Legends cast large shadows, but such observations bare little weight when speaking of Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody. With the help of songwriter and husband Johnny Irion, Guthrie has released Exploration, the duo’s debut studio recording; an acoustic, rock-and-hum album enlivened by honey-sweet harmonies and modest hooks.
Rock and roll, then. That
Bone dry and delicately woven; the web that Vic Chesnutt has created throughout his humble career has spawned by a humorous eye, evoking the beauty of the South in wry, often bazaar imagery that is nothing short of genius. Ghetto Bells, an intricate, 11-song tapestry of color and depth, accented by multi-instrumentalist Van Dyke Parks and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell among others.
It was just a bit ago that Todd Carey was stage leader and front-man of west coast jam rockers, Telepathy. Recently, a music transposition occurred for this Chicago native allowing him to mature as the sensitive singer-songwriter type. His debut album Revolving World is molded upon his strongest elements of showmanship, production and songwriting, bridging the cap between singer/songwriter and rocker.
Our Shadows Will Remain is Joseph Arthur
Performing as a singer-songwriter in the clubs of NYC is a rite of passage. No guarantee, but those early struggles landed Nini Camps an opening spot for Los Lonely Boys, airplay on NPR and a feature track on this year’s highly-acclaimed indie film, Motorcycle Diaries.
You would never guess that the late Elliot Smith was battling his most inner demons during the recording of his now posthumous album, From A Basement On The Hill. But than again, Smith has always been profound at disguising his depression and cryptic visions through his catchy Beatlesque melodies.
Along for the ride on the all acoustic Spooked and garnishing Robyn Hitchcock
Deb Talan is definitely in the mold of Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams, and is something of a mix of the two vocally. She tells her stories well on A Bird Flies Out, and uses her unique voice to give her characters some substance. Her voice is steady and welcoming throughout; the flow and inflection of some notes providing a rich backdrop for the lyrics to paint their pictures in your mind.
Trent Dabbs, follows in that mold of minimalist serenity with his debut Quite Often. Refusing to write formula songs, Dabbs takes his brand of celestial folk and makes it float quietly and peacefully aboard lush instruments, proving Dabbs is an artist with a knack for entrancing songwriting.
