Mary Lemanski

“Speechless” is the new album by experimental songwriter, Mary Lemanski, with an obvious expression of non-expression: that’s right, this album is purely instrumental, and no vocals, which is a different direction to Mary’s usual vocal driven songs, and the art work on the cover embodies the message: a zipper over her mouth. Love it!

What a breath of fresh air to open the CD with a meditative, serene instrumental. I was instantly relaxed and taken on a global journey with the exotic sounds. Asian melodic soundscapes, trance-like ethereal pads, and my favorite, a flavor of Australian didgeridoo-like sounds: “Morning Sun” is definitely a high class and effective new age meditation track that could be played on any radio that embraces spiritual awakening.

Though this is where the new age, trance-like compositions end. The Cd is quite eclectic in sound...

My focus led me to track 4, “Looking Back”, which on the cover is listed as “composed at age 12”. I like to see an artist bring glimpses of their childhood. Let it be said that your best song is not always the one you wrote recently. This piece shows Mary’s childhood talent: naïvety (in a good way), and the almost melancholy “ingénue” is depicted. It’s pretty, and showcases her piano playing.

Track 5, “City Lights” has a taste of the boogie and blues of Chicago where she lives now. The keyboard playing (especially the jammin’ right hand) is super, and shows off Mary’s chops...Lemanski’s composition and arrangement skills are excellent, building the musical elements in one at a time, and I can see her effectively arranging a live jazz band if and when that time comes.

Speaking of arrangements, the string arrangement in “Theme & Variations” is luminous and beautiful. Track 7, “Hippie Hop” is my favorite of the bunch, simply due to my personal favorites in moody contemporary electronic, ala Massiv Attack or post ‘90s Radiohead.

By this stage on the disc, I have concluded that Mary Lemanski’s album “Speechless” is an excellent ‘calling card’ for her to position herself as a film score or orchestral music arranger, showcasing her abilities to compose and arrange an array of eclectic pieces of music in many different genres, styles and instrumentation. If she doesn’t find a foot with the album on radio, then I certainly feel the plethora of diverse sounds will establish her songwriting credibility.

“Speechless” is a plethora of instrumental, experimental, sounds, global ethnicity and times, showcasing a talented and versatile composer who is willing to stretch the boundaries of modern CD disc making to more than just the average 10 pop songs. Mary can do that to, but it’s wonderful to see her give us more, and fearlessly at that. I would definitely encourage you all to purchase a copy. - Songsalive! (www.songsalive.org)

...While a term this reviewer had never before come across, ‘swirled pop’ is an apt description for the music, as she’s applied her chops to New Wave, Hip-Hop, Blues, Pop and Classical music in the past and Eclectic’s 10 originals are, true to its title, equally wide ranging...in “Man of My Dreams” and a “Song for Aiden” her singing calls to mind the bruised hopefulness of “Whitechocolatespaceegg” era Liz Phair. Lemanski’s earnest but world wise lyrics are also somewhat Phair-esqe, as they take on the often-thorny particulars of contemporary relationship without necessary providing easy answers.

Ultimately, its Lemanski’s willingness to stretch both her vocal and range of genre and mood to fit the song, which makes Eclectic an interesting listen. “Such a Mess” calls to mind a track for a musical such as “Rent,” while the punk pop of “Leave Me Out of It” owes a nod to “Blondie.”

Review by Deborah Crooks for Rockin' Moms (www.rockinmoms.com) - RockinMoms.com

...While a term this reviewer had never before come across, ‘swirled pop’ is an apt description for the music, as she’s applied her chops to New Wave, Hip-Hop, Blues, Pop and Classical music in the past and Eclectic’s 10 originals are, true to its title, equally wide ranging...in “Man of My Dreams” and a “Song for Aiden” her singing calls to mind the bruised hopefulness of “Whitechocolatespaceegg” era Liz Phair. Lemanski’s earnest but world wise lyrics are also somewhat Phair-esqe, as they take on the often-thorny particulars of contemporary relationship without necessary providing easy answers.

