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Sweet Honey in the Rock – Sacred Ground
Rooted in spiritual music and steeped in African-American tradition without being preachy or heavy-handed, Sacred Ground pulls from the various faiths and life experiences of the women of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Their differences are reflected in their voices, writing, and inspirations and they create the greatness of this ensemble, exemplifying their belief that…
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Rose Polenzani – Anybody
Song Sequencing 101 must teach artists to start an album with their strongest song, figuring that if they are reeled in from the very beginning, listeners will give the record a chance.
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Toad the Wet Sprocket – Fear
Not only did Fear yield the Top 40 breakthrough hit \”All I Want,\” but it also marked the emergence of a more refined Toad the Wet Sprocket. A far cry from their jangle pop, garage band sound of old, this album is full of smart and catchy pop/rock songs brought to life by four great…
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Chatting It Up with Mieka Pauley
Mieka Pauley is a wonderful independent artist emerging out of Boston. Her first full-length release, Elijah Drop Your Gun, came out recently after a couple of previous EPs. Mieka\’s soulful voice, interesting lyrics and unique melodies grab pretty much everyone who listens. She\’s the epitome of a DIY artist breaking through in the wide world…
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Chatting It Up with Kris Delmhorst
Kris Delmhorst is known, at least in my mind, as one of the best sad song writers around. Her tunes have gotten me through some serious heartaches. The slinky textures and groovy vibe on her new Shotgun Singer only accentuate the beauty of the message which, in this case, though I wouldn\’t go so far…
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Patty Griffin: Of Kisses and Coffee
If you don’t happen to know about Patty Griffin, I won’t go so far as to say “shame on you,” but, really, do something to remedy the situation. That’s just downright embarrassing. Start with picking up a copy of 1,000 Kisses, her latest release on Dave Matthews’ ATO Records. If you don’t trust me, know…
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Joan Osborne: How Sweet She Is
Lyle Lovett has this song “The Girl in the Corner.” If it weren’t about Julia Roberts, it could easily be about Joan Osborne on this bright Brooklyn morning. That’s where she was sitting — in the corner of a neighborhood café reading the New York Times. Wearing a Mary J. Blige t-shirt and matching red…
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Chatting It Up with Garrison Starr
Missippippi born singer-songwriter Garrison Starr debuted her first CD right out of high school in 1993. A short four years later, Starr was signed to Geffen Records, releasing Eighteen Over Me, which gained her commercial success and visibility. After a successful stint playing Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair, Starr had a falling out with Geffen when…
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Chatting It Up with the Ditty Bops
The Ditty Bops have been warbling, posing and bicycling their way into hearts all across America for the past few years. Billboard says they “a breath of fresh air. Combining styles as diverse as jazz, blues, folk and ragtime with honest (and often humorous) lyrics, the Los Angeles-based female duo is accessibly eccentric.” Alrighty. There…
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Chatting It Up with Katie Herzig
Katie Herzig is probably my favorite emerging singer/songwriter on the scene right now. Her songs are just what my ears want to hear. Her third solo effort (after four releases fronting Colorado band Newcomers Home) came out a few months ago. Apple Tree is full of thoughtful introspection shrouded in playful sonic beauty and that\’s…