|
Press
|
From
a Shapeshifter review in
Songbook
"Blue Horizon are a Boston, Massachusetts
duo, Elizabeth Stephen and Jason Imbesi, and
Shapeshifter (Godeye Records) is
their latest CD EP, showcasing the pair's
Americana-infused acoustic pop-rock. Their
bright, acoustic guitar and violin-propelled
sound alternates with something altogether
moodier and both Stephen and Imbesi take the
opportunity to contribute lead vocals across
the six tracks featured (these include two
acoustic versions of preceding songs and
which work especially well, underlining the
quality of the songs and vocal
performances)."
|
|
From
a Shapeshifter review in Here
and There Ezine
"Beautiful
3rd release for Blue Horizon. Starting in New
York and ending in Boston, Blue Horizon (Jason
Imbesi and Elizabeth Stephen) have the same
solid lyrics and voices as another underrated
duo, Andy Hill and Renee Safier. These 4 songs
showcased here show just how strong these two
young singers have progressed since their
first album..."
|
|
From
an article in the Allston-Brighton
Tab
(You
can read the whole article by clicking here)
"This
Memorial Day weekend brought good weather and
hordes of tourists to Faneuil Hall. Many gazed
eastwards (where the elevated highway once
stood) at the blue sky over Boston Harbor. But
others stopped to see Blue Horizon right there
in Quincy Market. The Brighton band is one of
35 street acts selected to perform all summer
in Quincy Market. Blue Horizon,
which is based in Packard's Corner, has been
performing on the streets of Boston for about
four years. "We started doing this
seriously in 2000," said Elizabeth
Stephen, one of the band members. The other
member is Jason Imbesi. Blue Horizon plays
rock and folk, with some bluegrass mixed in.
"There
are older sort of influences" on our
music, said Imbesi. They named Neil Young,
Fleetwood Mac and local artist Winterboy as a
few influential musicians. "We do a
couple [of] covers, but 90 percent of our
music is original," said Stephen. Stephen
writes for the violin, which she plays, and
Imbesi writes mostly for the guitar, which he
plays. They both sing, but "I write most
of the words," said Stephen. Melody is
the main force behind their music. "I
always try to have a great melody," said
Imbesi..." - Chris Orchard
|
|
Locust Years review from Soundcheck
"Blue
Horizon returned to my vantage point - and
again graced my ears with their melodious,
sincere music. Locust Years reveals
both sides of roots music, I would say: one of
folk - often led by Elizabeth Stephen's
beautiful voice and violin playing; while the
other countrified, rootsy rock/pop side is
often led by guitarist/vocalist Jason Imbesi's
equally affecting vocals. At first I thought
the inconsistency of the two musical faces of
Blue Horizon may work against them, but on
second thought, the songs' overall sincerity
and passion is consistent enough. Whether
they're kicking it up a notch with the jangly
songs or keeping it smooth and soothing, Blue
Horizon's music feels warm, comforting,
embracing. I really ought to see this terrific
duo live - I don't doubt they leave an
indelible impression. Songs that captivated me
the most: 'Grace' - both the
electrified and acoustic versions; 'Living In Dream,'
'Tell The
Truth' (cool, swaggering ditty), and the
catchy opener 'Make You Feel
Alright.'" - Debbie Catalano
|
|
From
an article in the Cambridge
Chronicle
(You
can read the whole article by clicking here)
"...(Blue
Horizon) is preparing to release their second
album this Friday at the Kendall Café. Eight
months in the making, Locust Years is
an eclectic combination of folk, country and
rock music ripe with melodic refrains and
catchy lyrics. According to Stephen... the
album is about transcendence. 'It's
about, for me, being limited and taking that
limitation and going beyond it,' she
said... Evident on Locust Years is the
influence of various genres and artists, as
well as a conflicting desire to make both
acoustic music and songs with a harder rock
sound... " -
Jennifer Lawinski
|
|
Locust
Years review from Kindamuzik.net
(special
thanks to Steven Kolsteren for help with the
translation)
"Locust
Years, the successor to Blue Horizon's
self-titled debut, again brings us the light and harmonious
country-pop
of young singer-songwriter duo Elizabeth Stephen and Jason
Imbesi. With its concept and
radio-friendliness it remains faithful to the
success formula of Blue Horizon, as offered on
the refreshing previous album. The semi-acoustic pop-songs
and expressive vocals sound driven as well as inspired. The varied
vocals create a pleasant journey. Locust Years is more a pop album made by a
traditional pair from Boston, in which the country influences are unfortunately
somewhat delegated to the background; however,
perhaps
they are best there. In the song 'Cocoon' it
is clear that violinist and singer Elizabeth Stephen is inspired by Stevie Nicks.
