Born in London to a Cuban mother and raised in New York City, singer/songwriter John Presnell was, from an early age, exposed to a wide variety of music. "You name it, I heard it," says Presnell. "My family is a musical one; they either sing or play an instrument.” He adds, “My cousins put me on a steady diet of rock and jazz, and my uncle was a widely read music critic. My influences are eclectic."
And while "eclectic" sometimes translates to "unfocused," Presnell makes a cohesive whole of his debut album, Come Back Down. "First, I wanted only acoustic instruments played; second, I wanted to have spectacular guitar solos; and third, I wanted to create something that was fun and sophisticated."
Those elements come together seamlessly throughout the album, but are best represented by the energetic jazz-pop numbers "Aurora", where Presnell sings with characteristic humor about the challenge of winning over the object of his affection, and the album’s title track, where he jests about modern-day romance:
Wedding day, our couple takes the rocket ride
Do they know statistics say that rocket’s bound to stick in their side?
See them drink from each other’s wine cup
I bet they’re glad no one mentioned prenup…
To help him pull this off, Presnell sought out fast-rising guitar star Stephane Wrembel to helm the project. Called "a revelation" by Rolling Stone's senior writer David Fricke, Wrembel has won heaps of praise for his incredible guitar playing. In 2008, director Woody Allen tapped him to help score his hit film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and the director sought him out again in 2011 for his newest film Midnight in Paris. "Stephane realized my songs beautifully. He pulled together the various strands the songs were and turned them into a tight rope of an album. He helped make Come Back Down exciting."
Upon hearing the album, it becomes apparent Presnell is a dynamic and versatile singer. His expressive tenor can be soothing, as on the hypnotic "Elinor", or impassioned, as on the epic "Quiet Sky". As a lyricist, he proves himself an astute observer and a witty social commentator.
In 2007, Presnell wrote his first film score, and his third is slated for release in late 2011. He is also seeking a collaborator for his foray into musical theater. A prolific songwriter, he is already preparing the follow-up to Come Back Down.
“I like many different kinds of music, but in my writing, I make sure everybody gets what I’m saying, both musically and lyrically. I’d like to think that at the heart of my songs, there’s a common touch to which people can relate and appreciate… and maybe even dance to,” Presnell adds with a sly grin.