Ultimately, its Lemanski’s willingness to stretch both her vocal and range of genre and mood to fit the song, which makes Eclectic an interesting listen. “Such a Mess” calls to mind a track for a musical such as “Rent,” while the punk pop of “Leave Me Out of It” owes a nod to “Blondie.”

Review by Deborah Crooks for Rockin' Moms (www.rockinmoms.com) - RockinMoms.com

Tempe, Arizona resident, Mary Lemanski recently received the honor
of being named Runner-Up by the Song of the Year
(http://www.songoftheyear.com/) songwriting contest. Song of the
Year is an international songwriting contest supporting VH-1's Save
the Music Foundation. The Song of the Year judges are some of the
biggest names in music including many Grammy Award winners.

Song of the Year is excited to recognize Mary Lemanski for her
exceptional songwriting ability for the song, "Fly Away." Ms.
Lemanski competed against songwriters from all over the world for
this honor.
- VH1 Song of the Year

Phoenix New Times: March 25-31, 2004

"Austin Translation: A Phoenix Passport to South By Southwest" by Michele Laudig

Her songs are vaguely bluesy and her voice is deceptively sweet, with a hint of naughtiness during the choruses.

- Phoenix New Times

March 24, 2005

The Mic: What got this band together and started in this business?

Mary Lemanski: I started playing piano when I was 5 and singing even before that. For awhile I went through a love/hate relationship with music because I was always good at it when I was younger, but it wasn't fun because it was a job. My parents and music teachers were overbearing at times. I was also a church organist throughout high school and part of college. When I was about 11 or 12, I got sick of playing other people's music and started writing my own. I've always played music so it was only natural that I get involved in it as a career.


The Mic:Who writes and produces all the material for the band?

Mary Lemanski: Me...Mary Lemanski...I do everything!


The Mic:The band played in front of or with any acts our readers would know from the Mainstream?

Mary Lemanski: When I had my punk band, Mary Lemanski & the Arrangements, I opened for Marky Ramone & the Speed
Kings and D.I. As a solo artist, I've opened for Val Emmich.


The Mic:Where can people access your music on the web?

Mary Lemanski: Visit www.marylemanski.com. There is a link, "Music," that has a listing of everywhere that you can find my music on the Internet.


The Mic:Any embarrassing moments on stage?

Mary Lemanski: One time I went to the ladies room right before I went on stage, and when I was zipping up my jeans the zipper broke. I just pulled my shirt down and played my set with my fly wide open.


The Mic:Any good stories you want to tell us?

Mary Lemanski: Last year, I played an unofficial showcase at SXSW for GoGirlsMusic.com. I had a couple friends go with
me on the trip to Austin. One of the friends was wanting to haul some cattle to sell. So...we hooked the trailer of cows up to my Durango and made our way to Texas from Arizona. I was not driving because I'm small, and they didn't know if I could handle the weight of the trailer. We were a funny sight. A Durango with an AZPunk.com sticker on the back, hauling cattle, and blaring Ice Cube. To make a long story short, somehow it took us eight hours longer to get to Austin than it should have. I think we were going the wrong direction for four hours. I made it there 15 minutes before I was supposed to go on. Talk
about being stressed out!


The Mic:Who is the bands musical influence?

Mary Lemanski: I listen to all types of music, which is why I am comfortable writing in different genres and even mixing genres. Overall, I think my piano playing is influenced more by guitar players, like Jimi Hendrix, than pianists...especially my solos...but I do hear influences like Tori Amos and Billy Joel. As far as singing, my parents are older than most kids of my
generation so I grew up listening to people like Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Judy Garland. I can hear their influence on my singing as well as more contemporary singers like Kate Bush and Alanis Morrissette.


The Mic:How did the band get together?

Mary Lemanski: As of right now, I am a solo artist. I perform with a keyboard and drum machine/sequencer, into which
I have programmed beats.


