High Notes, Vol. 2
April 24, 2006 by Robbie McCown · 4 Comments
Anyone yearning for something truly unique should give the music of Anne Heaton a try. Her folk music is remarkably original and peppered with her bubbly personality.
For a taste of what makes Heaton so special, be sure to take a listen to ‘Hey New York,’ a track performed live by the New York based artist and found on her second full-length album, Give In. This track will surely put some zing into your music collection.
Sacramento-based band Deluxe began as a solo project for singer-songwriter Katrina Skalland, who had spent most of her life singing and performing in chamber choirs, school orchestras and musical theatre.
In 2004, Skalland began performing under the name Deluxe at local venues and soon found herself immersed in the scene, making new friends and like-minded musicians including Dave Middleton and Justin Gonzales who originally hailed from Boston, Ian Bone of Vacaville, California and Jay Shaner and Emily Sault of Sacramento.
The following year, Skalland and her new friends released Deluxe’s debut, Mary’s Got Seven, But I’ve Got Ten, a title which is in reference to the story of ‘Mary’s Seven Sorrows,’ and whose songs reflect the darker moments in Skalland’s life.
The band’s influences range from classic jazz standards and Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals to groups like the Pixies and Led Zepplin.
Featured here is the track ‘Pretty Girl Parade,’ an addictive, foot-tapping experience which will surely have you begging to hear more from this remarkable band.
The musical duo of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, known to many as the Weepies, have been creating beautiful music together for half a decade.
Theirs is a sound that is sweet, smooth, accessible and seemingly effortless; a reincarnation of sorts of the kind of music the legendary Carpenters brought us.
On their second album, Say I Am You, the Weepies continue with their sunny blend of easy-on-the-ears folk with stand-outs including ‘World Spins Madly On,’ ‘Suicide Blonde,’ and ‘Gotta Have You,’ which is featured here.
Previously featured on Womenfolk is Chicago-based singer-songwriter, Rachel Ries, whose music I can’t seem to get enough of.
Ries creates a very delicate, sweet folk which easily takes its listeners to a hot summer day on the back porch swing with a glass of lemonade.
Featured here is a live version of ‘We’ll All Be The Same,’ recorded at Chicago’s very own Schuba’s on February 7, 2005. The original version can be found on Ries’ debut, For You Only.
Downloads:
Anne Heaton - Hey New York (live)
Deluxe - Pretty Girl Parade
The Weepies - Gotta Have You
Rachel Ries - We’ll All Be The Same (live)
This Woman’s Work: Leni Ward
April 11, 2006 by Robbie McCown · Leave a Comment
U.K. based Leni Ward’s self-titled debut album is a cherishable acoustic set of ten, intensely personal songs which introduce newcomers to her remarkable voice and engaging style.
During the promotion of her album, Ward found herself balancing a full school schedule with regular gigs throughout Britain, each one no doubt increasing her fan base.
Womenfolk is proud to introduce the twelfth in its This Woman’s Work series with the inclusion of Leni Ward.
The Poet
April 6, 2006 by Robbie McCown · Leave a Comment
Rose Polenzani has been making music since the mid-90’s, infusing her magnetic poetry and delicate whispers to noticeable effect.
Polenzani’s well-regarded debut album, Dragersville, surfaced in 1998, neatly unfolding each song of lyrically engaging folk to willing ears. The opener, ‘You Don’t Know’ is soft, beautiful and resonating.
Anybody, Polenzani’s sophomore effort, arrived in 1999, offering further proof of her uncanny writing sensibilities. This time allowing songwriters like Andrew Bird and the Indigo Girls to add their unique touches.
Rose Polenzani became Polenzani’s third album, arriving in 2001. Here, the sound is amplified by the backing of a band, which make for a nice contrast to Polenzani’s usual softer acoustics, but thankfully don’t muddle the stories. On this, ‘Fell’ is a true heartpouring example.
Polenzani’s most recent release is August, a collection of home recordings that she wrote, recorded and released on her own dollar. The result is an album of remarkable gems that are intensely engaging and personal, like most of her catalogue, but boast a distinct personality and still work well as a cohesive set.
‘The First Time’ will become a joyous listen to those who are fond of the signature sound of bands like Mazzy Star or Eddi Reader, as Polenzani’s voice is clear and pleasant and is perfectly suited to the strumming sound of a guitar. It’s as if they were meant to be heard together.
On ‘Girl,’ another standout, Polenzani uses an electric guitar and a vocal echo to create an infectious, lo-fi surprise.
The first time you called my name
It wasn’t the one that my friends all say
I guess that my name is your name
But I don’t know my name
–Rose Polenzani
Polenzani consistently plays the live show. Below are three of her upcoming dates. Be sure to visit her official site for more.
On Tour:
Downloads:
You Don’t Know
Fell
Girl
The First Time
WWW:
Rose Polenzani - Ms. Polenzani’s official site, where there’s plenty more music to soak up, in addition to more tour dates. Updated regularly.
Rose Polenzani @ MySpace - Rose Polenzani’s MySpace site, featuring song samples and an introduction to her music.
