Intro
" New York City Tendaberry" is the 3rd studio album from American singer-songwriter and pianist Laura Nyro, released in 1969. Following two effective albums, "More Than a New Discovery" in 1967 and "Eli and The Thirteenth Confession" in 1968, Nyro's "New York Tendaberry" altered the trajectory of her profession with a more personal, introspective, and psychological method to songwriting.
Background
In contrast to her previous albums, "New York Tendaberry" moved away from the pop and soul perceptiveness of her earlier works to explore a darker, more somber musical landscape. The album was written mostly on the piano and focused on styles of love, loss, and self-discovery, which were heavily influenced by Nyro's experiences living in New York City. Subsequently, the songs on the album have a moody, melancholic quality that captures the environment of the city itself.
The title "New York Tendaberry" is a mix of words that were significant to Nyro at the time-- "tendaberry" being a term she created to describe the bittersweet nature of life. She once described the album as an "expedition of my psychological growth at a time of significant personal changes".
Structure and Production
" New York Tendaberry" is mainly a solo project, with Nyro being the sole composer, vocalist, and pianist on the album. Most of the tracks are piano-driven, with sparse orchestration provided by a small ensemble. This sparse accompaniment serves to highlight the power of Nyro's voice and the elaborate beauty of her piano playing.
The production of the album was dealt with by Laura Nyro and producer/manager Artie Mogull. The noticeably stripped-down aesthetic of the album originates from their desire to showcase Nyro's raw talent and vulnerability. The setup allowed for an intimate and emotional listening experience that was both special and impactful at the time of the album's release.
Reception and Legacy
Although "New York Tendaberry" initially received mixed evaluations from critics who found the album's melancholic beauty to be less available than Nyro's earlier work, the album has since acquired a cult following and is thought about by numerous fans and critics to be her finest work.
Upon release, it reached # 32 on the Billboard Top LPs chart and was later on licensed Gold in the United States. Several tunes from the album, such as "Save the Country", went on to be covered by other artists, including The 5th Dimension and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Today, "New York Tendaberry" is frequently thought about an influential work of confessional songwriting and feminine artistry, affecting a generation of singer-songwriters such as Tori Amos, Rickie Lee Jones, and Kate Bush.
Track Listing
The 10 original tracks on the album display Nyro's unique ability to tell stories and stimulate feelings through her songwriting. The tracks consist of:
1. "You Don't Love Me When I Cry"
2. "Captain for Dark Mornings"
3. "Tom Cat Goodbye"
4. "Mercy on Broadway"
5. "Save the Country"
6. "Gibsom Street"
7. "Time and Love"
8. "The Man Who Sends Me Home"
9. "Sweet Lovin' Baby"
10. "Captain Saint Lucifer"
Conclusion
As an essential milestone in Laura Nyro's remarkable profession, "New York Tendaberry" stays a testimony to her powerful songwriting, passionate shipment, and immense talent. This deeply personal album continues to resonate with audiences and stands as a critical work in the canon of confessional singer-songwriters.
Artist: Laura Nyro
Laura Nyro's remarkable life, the deeply talented singer-songwriter & pianist, who shaped music with her distinctive blend of soul, gospel, R&B, pop, and jazz.
More about Laura Nyro