What are we to make of Carey Ott and his music? Is he the new Jackson Browne, are his sleek and seductive melodies what could be called quiet storm? His voice is human silk and his arrangments and lyrics carry a lot of muscle while adding up to the seduction album of the year. Ott has evolved his craft from Torben Floor, a band more in common with the punk sounds of The Ramones or The Undertones, through country and now to this hybrid of all that he has been through. I’m reminded of the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson’s great line: “I am a part of all that I have met.” Carey Ott is like that, his lyrics have a universal poignance, we’ve all been there, just most of us dissolve into frustration rather than turning that emotion into a three-minute beauty of a pop tune. Now it’s hard not to use the word sensitive when you’re describing Carey Ott’s music, there’s always that derisory sensitive singer/songwriter connotation. So while there are many simpering acts that we can write off, let’s not forget those that put real courage and devastating honesty in their lyrics: John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lou Reed come to mind. Not wimpy stuff, not in the least, it’s bare and raw. And while Ott’s melodies are the stuff of angels’ daydreams, his lyrics are the stuff of a soul bared. There’s alienation, loneliness and pain -and it ain’t there for trendies or the emo crowd. It’s there for real people who like to turn on some music that makes them feel there’s someone else out there who feels the way they do, that there’s someone to rely on (which happens to be the title of cut 8), that they’re not alone. Writing such material is not an easy task, but Ott makes it seem that each song just flowed out of him without a thought. He is a consummate melody writer. And cuts on this album recall some greats: the title cut, reflects Jackson Browne’s phrasing, Je Suis Borderline has a Todd Rundgren feel, Magnificent Mile is very reminiscent of the Beatles’ White Album material, Say You Do has that high lonely Roy Orbison tone. And, of course, there is Ain’t No Upside (To Livin’ On the Downside), the anthem of optimism for 2010 that Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy was for 1989. Carey Ott has emerged as a true Renaissance man, composer, multi-instrumentalist, engineer, producer, teacher, painter and poet. His music is without boundaries. Creating with uninhibited abandon, he draws inspiration from the traditions of his heroes. From Randy Newman to Radiohead, Led Zeppelin to Leadbelly; Carey's influences weave into and out of his work more emotionally than musically, resulting in what he calls, "a reverent tapestry of musical gratitude." To say that Human Heart will be a tour de force is not a shred of overstatement. Carey Ott is a career artist in the making. Get hip to him now while he’s red hot. By Les Wiseman: Mr.Wiseman is often called "the Lester Bangs of Canada." He writes for numerous magazines including Absolute Underground and Douglas and is a lecturer on pop culture and journalism at the University of Victoria. He has covered the music scene for 33 years. "With his shimmering guitars, gossamer melodies and voice to haunt you to the soul's core, Cary Ott brings to life the proverb that still waters run deep. His is the kind of talent that bridges generations, smashes genre walls and can make you effortlessly groove and endlessly dream at the same time. He's a kid in a sandbox, a man making grand designs--and the kind of aritst whose gifts are seen rarely in any given generation. Long may he run." Louis Carlozo, Music Editor / On the Town section - Chicago Tribune 3/14/06 “Carey Ott’s remarkable talent is seemingly counter-intuitive. In our strident, ‘look at me’ culture, Carey remains understated and comfortable. His songs a relative whisper that invite you to lean in and discover just how good they really are.” Fred Brennan, Music Director - Chicago Special Events 11/3/05 "There are lots of guys with guitars out there but Carey Ott emerges from the pack with well-crafted, melodic, thoughtful songs and a solid delivery." Barbara Dacey - Director, Worldwide Programming mvyradio <Martha’s Vineyard> 9/25/05 ”Carey Ott’s musical style is a refreshing kaleidoscope of melody and emotion. His music actually leads the listener effortlessly into the story of the song and it unfolds without their even realizing it. Although Carey’s guitar is simply the vehicle in which he draws a picture, we are very proud to be a small part of it all.” Cara Hogan - Epiphone / Gibson Musical Instruments - Marketing/Artists Relations - 10/30/05 “Wonderful pop sensibilities and a mesmerizing voice. I hope he’s in the studio right now making more of what we all need.” Smitty - Owner / Bluetron Amplifiers 10/10/05 “Carey Ott writes meaningful songs that come straight from the heart of a craftsman whose philosophies ring true and subject the listener to topics and visions that makes one think---and that are truly inspiring. We look forward with great anticipation towards Carey’s performance at the Buskirk-Chumley theatre at the University of Indiana." Sam Warobec - Director BCEC Music Committee - President Fervor Music Group -University of Indiana 10/19/05 "Carey Ott has long been one of Chicago's brightest creative forces, and Dualtone is the right company to expose him to the world. We're all waiting with great expectations to hear what comes of that partnership." Shawn Murphy / ASCAP - VP membership - Chicago 10/26/05 "Fusing a driving, Oasis appeal with a penchant for Beatles melodic ethic, Ott should tear out of the gates with an immediate fan base." Doug Waterman - Editor - American Songwriter 11/03/05 "Carey Ott melds alt-rock strength and alt-country sensitivity to create a fusion that suggests what might happen if Radiohead gave birth in the back of a honky tonk." Louis R Carlozo - Editor / Writer - Friday Section - Chicago Tribune 11/02/05 "Carey Ott has crafted a collection of songs that will prove to be timeless. Whatever mood you’re in Carey Ott has that certain something that makes you embrace what is going on musically. An emerging talent, Carey Ott delivers a must have album for 2006." Brian Ball - Artist Relations - Ernie Ball Inc. - 10/25/05 *”I’m hearing Travis meets Jakob Dylan. Friggn’ catchy as all hell. Laid back and justified. This is pop goodness at its best. Who needs daylight when you can listen to this song? This band could tour with Weezer any day.” From a Garageband.com reviewer 10/17/05