(01 October 2000) Singer songwriter piano player Jo Davidson released two very different albums during 1999. Fragile Tough Girl(Fragile Tough Girl Records (USA) 6987-2, 1999) is comprised of elevenheartfelt ballad-like songs in a style similar to Jenny Bruce (reviewedabove) that would fit equally comfortable in any of the teen dramascurrently being aired on WB television. Tell The Story (Fragile Tough Girl Records (USA) 6988-2, 1999) isthe followup differing from the artist's debut containing fifteen pianosolos. The artwork accompanying the compact disc literally does as thetitle suggests; it tells the story of a portion of Jo's life, focusingon time spent in Paris. The material is also available at her websitein the "Personal Thoughts" section. Photos included in the albums' artwork illustrate a visual similarity to actress Jennifer Anniston.

In Fragile Tough Girl the music seems to explode withcharm and sex appeal. "Brewing underneath are feelings of loss, hope, angerand questioning." The soft pop/rock tracks are most remniscent of ToriAmos, Alanis Morrisette and Fiona Apple. Jo Davidson provides pianokeyboard, most of the guitar and all vocals in addition to writing thesongs and co-producing the album with Greg Ladanyi (Fleetwood Mac, JacksonBrowne, Don Henley). A bevy of guest artists provide extensive supporting instrumental arrangements to some of the tracks. The album was recorded in Los Angeles however Jo has recently relocated to New York City where she is currently playing venues most suited to her style of music.

The album opens with the guitar backed title track andserves to introduce Jo Davidson's moody singing style to the listener. "All The World's Religions" is performed with a similar, guitar-laced instrumental arrangement. The variation between verses and chorus illustrate the artist's range from the outset. The bluesy "Real" derives its texture from muted trumpet and an almost spoken vocal part. Piano dominates the arrangements of verses in the heartfelt ballads "Tonight," "Mental Pollution," "Secrets," and "Rose Colored Glasses" while thicker sound in the choruses comes from additional instrumentation, including guitar, lovely string parts and harmonizing vocal layers.

We especially enjoyed the arrangements and vocal effectsin the upbeat "I Don't Dance." The lyrically interesting "Cherry Road" is substantially simpler in its arrangements and actually has a 'performed live' feel to it. "Shampoo Boy" and "Alone In My Room" are sung with piano-only accompaniment, the latter reprising the title track, and accordingly most accurately illustrate the artist's raw talent when performing alone. The piano part can best be compared to the solos on the artist's second album.

Jo Davidson's prowess with the piano is evident in herdebut album but her virtuosity is best expressed in Tell The Story.All songs were written, produced and recorded by Jo herself. Contemporaryin nature, her classical piano training shines through in each track. Itis evident why she has had her songs recorded by artists like StephanieMilles, Melissa Manchester and has won numerous songwriting contests.Lovers of piano music will adore this fifteen track album.

You can order Jo Davidson's albums from her own website. Certainlyworthy of further exploration, fans of Tori Amos and Alanis Morrisettewill want to try them out. You can find soundbites at her mp3.comwebsite. Althought they are very different, we found both of Jo Davidson's albums to be a very nice listen!