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Talent Magazine Spring Issue 2003- Lucilles's All Star Line-Up.She is currently working on her 2nd.CD"Longing For You To Be Near"She is also working on a 3rd.CD of Original&Traditional Blues Songs Only!
"Brooklynite Maria Lee Carta has put out a powerful CD in "Love to Hate". A surprisingly versatile voice, I was sitting at my desk trying to think of whom she reminds me of whom she reminds me, when my IBM technician asked if it was Janis Joplin. There is a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" and an easy guess would be Stevie Nicks or maybe Annie Wilson of Heart. A little Paula Cole, maybe even a touch of Chrissie Hynde or Grace Slick. In truth, she is none of these, but could definitely play in their league.
Her songs have a dark side to them, not necessarily evil, but you know there are a lot of personal experiences under the surface, and you are welcome to listen, just don't ask any questions. Probably the most powerful songs are her own, including the title cut, "Love to Hate You." This tune runs remarkably only five seconds short of eleven minutes. Or the emotional spectrum covered in her composition "Mother and Child." There is a cover of Willie Dixon's "The Hunter" and the revered "Unchain My Heart". However it is on her own compositions and collaborations that she unleashes the power of her voice, and the skill with which she has arranged these pieces. Get this one."
-Joe Grandwilliams
Goodtimes Magazine
"Her sonic voice is infectious and prominent, and you might agree that she is comprised of equal parts of Southern Comfort, honey, Gal, and bitterness."
-Lou Margiore
Goodtimes Magazine
Nip/Tuck-RE:(Ep.311)-2005(WarnerBros.Television Production Inc.)
Song:" LoveToHateYou"Artist:MARIA LEE CARTA Record Co.Scruchina Records In SC:Description:Int Surgery Suite:Quentin tells Sean and Christian that he is going to work for Julia.
"The Blues is not a very old musical form in comparison to many others, but at the sime time it's quite a senior citizen amoung strictly American music. Blues arose sometime around the Civil War as a distilate of African music brought over by the slaves. From field hollers, ballads, church music, and rhythmic dance tunes called jump-ups evoked a music for a singer who would engage in a call and response.
Why this formula of music evolved no one knows for sure. Why it has remained in use is far easier to understand. It works. The constant building of tension then releasing it and then repeating it is emotionally and musically effective. Furthermore the subject matter matter is not that wide. Love, loss, travel, death, money, hope, and despair. The fundamental attitude of the Blues is that truly joyful music can and does come out of real life heart while tapping your belly of personal pain, heartbreaks, and grievances of life and says, "I feel know how you feel man, I've been there too." Maria Lee Carta is one such performer who achieves the above with an insurmountable amount of enthusiasm and love of craft.
The Maria Lee Carta Band opened their 3 sets with a barrage of classics, "Walkin' By Myself," Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie (Wo)man, Hendrix's "Red House," and Janis' "Turtle Blues" dedicated to Long Island's own Ralph Man. Ms. Carta's Brooklyn tough appeal seems to involve her heart piercing cold water vocals and restless but warm persona.
The Maria Lee Carta Band, includes Clutch Reilly on bass, who is truly a front man's front man. His precise vamping of plunk in conjunction with his comedic assault work well. Handling drums and vocals is Jay Sharkie. His alternating currents of free floating anxiety and his inborn instincts of a metronome are his hook. Lastly, is Danny "Big Hands" Doll on guitar and vocals. Danny is a passionate player who adds a personalized original sound to classic Blues covers. He is definitely one of the few great slide guitarists in our area. Watch out Kerry.
Up next, rough and ready Danny kicked out some of his own from is premier CD on Red Moon Records. The No bullshit "Down Home Blues," Hendrix's "Bleeding Heart," and Mel London's "Sugar Sweet" all delivered with penetrating guts and emotion. Ms. Carta returned with the staple " I Just Want to Make Love to You" segued into "The Hunter." This singer's grace, sex appeal, and all around stage presence adds punch to her performance. Maria's originals "Mother and Child" about the plight of a single mother and "Love to Hate You" written on the relationship of obsession were well received and emotively brought one to get in touch with self pain and doubt.
Danny Doll's slide on Robert Johnson's "Love In Vain" would've made Mick Taylor take notice as Maria sang it with quivering heart. It's great to hear covers of the very underrated Peter Green. "Jumping at Shadows" was done bittersweet with a deep understanding of personal character. "I'm Ready" evoked blatant sexuality and unmerciful skewering. When Ms. Carta is involved in self discovery the resulting pain cuts deep. She assumes a bitter edge approach to tough covers and her work is so personal it would be painful if it weren't so beautiful. Her sonic voice is so infectious, she will no doubt awaken you. Be aware club owners book early, the spring and summer is upon you.
-Blue Lou Margiore
Good Times Magazine
(Chesterfield's May 1, 1998)
"-pure soulful funk grove - hot from opening Etta's tour Maria Lee Carta - backed by Stevie Cochran and Donnie Celenza - guitar godmanship! Stevie flying in from an European tour and Donnie just flying. "
"Toby Walker - my friend, confidante and best MC ever! Ann Friedman, Larry Sribnick - photo journalistes par excellance. The press - Lou Issac, Rich B. Letta, Good Times, Newsday. The brewsters and Long Island Brewing Company for the beer and place."
- Mark Gresser
Article on Long Island
Blues Society from
"Tri State Blues"
March/April 1997