One of the most beautiful moments on Locust Years follows right after it
with the dramatic 'Grace' sung by Jason Imbesi. Another direction is taken
with the blues-influenced 'Tell The Truth.' The acoustic remixes of
'Cocoon' and 'Grace' are perhaps superfluous, as bonus
tracks often are, but as closures for a truly
beautiful CD they come as an extra-nice
gift." - Maurice Dielemans
|
|
Locust
Years review from WYCE
"Blue Horizon could be an easy pick for top emerging artist in 2003. This
band made up of Jason Imbesi [guitar, vocals]
and Elizabeth Stephen [violin, vocals]
continues to blend folk, rock and on this
release a blues track to keep their listener
captivated through the entire disc. This
sophomore effort has a looser feel to it than
their self-titled debut release. Jason’s
vocals on 'Make You Feel Alright' remind
me of Del Amitri and if the song doesn’t
accomplish this you probably don’t have a
pulse. On 'Cocoon' Elizabeth, who has a voice that
has been touched by an angel, sings about
growing & moving on from a past
relationship. Dealing with relationships seems
to be a common theme throughout this disc. The
Disc works extremely well as Elizabeth and
Jason take turns throughout the disc on lead
vocals; the only thing I missed was a true
duet as their voices blend so well together.
It's great to see a band grow without
abandoning their basic principals... Locust Years certainly accomplishes this
goal for Blue Horizon. Fans of bands like the Kennedy’s and
Donna the Buffalo
should take time to discover this band from
the New England area, as it will prove to be a
very pleasurable listening experience." - Gregg Saur
|
|
Locust
Years review from The
Tufts Daily "It's
not often that the Daily office receives
a CD promo that isn't full of angst-ridden
wails and blasting electric guitar. On that
note, Blue Horizon's new album, Locust Years,
was a pleasure (and a relief) to listen to.
Jason Imbesi and Elizabeth Stephen have
charming voices that blend like the shades of
Kentucky blue grass. The second song, 'Cocoon,'
and the fourth, 'Living In Dream,' feature
Stephen's deep, honey-smooth undulations as
well as the group's catchy
musicality..." - Daily Arts
Department
|
|
Live review from The
Noise
"I'm
impressed with the music booking agent Tony
Confalone has set up tonight. The first band
is Blue Horizon. They are quintessential folk
rock, and not surprisingly the lead singer is
a dude with a ponytail and a very sensitive
voice. Backing him is a stunning hippie chick
decked out in a retro sixties garb. She holds
the stage well and her voice captivates me and
it's not long until I'm held under her
patchouli spell..." - Kier Byrnes
|
|
Locust
Years review from Metronome Magazine
"On
their... CD Locust Years, (Blue Horizon)
has created a collection of jangly pop rock
songs... Imbesi and Stephen both share lead
vocal chores and offer an equal platform of
talent. Jason's vocals are convincing and
smooth while Stephen's commands a powerfully
sweet vocal range... Tracks of particular note
are the album opener "Make You Feel
Alright," "Make Me A Gypsy" (my
personal favorite), "Farewell" and
the beautifully crafted "Blanket
Song." - Douglas Sloan
|
|
Debut
CD
review from The
Patriot Ledger
(You
can read the whole article by clicking here)
"(Blue
Horizon's) debut CD... challenges the
boundaries of rock music in a way that is
refreshing in this era of
style-over-substance pop stars... (the)
ability to vary their style from one song to
the next, and from one performance to the
next, sets them apart from the general run
of today's pop music. Stephen and Imbesi
share the leads as singers, and they have
the impressive ability to harmonize while
never overpowering each other. Stephen's
violin and Imbesi's guitar join their voices
as an integral part of their music.
Stephen's lyrical, and at times haunting,
voice is a beautiful blend of the best
qualities of some of modern rock's best
vocalists... Imbesi's voice is in the
classic rock mold, but with a slightly
softer, more innocent side... he seems
equally at home with the soft, emotional
'Slide' as he does with 'Tonight,' an upbeat
ballad with an almost '50s, Beatles feel.
Together, the pair's core sound is in the
spirit of Fleetwood Mac and The Band - a
blend of classic rock, folk rock and modern
rock, though with its own distinctive
twist." - Gregory Cooper
|
|
From
the Boston Herald
"This summer's
crop of street performers in Harvard Square seems richer and
more in touch with tradition... For folk-pop sophistication,
another Square winner is Blue Horizon, the violin/guitar duo of
Elizabeth Stephen and Jason Imbesi. Stephen owns one of the most
mellifluous voices to hit Harvard Square in years..."
- Daniel Gewertz
|
|
Debut CD
review from Soundcheck
"Blue Horizon never describes themselves
with a particular genre really - only that
they’re about 'heart,' 'soul,' and 'passion' - it’s one thing to
say it (or write it) and quite another to
actually live up to it - but I have to say
Blue Horizon definitely radiates all of the
above. Their songs are earnest, sincere, and
unpretentiously performed in the same way.
