A long drive home on a Sunday afternoon... window down, music up... one day in March when the sun has finally shown its face and the one you love waves goodbye in the rearview mirror.
“..think Natalie Merchant with fewer adult contemporary
leanings or Aimee Mann on a folkier trip. Berner’s voice can thicken and thin like Joni Mitchell’s and it’s unmistakably her greatest asset.” – Magnet
“Fabulous” – Performing
Songwriter
“…evokes the vocals of Tori Amos and the musical style of Wilco.” – The Chicago Tribune
“[one of] indie’s finest talents.” – Toronto Metro
This is certainly one to keep an eye on.” – Women Folk
TEN TINY LITTLE PIECES
Martha Berner’s Ten Tiny Little Pieces EP was recorded in just one day , a sunny fall day (Sunday, Oct. 8) in Lake Geneva, WI, only a few miles from her hometown of Williams Bay, WI. The emotionally-charged title track “Ten Tiny Little Pieces,” a ballad inspired by the loss of loved ones was one of the four tracks that brought together an inspired group of talented musicians for what Berner describes as a “magical ” recording experience. Now calling Chicago home, Martha took a weekend getaway from her busy 2006 touring schedule to record this slight departure from the traditional acoustic folk-rock leanings of her critically acclaimed debut album, ...this side of yesterday (Machine 2005), by recruiting both family (sister Kari Berner Adams on backing vocals and brother in-law Jon Adams on guitars) and long time musician friends, including the distinctive tones of keyboardist Zaid Maxwell’s space-echoed Wurlitzer piano and Milada Keck’s dancing violin and piano lines, which are most evident in the fun, cruising groove of track number three “Down and Out in San Francisco.” Rounding out this first ever collection of musicians (some of whom had never met before the weekend) was Dan McMahon (Wandering Sons), engineer/bass player Justin Perkins, producer Chris Buttleman and the talented Helen Tyler on backing vocals for a fresh take on The Velvet Underground & Neko’s dreamy 1967 pop classic “Sunday Morning.”This truly enjoyable EP closes with an up-tempo, tip-of-the-hat to ‘60s and ‘70s power pop, where Martha dusted off her first instrument, the cornet, to complete a disc that will most certainly leave you wanting more. Label Machine Records promises more is soon to come from Martha, with a brand new full-length offering slated for release this summer (2007). In the meantime, this four song treat should prove to be the perfect appetizer for fans of this talented new songstress.
THIS SIDE OF YESTERDAY....
With a wellspring of captivating songs that dig deep into the soul of American roots music, while also interjecting a distinct modern rock flavor, Chicago singer/songwriter Martha Berner has successfully melded old and new into a timeless collection of indie folk-rock on her full-length debut album entitled …this side of yesterday.
Please keep an eye out for The Voices and Faces Project Vol. 1 compilation CD at stores near you. This seventeen track disc features “A Town Called Happiness” by Martha Berner as well as great songs by Neko Case, Joseph Arthur, The New Pornographers, Motion City Soundtrack and many others. Proceeds will go to help benefit the survivors of sexual abuse.
Martha. I love your songs. I think I must have heard you on the radio before I did through Richard. I don't always remember things, but I do think think this is true, memorable. Are you coming to play here?
Martha - My husband loves you, my grandbaby's mama loves you, and everyone I share your music with loves you! You are amazing....ok, I'll stop gushing. But seriously, I have fallen HARD for your music, your spirit, your oxymoronic diplomatic-say-what-you-feel persona! You have a beautiful gift...thank you so much for sharing yourself with us! -Blessings
Happy Birthday, I don't get online much lately so I thought I'd send a message early. It was great having u to my apartment I would to have everyone over again sometime. :)
martha! on the 30th it is my birth-day so do u think u could come to my school again like u did a few years ago + ms b wants to see u & so do i u should come during lunch 11 in the morning
Hey Martha, Wish we could be there in Indy to see you. Having fun on the beach. Got up on the board today. Hoping for bigger waves tomorrow. The big day is coming up!!! We will call you when we get back. Jim and Kris
Martha, you have your mother's beauty and grace...your fathers' philosophical soul. Thank you for providing a soothing escape to a couple of old birds who needed it tonight! :) Hope to see you @ BobbyRocket's - (Eliza)Beth
Miss your hugs and that laugh! Hope you're well. Going back to V.I., I see. Fabulous! We leave for Costa Rica in six days. I'm coming back a married woman! Amazing what happens in life. Much love to you, Martha.
