Review of Color Me Home

Have you ever wondered to yourself, “Self, what would a jazz infused classic Disney song with elements of pop music sound like?” Of course you’ve wondered this! The answer to your query is in the sounds of the pop-folk duo Rachel Lindley & Madison Johnson who play under the moniker Color Me Home. They are Republic of Pie’s featured musicians who can be heard playing every Sunday at NOHO’s hip coffee spot at 4:00 p.m.

Color Me Home’s music is a subtle brand of nymph-like quirky, sweet, & folky pop music. Their gentle voices, accompanied solely by Madison’s keyboard, are the perfect complement to a hot cup of joe on a Sunday in NOHO.

Color Me Home begins with a short & sweet introduction before opening with a soft & wispy vocal interpretation of Peggy Lee’s Disney classic “He’s A Tramp.” They follow this breathy performance with “Taste” from their CD entitled “Over The Moon.”

Their trademark seamless harmonies carry the audience through their songs. Rachel and Madison’s vocals synchronize into one voice creating a singular, near haunting, sound.

From that point on Color Me Home plays a musical ping-pong of original music & cover songs. They go on to perform a cover of The Beatles “She Loves You,” followed by the heartbreak song “Down With Me” penned by Rachel.

Their influence of the jazz-era & Disney classics continue on with Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll” backed by “Cruella De Vil.” “Cruella De Vil” is a welcomed cover song which explores both the duo’s humor & their definitive classic Disney film sound.

Madison’s original uptempo song “Freely” sounds like it could play during the chase sequence of a vintage animated film. “Freely” is a playful tune which brings forth images of old-school cartoons.

They slow it down to cover another great influence–Stevie Wonder. There cover of Wonder’s “Lately” is given the Color Me Home treatment. Rather than taking on the challenge of tackling a Stevie Wonder song by doing it exactly as he would, Rachel & Madison add their own special whimsy. “Lately” is placed perfectly in the set list & they leave you wanting to hear more Stevie Wonder covers by the duo.

The set ends with “Everyone Wants to Be a Cat” from The Aristocrats and “Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. The group is working on their video for “Chase” and will continue to perform at The Republic of Pie on Sundays & they have performances lined up at Left Coast Wine Bar in Glendale.

Their CD, “Over the Moon” is available for purchase now.

Republic of Pie is located at: 11118 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 & the group’s website is: colormehomemusic.com where their music can be purchased.

Caroline McElroy
The muse struck at a young age and began with Ernie’s Record Shop on Lankershim Blvd. In North Hollywood where I purchased my first Beatle record “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a record by Major Lance titled “Um,Um,Um,Um,Um,Um”. From there I saw the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and I was hooked…on Rock N’ Roll. At the age of 13 it seems as if the magical world of Rock N’ Roll opened up and welcomed me. A trip to Indio with Frank Zappa and possee, and subsequent gigs as a dancer at The Teen Fairs at the Hollywood Palladium sealed the deal. As a trained journalist, I’ve written for magazines, newsletters,newspapers and blogs. In addition, I have run a nightclub by the name of The Cave. Music is the thread that weaves a patchwork quilt of genres, venues and experience out of my life and in the process have introduced many fine acts to my followers. For the rest of my story dear readers, read my articles and it will unfold like the petals of a lotus flower. Sometimes you’ve gotta wear the hat to remind people who they are dealing with. LOL