Triumphant Trio: A Review of “Braided,” Made Up of Former ‘Canadian Idol’ Contestants

As you may or may not know, Mark Lalama is the piano player of Canadian Idol. And it was his dream to make a CD with those Idols. Usually, when I have a dream, I end up wasting $50 on the lottery. In a sense, this too was a gamble for Mark, and three Idol bootees from season 3 – Casey LeBlanc, Amber Fleury, and Ashley Leitao. But I’ve been told this project was “a labor of love.”

I’m sure when Ashley was prematurely booted second last season, or Amber fourth or Casey sixth; a music career seemed more in the distant future than the present. But less than a year later, they have their first full CD on the market. A remarkable accomplishment in any arena. And the CD itself… Not bad. Not bad at all.

This CD allows all three to shine singularly and together. Each one gets their own solo effort as well as lead vocals on their trios. Amber does two “solos” as well as Ashley and Casey. Technically, Ashley’s last solo is a duet with some skater guy. But the magic on this CD really happens when they sing in harmonious synchronicity. It is surprising to me that they have this much great chemistry so soon. Anyway, let’s take a look at the CD.

1. “Let’s Talk” (Paul & Mark Lalama)

This is more of an introduction to Casey, Amber, and Ashley than a full song, as each has a small part in this short verse. Casey opens with Ashley right behind and Amber anchoring. They each share a few words in order. Just enough to whet our appetites and say hello.

2. “Only Time will Tell” (Mark Lalama)

Ashley starts this one off with a sultry opening on this deliberately-paced song and she sounds great. Then Amber brings her unmistakable voice in to carry the second verse. After Ashley follows up Amber, all three blend or “braid” their voices and this is where the magic begins. I’ll be saying that a lot, so get used to it. This Mark Lalama piece brings these voices together perfectly letting each voice touch base independently as well as harmoniously throughout. It is beautiful. One of my favorites on the CD.

3. “Butterfly Girl” (Jaylene Johnson, Eldon Winter)

Ashley leads the vocal on this ballad about the maturing of a young woman. It’s just her and a guitar until the chorus. Then the magic begins. Amber and Casey serve as temporary backups as Ashley shines, but my favorite part is when all three seem to echo each other singing Butterfly… butterfly… butterfly. It reminds me of the Andrew Sisters, but much more contemporary. Absolutely fabulous.

4. “Real Strong Love” (David Tyson, Paul Lalama, Andreja Punkris)

This is Casey’s first solo and she has only a piano to accompany her. This slow ballad allows Casey to show every asset of her voice without the piercing eyes of the judges. This is the voice I loved in the auditions I never really heard again… until now. She even makes the breathiness work. Great tone.

5. “A Little Bit Closer” (Mark Lalama)

Amber starts this off with Ashley and Casey as backup harmonies that have to be heard to be believed. This is amazing and unmatched in recent history. These voices blend so well together it sends chills. Each has the opportunity to be lead vocal as well. This is my favorite cut on the CD. It has a retro ‘60s type sound that actually works in today’s market. This song alone is worth the price of the CD. Even my 15-year-old son likes it. And yes, that’s a good thing.

6. “Long Way Home” (Mark and Paul Lalama, Kim Kay)

When listening to this wistful ballad, it reminds me why I thought Amber would win the whole thing early last season. Her voice is mature, unmistakable, and easily identifiable. Her rich tone and controlled vibrato are on display and one wonders why she didn’t get discovered before Idol. I would love to hear a whole CD with Amber and think I will some day. Another beautiful cut.

7. “Something (Is Her Name)” (David Tyson, Mark and Paul Lalalma)

The first up-tempo song on the CD. Ashley gets it started, then all three chime in on the chorus, and finally Amber takes over. Good piece that allows all three to let down their hair and show a different side.

8. “You Are in My Bed” (Mark Lalama)

This is Casey’s showpiece – and show she does. Casey is a bit more subtle on this one, but she nevertheless sounds just as enchanting and I actually like it better than her first. With its slow tempo and slight accompaniment, Casey’s vocals are clearly the focus, as they should be.

9. “Who Are You Talkin’ To?” (Mark and Paul Lalama)

Only the second and last up-tempo song on the CD, but here we get more three braided harmonies than on “Something.” At the beginning, it has the flavor of a ‘70s country tune. The highlight on this song is when all the girls sing the chorus, “Who are you talkin’ to? …” It sounds absolutely fantastic.

10. “Before You” (Mark Lalama)

Here is Ashley’s “solo” – sort of. Elvis Stojko, skater extraordinaire, lends his voice on this ballad. Elvis sings the first verse alone. Ashley then sings the second. They then join together on the third and yes, this where the magic happens. Their voices sound great in harmony. Especially the “Before you” chorus. Yeah, there might a chill here and there. Another beautiful piece.

11. “Secret Heart” (Mark Lalama)

The last song on the CD has Amber closing the show with another great piece by Mr. Piano himself, Mark Lalama. This is also Amber’s finest. This ballad shows off every aspect of Amber’s voice and the song itself has a melody with unexpected but beautiful turns. But Amber’s vocal richness and tone are the real highlights. Again, I say it’s a wonder she even got to Idol before being signed.

12. “Let’s Talk” reprise

A little less than the beginning of the CD, as if to say goodbye.

As a first effort, I give this CD a big fat A. I’m not quite sure how to categorize this CD, but it is in my “I Love” category. There is only one Canadian Idol CD I enjoyed more and that would be the winner of the same season, Melissa O’Neil. I found it better written and enjoyable than, (don’t shoot me Canada) Kalan’s 219 Days, Theresa’s, or Rex’s. I also like it better than Kelly Clarkson’s first effort. That’s the good news. Now here’s apparently the bad. In the past, if I liked something, Canada didn’t. Maybe that will change with Braided. I hope so because this is a really good CD and Canada should give it a listen.

Could Braided be the new Andrew Sisters? I hope they stay together long enough for us all to find out. They sound absolutely brilliant together and I can’t wait for their second CD. I also hope Canada will be able to get a taste of Braided on Sunday the 17th, because I’m sure they will like what they hear. Because this “labor of love” is a labor I love.

Ed can be reached at Idolheaded@yahoo.com.

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