The Mic:What is your musical background like?

Mary Lemanski: I began taking piano lessons when I was 5, but my parents tell stories of how I used to walk around the
house singing "You Light Up My Life" at the top of my lungs. Through grade school and high school, I was kind of pushed into music...although I enjoyed it. I just felt a lot of pressure. I entered college as a Music Performance major, but decided that I could perform without a degree, and I changed my major to Music/Business Administration. I also studied Musical
Composition. I've been performing original material as a singer/songwriter/pianist for 8 years now.


The Mic:Any other members in your family that are musicians?

Mary Lemanski: My grandfather used to host and perform in a minstrel show called the Sunshine Minstrels in
Springfield, Illinois. He died in 1969...six years before I was born. My father plays piano. In fact, he taught me my first piano piece, "Chopsticks." He always used to play piano, and I'd sing showtunes.


The Mic:What is the TOP reason why you want to play music?

Mary Lemanski: I honestly don't know what I would do if I did not play music. I feel like I have something to share with the world, and I share it best through music. Music can transcend all boundaries and move mountains. One day there will be a song that unites the whole world, and I want to be the one to write it. - The Mic Online Magazine - KJAG Radio

VH1 Song of the Year Contest: Critique of "Groove Me" from Mary Lemanski EP/Demo

You have some very creative and catchy lyrics with good word usage. The organization of your lyrics has a good natural rhythm. Good work...The melodies are clean and have a nice feel, a sense of attitude. Good composing!

- VH1 Song of the Year Contest Critique

There is no pianist like Mary! She is ONE OF A KIND! Brilliant display of emotion like none other!!!

-Kevin M. Thomas - Kevin M. Thomas

There is no pianist like Mary! She is ONE OF A KIND! Brilliant display of emotion like none other!!!

-Kevin M. Thomas - Kevin M. Thomas

...Mary Lemanski ended with a full-band set of funky-folk, which was a lot of fun, and brought a end to this very diverse and well-put together Showcase, which impressed the songwriters and the audience alike. - Songsalive.org

...Mary Lemanski ended with a full-band set of funky-folk, which was a lot of fun, and brought a end to this very diverse and well-put together Showcase, which impressed the songwriters and the audience alike. - Songsalive.org

…I see a bit of Fiona Apple or Tori Amos fame in her future. - Geneva World - Girlmedia.com - Girl Power Flower Hour - KCRH

…I see a bit of Fiona Apple or Tori Amos fame in her future. - Geneva World - Girlmedia.com - Girl Power Flower Hour - KCRH

Angelic-voiced pianist plays stark, melancholic arias that are as scary as they are pretty. The sound of loneliness. - Mike McGuirk - Staff Writer - listen.com

Angelic-voiced pianist plays stark, melancholic arias that are as scary as they are pretty. The sound of loneliness. - Mike McGuirk - Staff Writer - listen.com

"Make It Go Away" by Mary Lemanski: This wistful song by Mary Lemanski has a lovely melody and beautiful arpeggiated minor modal piano accompaniment. It is similar to early Tori Amos songs, back when Amos was a stronger melodist. It is a song about the revulsion that the modern world can invoke in people, and features intelligent lyrics...Mary, age 25, comes from a strict religious background, like Tori Amos, and I think you can hear it in her music that she is not jaded and sick of the world. I usually don't say this sort of thing, but since it will drive more visitors to her page, Mary is just as cute as a button. - Queenie

"Make It Go Away" by Mary Lemanski: This wistful song by Mary Lemanski has a lovely melody and beautiful arpeggiated minor modal piano accompaniment. It is similar to early Tori Amos songs, back when Amos was a stronger melodist. It is a song about the revulsion that the modern world can invoke in people, and features intelligent lyrics...Mary, age 25, comes from a strict religious background, like Tori Amos, and I think you can hear it in her music that she is not jaded and sick of the world. I usually don't say this sort of thing, but since it will drive more visitors to her page, Mary is just as cute as a button. - Queenie