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Rising Stars [Issue
#8]
Toby Lightman:
Let The Dreams Begin By
Dean Truitt
Little Things
(CD
Lava)
In an era of karaoke contestants on television becoming international pop
stars, Toby Lightman’s genuine talent and inspired songwriting gives much
hope to the weary music world. The New Jersey native has leapt from obscurity
to become one of the nation’s most revered, watched new artists. Though
Lightman’s Little Things is the debut for the 25-year-old singer/songwriter,
she has already amassed a solid base of powerful fans. Legendary producer Nile
Rogers (Chic, Madonna) played guitar on several tracks for her first outing.
Because Lightman’s
sound draws from a wide range of influences, classifying her style can be a
challenge. Her songs trace elements from Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, and Lauryn
Hill, to name just a few that come to mind. The ingredient that seamlessly binds
every element is her uncanny voice, which can whisper intimate confessions and
suddenly explode into soulful fury. Peter Zizzo’s organic production expertly
handles the diversity and range of the artist’s gifts. Fans and programmers
obviously appreciate Lightman’s fresh approach because her salsa-drenched
first single, “Devils and Angels,” currently dominates the airwaves
throughout the nation.
Unlike many musicians, who shrewdly calculate every move in their complex careers,
Toby Lightman seems to feel blessed with her good luck and more than happy to
revel in the moment, rather than building false hopes that could tumble unexpectedly
at any time. She explains, “I wasn’t somebody who thought, ‘I
want to be this huge star.’ I went to school, graduated college. It [her
music career] was just something that I figured I should see how far I could
take it . . . It’s gone pretty far and I have no idea where it’s going
to go now.” If her path continues as it has over the past few years, Toby
Lightman could soon be a musical icon.
Little Things
Lava
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