Hot foot from scoring a huge personal triumph performing throughout the Vancouver Winter Olympics,

Now all flight restrictions into the UK have been lifted, the young Canadian singing star can make it into the country to premiere her unique musical sound - a fusion of indie, r ’n’b, jazz and soul - to London audiences at some of the city’s leading music showrooms: The 100 Club on Oxford Street (May 6^th ) - doors open at 7.30pm. ; The Regal Room, 64 Fulham Palace Road (May 7^th) - doors open at 8:30 pm; and Regent Street’s The Apple Store and TM Lewin (May 8^th).

Now well-established as a key date for music lovers and industry talent spotters alike, London’s City Showcase has proved a major stepping stone for a raft of artists that have gone on to outstanding international acclaim and success over the years.

Ali Milner will join a distinguished line up of musical moguls whose early career was enhanced in this way including Razorlight, Scouting for Girls, Newton Faulkner, Keane, Amy Winehouse, N-Dubz, Akala, Lady Sovereign and Sway. The festival provides a rare opportunity to glimpse tomorrow’s future stars.

Nineteen year-old Ali is fast carving a reputation for her own sound on the Indie/Jazz music scene across North America. In London she will be showcasing that rich pure sound and amazing vocal depth , performing songs with her band from her new album I Dare You, which she developed by collaborating and co-writing songs with the likes of Shaun Verreault (lead singer, Wide Mouth Mason) and Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams’ writing partner). She describes it as “a total creative process.” With no rehearsal beforehand Ali and the band enjoyed the freedom of experimenting with the sound, which was recorded live off the floor at Vancouver’s Armoury Studios, to capture the essence of the music. The album is a testament to musical purity. The first single from the album, “Crystal Clear”, been wowing fans via special live appearances and Internet downloads available at http://www.myspace.com/alimilner.

Despite her young age, Ali Milner is becoming a seasoned performer who recorded her first album at the age of 14. She has a packed schedule, and growing international fan base, while her performances are increasingly reviewed and acclaimed by music magazines and sites. City Showcase follows a busy schedule which in the last few months has seen her performing in Tokyo, Vancouver, Toronto, Arizona and along the west coast from British Columbia to Los Angeles. She has been booked to participate in Sarah McLachlan's upcoming tour, Lilith Fair In July.

Media Contact: Lyndsay Turley, lyndsay@greeniris.co.uk, 07775 742 688

Je m'explique : I Dare est un album qui est en phase avec l'âge encore tendre la demoiselle, ce qui signifie qu'il est davantage orienté vers des sonorités pop un peu faciles mais toujours séduisantes et pas trop étouffantes. L'album reste très frais et pourra aisément accompagné les premiers rayons de soleil du printemps qui se fait encore attendre. L'album s'ouvre sur quelques pistes mélodieuses telles que le catchy Crystal Clear, et le reggae insouciant, charmant mais un peu bancal de I Wanna Be Loved By You, mais rapidement l'album se fait plus subtil et intéressant avec le superbe morceau à connotation jazzy/pop Lost My Diamond, le tendrement soulful Somebody, ma piste préférées l'intimiste et poignant I Dare You, le pimpant et réjouissant up tempo vintage de Gonna Dance, le simple mais fort charmant déjà-vu I Can't Wait Forever ou encore le positif et lucide Can't Change This Girl.

On ressent, à travers ce premier disque, les premisses d'une artiste avec un grand potentiel. Une belle voix, des sonorités charmantes et quelques petits éclairs de pure beauté. Plus qu'encourageant.

Note Finale : A

The original blog post

Ali Milner, a promising young pop singer/writer based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, has won the March SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “I Dare You” (co-written by Don McLeod & Shawn Verreault). "I Dare You" is the title track of her latest album, which she released independently in October (2009).

“I Dare You” is a new song which recalls the classic '60s-style sound of hit ballads such as "Unchained Melody." This song has an understated arrangement (mainly acoustic guitar and strings) which is presented very well, and it provides an ideal setting to showcase Milner's clear, powerful vocals. Her vocals come in right as the song begins, and her singing remains compelling throughout the song. "I Dare You" was expertly produced by Don McLeod, who also plays guitar on this recording.

Milner (who is 19) was born in Toronto, and she moved with her family to Whistler, BC (a mountain resort north of Vancouver) at a young age. She learned to play piano at age 13, and started writing songs a year later. Interestingly, Milner grew up listening to and being inspired by such classic artists as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Dolly Parton. "My parents always played the older songs, and I connected with these classic songs more easily," recalled Milner.

When she was 14, Milner released her first album (self-titled Ali Milner), which was a collection of jazz songs that she recorded with a jazz trio in Toronto. It was also during this period that Milner performed in several music theater productions, and she had a regular gig performing at the Four Seasons Hotel. Milner has also performed shows live in Tokyo and London, which were set up by the Canadian embassy.

In March 2009, Milner began recording her album I Dare You, which consists of 13 songs mostly written by her (with Don McLeod). The album was recorded in a more traditional and organic way. "It was recorded live off the studio floor--it was recorded organically, onto tape," she explained.

Now with the release of I Dare You, Milner is continuing to gain exposure and land more gigs. She performed in Whistler when the Olympic torch passed through the city, and she recently opened a show for popular rock band Barenaked Ladies. "I just want to keep working hard promoting my album, do more shows, and build a strong online presence," she said. "I also want to continue to develop relations with record labels, managers and the music industry."

"I Dare You." Performed by Ali Milner of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Written by Ali Milner, Don McLeod & Shaun Verreault.

At the Chan Centre: Ali Milner

Talent is timeless

by Steven Chua
contributor

Sunday, October 4th, 2009