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MACY GRAY On How Life Is (EPIC/Sony) Debut albums are full of surprises, on hearing a good one you feel like you've made a personal discovery, and this one surely hums along. Macy Gray has written 11 fresh sounding songs On How Life Is that capture your ears from the first funky opening number 'Why Didn't You Call Me' and keep you buzzing in a cultural blender of grooves. The tracks are a melange of funk. Soul, hip-hop, R & B and Rock all sung effortlessly by Gray, who portrays a seemingly uncomplicated outlook on life. Her lyrics range from sweet too gritty. Contributing to the L.A street sound of this album are players who include Gray's long-time writing collaborators, programmer Darryl Swan and keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumma, as well as friends DJ Kiilu and guitarist Arik Marshall (formerly of the Red Hot Chili Peppers). Also contributing to the groove are veteran funksters, guitarist Blackbird Mcknight (Funkadelic), ex-Tower of Power percussionist Lenny Castro, and drummer Matt Chamberlain. The album is definitely a product of Macy Gray's upbringing. Born and raised in Canton, Ohio, she grew up on her parent's record collection: Sly Stone James Brown and her personal favourite Stevie Wonder. Mix it all up with the first wave of hip-hop and rock, blend together with seven years of classical piano training and there you have it. 11 very good songs, delivered in a relaxed style by Macy Gray, on her way to stardom. Carole Ritchie Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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