"Storm in a Teacup" is an eclectic romp through Robert's collection of influences. From jangling Billy Joel to quirky David Bowie, you can hear it all but done in Robert's fresh, new way. He is a force on the piano!"
"(the musicians on the album) are a real list of who's who... "Storm in a Teacup" has a really wide appeal....within the album anybody could find ten things that they will gravitate to and grab on to...it's an excellent achievement."
I love the song and the production - it is very John Lennon/Beatles Sgt. Pepper era. Strings and even Ringo type fills. Brilliant music. I LOVE the two slowed down sections. I can see the "movie" in my head ....You are SO talented my friend.
(critique of "Jonathon Baker)
The imagery is vivid and imaginative. In terms of style, the song sounds like something written and recorded around the time of Sgt. Pepper (late 1966/early 1967). It actually reminds me very much of the stuff Jeff Lynne was writing during his time with the Idle Race. The structural arrangement flows smoothly from start to finish......the melody is totally engaging. Really enjoyed listening to this track.
"Ingenious, sophisticated pop music with more twists and turns than the average Agatha Christie thriller..."
"Robert Graham has played many different kinds of music over the years, from salsa with Australia's Los Chasquis to take-no-prisoners roots with Canada's own Tanglefoot. But he's also absorbed a lot of pop influences as a fan - everyone from Steely Dan to Van Halen. All of these sounds come into play on his highly impressive debut solo album "STORM IN A TEACUP"
"Should have great appeal across the board."
"diverse and inspiring"
Robert Graham’s “Storm in a Teacup” is an eclectic album that not only reflects his vast musical tastes and experiences, but also the cries of his heart.
"This album rocks. It's a soulful outing from Robert Graham and we (Dragon) love his version of Sunshine."
“If Billy Joel, Joe Jackson, Ray Charles and Gary Numan formed a supergroup, they might well produce an album that sounds a lot like Storm in a Teacup.”
“Graham doesn’t press any buttons that other artists haven’t pressed before, but in Storm in a Teacup, he presses a lot of them all at once.”
“Artistic, but without hint of artistic pretension, Storm in a Teacup manages to be clever and innovative while still eminently listenable.”
“The songwriting is meticulous, the musicianship superb, and the production painstaking, but, somehow, Storm in a Teacup still sounds effortless.”
“An independent in label only, Storm in a Teacup would stand out for its quality among even the best releases from the biggest companies.”
“The only thing Robert Graham might come to regret about his debut album, Storm in a Teacup, is the impossibly high standard he’s set for its follow-up.”
"Albums are supposed to belong to specific genre...and if the artist refuses to conform, well, he's "all over the map"....Never mind. Throw away the bloody map. Good music should always strive to exceed its classification. And Robert Graham should take "unclassifiable" as a compliment. ..."Storm in a Teacup" is, at least on the vocal side, more than a few parts Donald Fagen, with a dash of Neil Young......Graham lined up some top notch musicians for this indie effort....an eclectic musical mix. To be sure, there is a map for listening to Graham's inaugural effort, albeit a big one. But you will enjoy the trip.
"Wow! That's my first response........Robert Graham's credentials and experience are stellar. He has paid his dues and now it's time for him to shine and he does that in spades.......Robert's vocal versatility shines throughout....all the best grooves and melodies that pop, rock funk and blues has to offer.....delivers that ozone freshness after a summer thunderstorm."
(Robert's)music is similar to many pop songwriters with a deep knowledge of music and words, like Billy Joel or bands like Toto or Eagles. When I hear the beautiful song “Don’t Go” and it’s piano playing I just expect the entire band Toto to show up anytime and sing the backing vocals! Some tunes like “Don’t go” “Living in a Coma”, “Sunshine” (a cover from Dragon) and “In Love with a Girl” really stand out. They immediately stick to your mind and make you want to listen to them again and sing along. The album is diverse, even if we can say it is a pop album it tends to be a crossover of different styles, from indie rock to pop tunes, from sophisticated rock melodies to relaxing moments. It is easy to like this album and Robert Graham voice is pleasant, there is an immediate feeling of ”I know this classic already and I love it” when you play this CD even for the first time. His a professional piano player, and he has a peculiar rock/soul piano playing well recognizable in all his songs A good job, a brilliant first album for Robert.
....full of international flavour....a stellar group of musicians (has been) assembled....
What a clever, fun, fresh song! Really enjoyed listening..... as a song, it works on many levels. I would love to hear more from you! This has a great, timeless quirky vibe to it. Reminds me a bit of the Beatles.....the whole piece is really inventive. Well done! The eclectic nature of this song works well.......
(submission critique for the track "Jonathon Baker")
"We found Robert's music hard to ignore, especially when your toes are tapping on the floor as if they had a mind of their own! His voice reminds you of past greats like Steely Dan and The Beatles. Every song sticks to you like glue."
"All of the original songs on "Storm in a Teacup" sound like A-sides.....(the songs) show off Graham's virtuoso musicianship, exemplary rock vocals, and smart lyrics...addictive melodies and clever lyrics that turn your head when you first hear them and stick in there long after the song is over....a remarkable pastiche of influences..... (his) scintillating work on the piano and versatile voice...help(ed) bring to fruition Graham's vision of an album featuring stong harmonies, catchy melodies, and hooks you just can't shake."
"Robert Graham would have made an excellent Jeff Lynne. Maybe even a Donald Fagen or an Ian Anderson....a brilliant debut album."
"some songs....defy(ing) musical boundaries...born of the blues, pop, rock, or the more experimental leanings of David Bowie and the Beatles. His qualities as a storyteller....and his music and lyrics create characters that are at the same time both quirky and very real".
"...the production quality alone blew me away - it us above and beyond most independent records..... ...the flavours, from jazz, blues, funk, folk, rock....add character and integrity to catchy pop riffs. ....the craftmanship is generous with rich detail and dynamics.....no magical moment has been missed."
Robert Graham – Storm In A Teacup (2009)
Graham ist ein kanadischer Musiker, der sein Album im Eigenvertrieb veröffentlicht hat. Charmanter, unkomplizierter Pop mit zahlreichen hörbaren Einflüssen: Rock, Funk, Blues, Reggae. Produziert hat Chris Brown (der von Chris & Kate) und ich wäre nie auf diese schöne CD gestoßen, wenn nicht Eric Schenkman und Teddy Kumpel auf einem Track als Gäste dabeigewesen wären. Womit sich mal wieder zeigt: ein nerdiger Sammler zu sein, sorgt immer wieder für angenehme Überraschungen.
OR IN ENGLISH
"Graham's a musician from Canada who's released his album independently. Charming, straight-forward music reminiscing lots of influences: rock, funk, blues, reggae. Produced by Chris Brown (of Chris & Kate fame). I wouldn't know this album at all if there weren't Eric Schenkman and Teddy Kumpel guesting on one track. Robert's album's one more proof that it's fantastic to be a record collecting nerd...."
Multi-talented artist/singer/songwriter Robert Graham is the real deal. He sings with a level of passion and soul that makes his music really stand out.
an accomplished performer...Graham gave a spirited performance.