Their bio states that this duo - who are Jason
Imbesi on guitar and lead vocals and Elizabeth
Stephen on violin and lead vocals - began with
open mic shows and outdoor gigs like in
Harvard Square before people started asking
for the CD. I can see why. That may also
account for the ever so slight inconsistency
with style, for if one were to listen to the
first two tracks - 'Open The Door' and 'Back
To Memphis' (a tribute to The Band’s Rick
Danko) only, he/she would be inclined to think
Blue Horizon is purely a country-tinged
rock/pop band; especially with the very
evident twang and pedal steel in 'Back To
Memphis.' Both songs are very good by the way.
Track 3’s 'Long Way To Go' still has those
qualities but served as a good transition into
the more mainstream pop-flavored 'When The Sun
Goes Down' a lovely tune equally shared
vocally by Jason and Elizabeth (usually either
one or the other leads on the songs) with
beautiful music; and the dynamic, catchy
'Tonight' both songs of which were my
favorites. A softer pop, they rode the balance
of the lighter twang and straighter acousti-pop.
Though they sway back to the country style in
'Seattle,' Blue Horizon return to the folksier
pop side in 'Dawn' and the enchanting,
inspiring, powerful song 'Slide' (this is the
one for radio). I guess if one must
categorize, they’d fall into the
contemporary acoustic/singer/songwriter vein.
Whatever
hue you paint Blue Horizon, whatever you
choose to call it, doesn’t matter really,
for Jason and Elizabeth do wonderfully perform
their songs with every inch of heart, soul,
and passion and warmly soothe with their
well-written songs and genuine vocals and
performance. I highly recommend you listen to
Blue Horizon but be sure to listen to the
entire eight-song CD as it just gets better
and better with each track." - Debbie Catalano
|
|
Debut
CD
review from Kindamuzik.net
"Elizabeth
Stephen sings her heart out on Blue Horizon's
first full-length album. Jason Imbesi joins
her on guitars and vocals. Their heavenly
voices well match the catchy melodies and
solid songwriting. Focusing not just on
radio-friendliness and sing-a-longs, Blue
Horizon also provide an interesting blend of
pure pop and Americana on their eponymous
debut... with themes true to the spirit of No
Depression... (C)lean-cut songs such as 'Back
To Memphis', a homage to Rick 'The Band' Danko,
and the acoustic-driven 'When The Sun Goes
Down' are simply gorgeous, light and
refreshing as a beautiful summer's day at
sea." - Maurice Dielemans
|
|
Debut CD
review from Boston
Girl Guide
"Blue
Horizon's self-titled debut CD is a diverse
sample of folk-rock music... guitarist Jason
Imbesi decorates the basics with some excellent
rock riffs. There are two talents hard at work
on this record; Elizabeth Stephen brings a
beautiful vocal style along with her skills on
violin. Whether taking the vocal lead or dueting
a song, both Jason and Elizabeth shine."
- TC Krentz
|
|
Debut CD
review from WYCE
Radio
"On
a recent trip to Boston, I was walking the
streets by Harvard and caught Blue Horizon
playing on a Street corner. I was totally
captivated by their sound and tossed $10 in
Jason’s guitar case & walked away with
their Debut CD. Upon returning home I put the
CD in my stereo and was thrilled that I had
discovered one of the best new artists of
2001, and a CD that has stayed in my CD
changer since its purchase. Blue Horizon is
Jason Imbesi (guitar, vocals) and Elizabeth
Stephen (violin, vocals). They intertwine rock
and folk sounds that are completely
infectious. The CD opens with Jason’s guitar
work and vocals on one of my favorites,
'Open the Door.' On the next track 'Back to
Memphis' you experience the gorgeous voice of
Elizabeth on a tribute track to the late, great
Rick Danko. The duet they do on 'When the Sun
Goes Down' is one of my favorites. This CD is
based upon old-fashioned principles, great
song writing, terrific playing, great vocals
& a real passion for the music. It may
lack the glitter of today’s rock sounds but
outshines all of its counterparts. This CD
should definitely 'Slide' into your
collection." - Gregg Saur
|
|
Debut CD
review from Boston College's BC
Heights
"After getting their beginnings in the
music business by performing in Harvard Square
and local cafes, Blue Horizon has released its
first album, a pleasant collection of country
style songs. The album is further strengthened
by the strong voices of the two main members of
the band, Jason Imbesi and Elizabeth Stephen.
The two members usually
alternate on lead vocals for each song, which
creates a vocally diverse group of tracks. When
they sing together, the result is a beautiful
harmony... The violin, played by
Stephen, is a nice compliment to the acoustic
guitar. It produces such a pleasing sound that
it should be used more often. The music isn’t
complicated, but the simplicity adds to the
pleasant feel of the album. It’s easy to see
why Blue Horizon is a staple at local cafes,
with its soothing sound and talented
vocals." - Paul Crocetti Back to Top
|
|
