Review by Huntleigh Price

Victoria was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was singing the C scale before she was one year old and started performing at the age of three. She is the daughter of a Native American mother Elizabeth Dennison from the Navajo tribe in Tohatchi New Mexico. Her father is Mr. Carlos I. Chavez a Hispanic American. They enrolled Victoria in singing lessons at the tender age of 1 1/2 years old. She sang from “Annie” and Judy Garland’s “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries”.

At age 10 after being beat out by a yodeler in a talent contest in Las Vegas, she was determined to yodel and became a showstopper with the country song “Cowboy Sweetheart”. Victoria has recorded her first Album in Nashville, Tennessee October 2008.

Ms. Victoria has been a favorite in the Intermountain Region singing a powerful rendition of the “National Anthem”. She has performed for many dignitaries, including Government, City and Native American officials. One of her highlights was being invited to perform at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Her song interpretation is one of her strengths and always has audiences wanting more. Victoria has a versatile voice, from jazz, musical theatre, pop rock to country. She has recorded many demos, has been featured in major Newspapers such as The Tribune and Deseret News from the Intermountain West.

She is dedicated, keeps herself looking neat and beautiful, hardworking and has a gracious personality. She would like a chance at the “big time”. Her parents have supported Victoria’s dream, taking her to performances, making sure she presented herself well before many crowds. Even though she comes from humble beginnings this has not stopped Victoria from following her dreams.

There is something about the opening of the Victoria Blackie CD that makes me think of happier days when I actually went to country bars and danced a mean twelve step. The opening cut "Don't Make Me Love You " starts with a great up-tempo rhythm filled with professional vocals and musicians. The Steel Pedal Guitar works well with the selection and lends some sass to the song. The vocals are strong and confident. The debut album "WANTED MAN" is a pleasant, patriotic and Country presentation.

The opening song reminds me of the past, not just my past, but Country Music's past. When it was old country as opposed to the Judeo-Christian Pop hybrid it has been transformed into. The country music that talked about drama- love, loss, heartbreak, drinking, flirting, infidelity and well just plain ol' real life. Now so many "New Country" songs are filled with patriotism and xenophobia. It's like the Tea Party Movement that is sweeping America. It's not racist it is "patriotic" right? Country and patriotism go hand in hand but like everything in America there is always one artist or group that takes it to far and their overt message starts to exclude people instead of embracing them.

There is no question that Victoria has the pipes and vocal maturity to become a recognized international singer. Her vocal range and control are clearly that of a talented professional singer. But one thing that keeps tapping me on my shoulder asking me why country music? Country is great music- both "New Country" and traditional country. But for a woman like Victoria Blackie country is too small a genre for her. Why?

For one, she is Native & Hispanic- the doors are starting to open more for minorities in country music and in the last few years we have seen some breakthroughs in country; think Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie & The Blowfish. He broke through the straw ceiling as an African-American and soloist. This had not been done in decades since Charley Pride's explosive burst onto the music scene in the early 1970's. Country music has yet to let a minority woman into the club. Traditionally all of the great southern and northern recording artists have included women of color for in-studio and on-tour members as back-up singers.

Black, Native and Latina women have consistently contributed vocal prowess, rhythm and cadence for many legendary Grammy and CMA award winning releases for white artists. We have not been entirely embraced as solo artists in the country genre.

It is amazing as even Opera and Classical music have accepted women of color for several decades. Why not Country music?

Race and gender will not keep Victoria from her dreams. Truth be known, we have a elegant diva that has a voice and presence bigger than country. Instead of venturing into a genre that historically is not the most open minded towards women of color, perhaps consider refining the CD to include some standards and crossover into the world of pop.
Pop offers more acceptance- not only gender and race but also musical diversity.
It is acceptable to change your personal style, collaborate and create unlikely pairings.
Country music tends to keep artists in a musical "lock".

I own every George Strait album and despite his great vocal prowess, most of his albums are all the same CMA winning formulas. No risk ever.

Victoria is ready for a little risk and maybe a pinch of risque too. She steps out again on the cut "Useless" letting some roadhouse bravado out of the bag. The album is full of talented musicians and when Victoria has her "own" band, the cohesiveness will offer an even stronger and dynamic presentation.

Unfortunately, the album needs to be professionally digitally remastered. The technical audio quality and the recording quality is decent. The album has some audio calibration variances and uneven tonal and fade issues. It does not negate Victoria's rich and emotional voice. A production realignment including a fresh presentation that could fairly showcase her talents would lend the greatest potential for her to shop a deal. With the right tools, including a quality compact disc, professionally printed liner notes and new material assessment,  Victoria could attract any forward thinking record executive.

The CD "Wanted Man" is an excellent launching point for Victoria Blackie. She has the tools for success in the entertainment industry. I see some similarities to Dolly Parton, albeit without all the silicone and silly wigs. A genuine talented beauty that can sing with emotion and heart. A new breakout artist that has more energy than the Opry Stage is ready for.
Victoria Blackie has a world of fans waiting for her and when she shows up it's gonna be on!

http://www.victoriablackie.com

http://www.iicoc.com/artist_january_10