Monday, July 27, 2009

The lost heroes

They're few & far between - the female singer/songwriter/entertainer.

I'm talking about those few women who can actually write songs (both melody & lyrics), play the instruments themselves, and put it all together to entertain an audience - all by themselves.

I'm actually listening to one of those few individuals right now - Nancy Wilson. She's probably best known for her contributions to the rock group, Heart, along with her sister, Ann. As a musician, she's earned the nickname, Whizfingers, due to her incredible prowess with the guitar.

Nancy also happens to be the wife of director/journalist/author, Cameron Crowe. She's had lots of musical contributions to most of her husband's movies.

However, with all of her accomplishments that involve her sister or her husband, many still don't know of Nancy's solo album, Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop, which she released in 1999. It's an all-acoustic album, with just Nancy and her guitar (or mandolin), and an occasional background singer. As Nancy says during the performance, - "All we need is a campfire."

I'd say that all you'd need is one listen to this album to enjoy the marvelous, under-appreciated talent that is Nancy Wilson.

Check it out here: Nancy Wilson - Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop

Sunday, July 12, 2009

What's your song attraction?

What attracts you to a song? Is it the melody? the lyrics? the singer?

Those questions just popped into my head a moment ago.

For me, there are a few artists whom have unique voices where I could listen to them singing anything - like Lisa Brokop, Patsy Cline or Johnny Cash.

Most of the time, I think I'm drawn in by lyrics to songs. Maybe that's why my favorite genres of music are the old country, folk, roots, Americana, and a bit of rock. Those genres are mostly inhabited by the singer/songwriter - those special people who can turn words into the greatest stories with just simple melodies.

Along with great stories and simple melodies comes the final ingredient to the recipe for a good song. That would be harmony. Even a simple two-part harmony can change a plain song into something wonderful.

There are a handful of great singers who do harmony exquisitely, such as Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, or Trisha Yearwood. Or how about those singing duos/groups, like The Judds, Ann & Nancy Wilson, or Amy & Emily of the Indigo Girls. Singing harmony isn't easy. It's a gift that few can master.

So, that's my answer to the question. Either give me something from a unique voice, or put together the recipe of a great story, simple melody and a bit of harmony. You'll have me hooked from the first line.