Debbie Hennessey
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Debbie Hennessey

Los Angeles, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2000 | INDIE

Los Angeles, California, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2000
Solo Country Blues Rock

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Music

Press


"Get It - No Longer Broken"

(No Longer Broken) "Debbie Hennessey has been a force in indie music DIY circles for many years. On her latest offering, she co-writes with such other notable indie writers as Courtney Leigh Heins and Athena Marie, crafting an intensely listenable album of country tinged rock. The album is perfectly produced and mixed by Jeffery Marshall, who also co-writes six of the tunes. But what truly sets these songs apart from the majority of country music today is the voice of Hennessey, entirely different from any other femaile voice you will hear. It is this difference that provides Hennessey's signature and makes her music unique.

As far as the songs, the lyrics are definitely relatable and should conect with listeners who are struggling with the same issues as the songwriters. Best tracks on the album are "Every Song Is You" the title track ("No Longer Broken") "Sugar and Rain" and "Right For Right Now." The other stand out song is the one tune not written by Hennessey, the brilliant duet with singer songwriter Lexie Hofer, "Woman."

Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer. Between the lyrical content and the musical accompaniment, and a voice that stands out from the pack, No Longer Broken is a definite Get It for lovers of great music." - Robert Leggett - LA Music Critic/Indie Voice Blog


"Debbie Hennessey - No Longer Broken"

(No Longer Broken) "Sometimes the boulevard of broken dreams is really a highway of smashed hearts.

Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Debbie Hennessey been down that road. But No Longer Broken is in the past tense; she's looking in her rearview mirror, leaving the dashed hopes and bad shit behind. This is honest talk from a strong woman; however, the music is brimming with infectious pop/rock melodies even when the lyrics are tossing poison darts.

Hennessey epitomizes the rootsy side of Adult Album Alternative, essentially classic rock with a contemporary edge. While there are country flavors in the grooves, this is definitely a West Coast record, more Linda Ronstadt and Jackson Browne than Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. On Every Song is You, Hennessey's voice recalls the plaintive croon of Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac while producer Jeffery Marshall's riffs give the track a Wallflowers kick. The title cut offers a feeling of emotional uplift from all the heartache. "One touch from you/And I'm no longer broken," Hennessey sings, and killer slide guitar makes it all go down soulful and easy.

When Hennessey lets it rip, she doesn't hold back. "Liar, cheater," she rages on in You Can't Unpull a Trigger. The mean harmonica captures the anguish in her singing. On Let Me Go, Hennessey leaves her soul bare - and the listener breathless. Breaking up may be hard to do, but it's worth it if it inspires albums as excellent as this." - Stacey Zering - No Depression


"Now Streaming - Debbie Hennessey"

(No Longer Broken) "When an artist's voice can speak to you with it's tone, pitch and power - not just with the lyrics sung - you know you're in for something special. Soulful might only be a word, but it may just say it all when it comes to standout singer/songwriter Debbie Hennessey.

From its first song, No Longer Broken, is an album that effortlessly blends genres and connects the universal experiences of love lost (Every Song is You), found (No Longer Broken), damaged (Let Me Go) and … massaged with liquor (Whiskey Charm). Heartache aside, No Longer Broken is something to celebrate as a polished piece of work from an indie artist that deserves praise for being eclectic, yet electric for fans of all types of music. This album is a little bit country with a dash of rock ’n’ roll, a few bursts of pop and some rich rhythm and blues that collides with deep soul.

