the highest sweetest notes of
the song with an almost power whisper - again, emotionally touching. Lyrically mystical,
'something startling, it's so peculiar, but will you play me the whole song, I was drifting on
a sea of sorrow, then someone called out for me, was I dreaming?" Gorgeous, and one of our
favorites we've ever received.
In all, the record visits many musical territories and Esther Valentine is a tremendous story-
telling vocal talent who is pure within the styles and focus of her craft - this is not typical
pop fare - it is original, fresh, and what makes independent artistry the finest in the world.
In lay terms?.. cool stuff.
Splendid E-zine
The whole Lilith Fair phenomenon has made me a little suspicious of female singer-songwriters.
Too many of their records make me feel more like I'm eavesdropping on a therapy session than
listening to music.
Esther Valentine doesn't fall into the "whiny girl with a guitar" class. She favors lush, expansive pop
arrangements full of strings and piano, the better to team with her powerful voice (given added dimension
through multiple overdubs). Let's call her a "slightly ethereal female pop vocalist" -- working some of the
same turf as early Sarah McLachlan, but with a more mature voice (in both the vocal and lyrical sense)
and a sunnier agenda. On conventional pop numbers like "I Can't Keep Jennifer Waiting" and "Lost
Emotion", Valentine isn't afraid to throw herself into the music; she honestly seems to be singing these
songs for her own personal pleasure. It's a good deal more engaging than the cathartic-confessional mood
you'll find elsewhere.
The disc's most intriguing songs are its bookends. The title track hints at folk-classical structure, with a
sprightly flute melody front and center. Fans of Loreena McKennitt will, most likely, be drawn to
Valentine on the strength of "Can't Watch Yourself Dance," and the traditional, multi-part ayre
"If My Complaints Your Passions Move" will close the deal. Beautiful without being showy, it showcases
Valentine's unaffected voice to great effect.
CyberMuse 
by Jianda Johnson
Artist: Esther Valentine
"Can't Watch Yourself Dance"
"This tune is about (living) in the moment and staying on your path, regardless of...
the 'advisory board...' Grab the brass ring in the midst of the hurricane..." -- from
Esther's story behind the song, "Can't Watch Yourself Dance." "Can't Watch Yourself Dance,"
both the song and the album, is the stuff of zithers and zinnias with elegant instrumentation,
inspired lyrics, and honeyed vocals and arrangements. Esther's latest self-produced release
engenders a rush of emotion not unlike Kate Bush, another multitalented musician Esther
lists as an influence. Another minimalist magnum opus pressed onto CD is the traditional tune
"If My Complaints Your Passion Move," featuring Esther a cappella in a lovely madrigal-style
selection. Valentine's music appeals to Goths, ambient music fans, folks who love melodic
soft rock and love songs, and anyone who can appreciate the art of a well-made song. The
strength of her production--from the players she's assembled to her arrangements and
songwriting--is magical, otherworldly and uplifting.
Musical Discoveries 
"The debut album from singer songwriter Esther Valentine is entitled Can't Watch Yourself Dance
(MadamRex (USA), 1999). It is comprised of seven richly instrumented and vocally staggering tracks,
written and arranged by the artist. Esther's core group includes: Garrison White (acoustic guitar);
Gregg Montante (electric guitar, production and mixing with Ken Allardyce); Robbie Myers (drums and
percussion); Joe Caccavo (electric bass); Robin Rader (flute); and Connie Deeter (stand-up bass). Vocal
performances, instrumental arrangements and production quality of the recording are absolutely tops.
Additional biographic information and photographs are available at Esther's website. Soundbites are
available from her mp3.com page.
With stated influences including Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, The Beatles, Elton John and similarities
including Natalie Merchant, Loreena McKennitt, Enya and Linda Rondstadt, one certainly expects the
artist's first album to exhibit vocal virtuosity—Can't Watch Yourself Dance delivers from the first, its
title track. The vocal lines and supporting flute within the mainly acoustic instrumental mix are highly
memorable, drawing the listener into the recording. Although the genre of the varied yet rocking "I Can't
Keep Jennifer Waiting" and "Lost Emotion" differs from Kate Bush's typical sound, Esther's sensitive
vocals are quite reminiscent of the well known artist's in this terrific track. The layers of backing vocals
in the choruses are especially notable.
While the album is vocally oriented, the instrumental arrangements have actually been given equal
emphasis, adding to the overall quality of the album. "Dreaming" is lightly arranged with flute and
strings carrying the backing for Esther's most sensitive vocal lead and a similarity to Jeni Saint (review).
Esther's vocal harmonies in this track and the highly accessible "When the Idol Falls" with its richer
instrumental production, soaring lead and thicker backing vocals are wonderful.
"When Your Eyes Stop Talking" is lovely highly emotive ballad sung over the lightest instrumentation that
builds to compliment soaring vocals as the song develops. Perhaps most illustrative of Esther's vocal
dexterity, it is a stunning track. The album concludes with the brief multi-tracked a capella "If My
Complaints Your Passions Move."
Esther Valentine's Can't Watch Yourself Dance is a stunning tribute to a rising west coast talent. Vocally
strong with tremendous instrumental arrangements the recording is certainly worthy of further
exploration—a must listen!"
Songwriter's Monthly SONGWRITER'S MONTHLY
Esther has a unique voice that rides above the swirling music. The poetry found in her lyrics is echoed in
the music and arrangements. 'If My Complaints Your Passions Move' is a beautiful work that shows what
a unique talent Esther is -- immerse yourself in her gift.
(Sweden)"Dawta Of A Coney Island Cowboy" is a EP that apparently serves two purposes, to showcase Esther's songs,
and to offer fans a good product at a good price. Esther Valentine's got a big chunk of real emotion. When it's
an uptempo song, the driving force is there from the beginning to end, and when she tells tragic stories from
life, you can feel somebody ripping the heart out of her body.
"No Where, No Win, No One Situation" is a tragic story along the same theme as "Independence Day" and
"Good-bye Earl" that still involves a hope for a better life. An instant hit....
Listen to, or buy the EP at www.mp3.com/valentinecountry
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