By no means a complete list...Maybelle Carter/Carter Family, Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Jimmy Martin, Stanley Brothers, Lilly Brothers, Hank Williams, Wilma Lee Cooper, Lulu Belle and Scotty, Osborne Brothers, Reno and Smiley, Jim and Jessie, Johnnie and Jack, Louvin Brothers, Buzz Busby, Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Melba Montgomery, Wanda Jackson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Rose Maddox, Hank Snow, Hylo Brown, Wade Ray, Del McCoury, Larry Sparks, The Staple Singers, The Issacs, Hazel Dickens, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Steeleye Span, The NexTradition, Dan Paisley and The Southern Grass.
Sounds Like
Someone once described me as having a voice that could cut metal (hopefully in the best sense of word!), and some folks have tried to compare me to some well-known contemporary female bluegrass vocalists, but I'd describe myself as having a bit more in common with the earlier generations of high lonesome gal singers. I try to put alot of grit, soul and determination into everything I sing.
I am a Brooklyn-based, bluegrass and honky-tonk singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist. Along with NJ banjoist Terry McGill, I am the co-founder of Straight Drive, a traditionally-oriented bluegrass ensemble that has performed and conducted workshops at both regional and national bluegrass festivals and community events since 2000. In 2005, we released "I'll Take A Page From Your Book" (Cabinwood Music), which has received critical praise and national airplay. I also perform regionally with The Bluebirds of Happiness, an NYC-based country and bluegrass music trio, The Y'All Stars, and on occasion, with North River, which is my own side project, comprised of an evolving ensemble of fantastic local pickers.
While bluegrass and honky tonk music are among my primary influences, I also has a deep love of jazz, blues and British/Appalachian folk ballads. Among my performing credits, I've had the honor of sharing the stage with such wonderful performers including Barry Mitterhoff, Kenny Kosek, Greg Garing, Michael Daves, The Dixie Bee-Liners, David Bromberg and Angel Band. I have also performed under the auspices of Lincoln Center’s Education Department and through Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert Series, performing bluegrass music (in every borough!) for New York City public school students. In April of 2005 I was invited to perform on Garrison Keillor's nationally-broadcast weekly radio program, "A Prairie Home Companion", where I was not only was a featured vocalist with the All-Star Shoe Band, but acted in a radio play written by Mr. Keillor. I made three additional appearances on the program in March and April of 2007.
With Straight Drive, I have performed at Carnegie Hall, on the bill with Ryan Holiday, Sierra Hull and The Ebony Hillbillies. We also opened for the legendary Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and shared a bill with Jessie McReynolds, Ronnie Reno and Dan Paisley and The Southern Grass at the Staten Island Bluegrass Festival.
For more information about Straight Drive, please visit: http://straight-drive.com/news.php
In addition to all this activity, I can be found performing at clubs in NYC and bluegrass events with Straight Drive, and having a big 'ole time with my pickin' pals at jam sessions throughout the city and beyond. I'm just as much a fan as I am a performer, and I have a tremendous amount of respect not only for the history and accomplishments of the powerful first-generation artists who defined the genre, but also for those who carry bluegrass forward into the 21st century.
Good to see and (especially) hear you at Joe Val. If you ever make it over to Paris, BRT will be happy to show you around -- and play some muzak too. If not, maybe at IBMA.
Thank you so very much for the Christmas Card. I really enjoyed it!!!!!! I hope that all is well. My hope is that you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Hope to see you real soon.
I hope that all is well!!!!! I really enjoyed the photos. Congratulations on your performance with Dan Paisley and the Southern Grass. They are awesome. I wish I could have been there!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aye how are things? your myspace is looking sweet! anyway, i just found some sweet new ringtones off www.tonetomyphone.info for FREE! they have the tightest selection!
hey I'm playing Borrowed Diamonds on my very first radio show today! I hope you can tune in if you're near the internet between 4 and 6 PM EST! I'm DJing on www.bluegrassmix.com.
Hope you're good... I keep missing you at Paddy's. Give a hollerrr :-)
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