Hennessey’s voice is husky (in the best possible way) and offers hints of Stevie Nicks spun with the effervescence of a Faith Hill. On this, her third full-length album, Hennessey’s growth and range as an artist is evident, having co-written eight of the nine songs (six with her guitarist, Jeffrey Marshall), including the titular standout No Longer Broken. Hennessy is an accomplished indie act worth checking out; the production values and her voice – that voice! – will blow you away. It’s truly stellar from start to finish." - Mike Wood - The Pulse Magazine


"No Longer Broken review"

(No Longer Broken) "A seasoned singer/songwriter, Hennessey imbues her craftily structured songs with a husky vocal resonance and some deluxe backup by deft players. Every Song Is You is our favorite, a tune whose theme is music’s power to evoke and to transport. Suffused with organ, backup singers and a neat, nimble guitar solo, this midtempo song is catchy and satisfying...Hennessey is an experienced hand who can certainly deliver a polished product." - Editors - Music Connection


"Hennessey Hits a High Note"

"Hennessey's a gal who appeals to a broad range of fans. Her whiskey voice and fun attitude keeps you tuned in and her obvious sense of humor is refreshing in the competitive world of music and recording.

Her latest CD, No Longer Broken, is a collection of songs that everyone can relate to. They cover adventure, heartbreak, love and joy. It's Hennessey's delivery and whipsmart lyrics that makes her so special.

We love just about every song on this album, but our favorites are the Spanish-guitar infused Whiskey Charm, the upbeart Right For Right Now, which tells of a doubtful newfound romance and Every Song Is You for its dramatic music and great lyrics.

No Longer Broken by Debbie Hennessey is a refreshing take on country." - California Rocker


"Debbie Hennessey - No Longer Broken review"

(No Longer Broken) "Debbie Hennessey's music is folk-styled songwriting with an overarching country/Americana music style, but her voice is that of a gravelly rock vocalist, and she augments that effectively with occasional mid-tempo rock electric guitar parts. It's a combination that allows her to stand out from otherwise-similar artists.

In fact, the album begins with a rock beat and a guitar riff that dances through the rhythm, kicking off with soft rock-flavored Every Song Is You. Like so many of Debbie's songs, this one is simultaneously energetic and laid-back.

It's followed by what may be the catchiest song on the disc, Whisky Charm, with Southwestern guitar flair and a stop-and-start rhythmic beat complementing Hennessey's persistent vocals.

Another song that jumps out is You Can't Unpull A Trigger, featuring its harmonica and thoughtfully-contructed lyrics, forcefully delivered with attitude by Hennessey.

Debbie slows things down nicely, too, with a mellow, western tinged guitar line supporting the heartfelt vocals in Let Me Go. A purer country ballad is Sugar and Rain, where subtly dancing guitar lines combine a vocal touch that holds onto some lyrics just that extra split-second for emotion to produce a powerful, impactful country crooner.

The disc closes with Woman a duet ballad in which Debbie's voice is nicely offset by Lexie Hofer's cripser, higher tone. A great way to end a solid disc.

In its entirety, No Longer Broken lands on the soft to mid-tempo rock end of the country music spectrum. Her songs would blend well on a playlist with the Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Karen Nash, and Foreigner. Such a strong album, of course, was to be expected from a singer like Debbie Hennessey, whose web page lists accolaes spanning more than a decade.

Keep an eye out for future gigs from this talented L.A.-based singer." - Geoff Wilbur - Geoff Wilbur's Music Blog


"Hennessey Can Sing The Shingles Off A Barn"

"Los Angeles-based country-rocker Debbie Hennessey can sing the shingles off a barn. Put on Good as Gone and the first thing you notice is her voice, a strong, vibrant contralto that has as much surge and power as a Thunderbird...her voice is magnificent..." - Michael Scott Cain - Rambles.net


"Somebody Sign This Girl!"

"Good As Gone, her (Hennessey's) thirteen-song collection of Nashville-ready tunes serves as wake-up call to radio programmers everywhere. Somebody sign this girl!" - Mike Parker - Buddy Hollywood


"Hennessey is Quintessential American Music"

"Hennessey's music is Quintessential American Music...her most recent album Good As Gone, is one that anyone can relate to regardless of background. Her rich, smooth voice contributes to the palatability of universal themes of self-realization, human connection and love.” - Shante Gordon - Plus Model Magazine


Discography

No Longer Broken - Full-length CD. A blend of Contemporary Country/Rock/Blues. Features the songs: Every Song Is You, Whiskey Charm, You Can't Unpull A Trigger, Sugar & Rain, and more. CD and digital versions thru CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc.

