The new season, for me, has brought back memories of the past seasons.
What have former contestants been up to lately? I thought I might
bring up the latest material of some my past favs.

Jessica Mitchell - 4 songs (from new LP?)
http://www.myspace.com/jessicamitchellband
Comments: Voice is as strong as I remember. She sounds too much like a
second-rate Sheryl Crow on the first track, "Supernova." She might
have to distinguish herself more stylistically. Maybe emphasize her
R&B-side she displayed on CI, or upped the amps to bring out rawer
emotion. The track entitled "Rain" has strong production, soulful
vocals and a catchy hook - a step in the right direction.
Grade: B

Josh Palmer - 3 songs (from new LP)
http://www.myspace.com/joshpalmerband
http://www.joshpalmerfan.com/
comments: Jeff Buckley-lite. Not a bad thing since the music is
well-produced and the vocals are decent, especially on "Don't know
how." The songs are moody but don't have the emotional pull they
should have. This may have something to do with the watered-down
lyrics and, vocally, he's just not as interesting as the artists that
influence him (Buckley, Thom York). Still, the music is more than
listenable and what his fans will come to expect from him.
Grade: B

Kyla Sandulak - 3 songs (demo)
http://www.kylasandulak.com
Comments: The first song, "I want to know," is a bland Chantal
Kreviazuk-kind of pop song. It does nothing to bring out what I like
about Kyla, like her cool jazzy upper register and her soulful lower
register. The second song, "Can't get enough," is more in the right
direction, using her high voice for the verses and belting voice for
the chorus. She uses an interesting combination of singing styles
throughout the song - pop, jazz, rock - which sort of recalls
Sarah Slean. The third song is a forgettable, bland ballad that
conjures up memories of her appearance on CI. If she wants to make a
dent in the Canadian music scene, she's got to mix it up. She's most
interesting when she mixes up styles. Grade: B-

Mark Devigne - 4 songs (demo?)
http://www.myspace.com/marcdevignemusic
Comment: So raw, yet so talented. I'd go as far as to say Mark was one
of the strongest vocalists to ever appear on CI. What held him back
was confidence (read: nerves) and his singing style was soft pop to
the extreme. His latest material makes Air Supply sound like a metal
band. His voice is soft and gentle yet powerful, tailor-made for
easy-listening radio. To label him as a Josh Groban type singer would
probably limit him too much, since he can sing in French and Italian.
I bet he could even handle traditional folk (he's got terrific
enunciation!). His two English tracks aren't as strong as the
non-English tracks, but they still manage to show off his crystal
clear vocals incredibly well. Someone get this kid a lyricist quick,
before his looks fade!
Grade: B+

Sherry St. Germain - 4 songs (demo)
http://www.myspace.com/sherrystgermain
Comments: She was best known as being too cool for CI. Maybe she's
right since I'm diggin the first two tracks, both a collaboration with
some group called, TheMasses. It's simply house music that sometimes
switches up styles like funk, disco, and rock. The vocals are
confident, though are hidden by oversynthesizing. It's great she knows
what she's into and does it well, but the music could need a bit of
freshness and originality, and more emphasis on her vocals.
Grade: B

Mohanza Kelly - 1 song (demo)
http://www.myspace.com/mohanzaobiekelly
Comments: Sounds like it was recorded in a garage ... make that a
bedroom. The one song is basically chorus-verse-chorus of generic
reggae/hip hop. At least, Mohanza's steady vocals are clear.
Grade: C

Serge Cayanong - 4 songs (demo)
http://www.myspace.com/donsmoove
Comments: Generic R&B. Basement-quality. Weak vocals. Expected more
from him. He should hook up with Mikey's production team.
Grade: D