Please Come Home For Christmas - Digital Holiday Single. Blues/rock version of another holiday classic! Available thru CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Believe - Digital Single. Written by Debbie Hennessey, Rye Randa and Jeff Foxworth. Available thru CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Digital Holiday Single. Another holiday classic! Available thru CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

It Wasn't His Child - Digital Holiday Single. Beautiful contemporary holiday song, written by Donald Skip Ewing. Available thru CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Hallelujah - Digital Single. Debbie's version of the classic Leonard Cohen song. Available thru CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Winter Wonderland - Holiday CD Single & Digital Single. Debbie's version of the holiday classic! Available thru CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Good As Gone - Full-length CD & Digital CD. The video for Good As Gone appeared on GAC channel and Extra TV show. Available through CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Rustic Heart - Full length CD & Digital CD. Features NMW Top 20 hit Midnight To Cinderella. Available thru CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

Photos

Bio

Debbie Hennessey was named New Music Weekly's AC40 Female Artist of the Year and charted a Top 20 Hit. Her music is a mix of Country/Rock/Blues. The song Believe was used in the TV show The Moment, airing on USA and UHD Networks, the music video for Good As Gone was featured on TV shows Extra and The Next GAC Star. She has been named a multiple Finalist in the Great American Song Contest and multi-Semi-Finalist in the Song of the Year Contest, as well as multiple Honorable Mentions in the Billboard World Song Contest, and West Coast Songwriters Contest. Her songs have been included on CD's by: CMT's New Music CollectionGoGirls MusicFestSongsalive!Beautiful-Women on the Move, and was named Best Vocalist of the Month by SingerUniverse. Hennessey also provides original songs for film and TV, is a voting member of the NARAS/GRAMMYS, writer/publisher member of ASCAP, AIMP, and SONA. Debbie's three full-length CDs and six singles are all available through iTunes, CDBaby or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD. To hear more visit www.debbiehennessey.com

Some reviews: 

"No Longer Broken…effortlessly blends genres and connects the universal experiences of love lost (“Every Song is You”), found (“No Longer Broken”), damaged (“Let Me Go”) and massaged with liquor (“Whiskey Charm”). Heartache aside, No Longer Broken is something to celebrate…for fans of all types of music…a little bit country with a dash of rock ’n’ roll, a few bursts of pop and some rich rhythm and blues that collides with deep soul.…the production values and her voice – that voice! – will blow you away.” - Mike Wood, The Pulse Magazine

(No Longer Broken) "Sometimes the boulevard of broken dreams is really a highway of smashed hearts. This is honest talk from a strong woman…the music is brimming with infectious pop/rock melodies even when the lyrics are tossing poison darts. Hennessey epitomizes the rootsy side of AAA, essentially classic rock with a contemporary edge. While there are country flavors in the grooves, this is definitely a West Coast record. Breaking up may be hard to do, but it's worth it if it inspires albums as excellent as this.” - Stacey Zering, No Depression

(No Longer Broken)  "A seasoned singer/songwriter, Hennessey imbues her craftily structured songs with a husky vocal resonance and some deluxe backup by deft players. “Every Song Is You” is our favorite, a tune whose theme is music’s power  to evoke and to transport. Hennessey is an experienced hand who can certainly deliver a polished product." - Music  Connection

"Good As Gone is rock solid country-pop...undeniably hooky...(Hennessey's) collection of Nashville-ready tunes serves as a wake-up call to radio programmers everywhere. Somebody sign this girl!" - Buddy Hollywood

"Los Angeles-based country-rocker Debbie Hennessey can sing the shingles off a barn...her voice is magnificent..." - Michael Scott Cain, Rambles

(Rustic Heart) “Her unique voice adds a special soul to tunes that are good on their own merit, but Debbie's vocals are a breath of fresh air. The style is a cross between country, pop and soul.... The CD slides effortlessly from beginning to end, and could be played on Adult Contemporary radio, as well as country formats. A truly solid effort from a wonderful performer.”  - Rikk’s Revues

 

Band Members