Melissa Ferrick could blow her own horn quite well _ a flugelhorn to be exact _ if she chose. Instead, she expresses her creative spirit with an acoustic guitar.
Since the early 1990s, the accomplished singer-songwriter from New England has compiled a solid string of sonically strong, lyrically rich studio albums.
Her widely praised 2006 album "In the Eyes of Strangers" fulfilled the rock 'n' roll essence that Ferrick has long harbored and drawn inspiration. But just when it seemed she would take a hard plunge into a more layered, instrumentally diverse sound, she returned to the studio to produce perhaps her most intimate, stripped-down album to date, her ninth studio effort "Goodbye Youth."
Laid down in a single day during her near-constant tour schedule, "Goodbye Youth," marks a departure from the music she wrote and arranged with a team of accomplished musicians on her previous effort. Yet, the new album retains the pure Ferrick trademark: An endearing, emotionally honest first-person lyrical approach driven by her dynamic acoustic sound.
A veteran of the acoustic narrative tradition, Ferrick's musical journey actually started in a different vein _ as a brass musician.
After studying horn music at the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass., Ferrick set out on her own. But her instrument focus had changed. Rather than pursue a career as a flugelhorn musician, she turned to the acoustic guitar.
In 1991, she landed a last-second addition as a support act for Morrissey. This first big break not only led to more dates with the popular British rock crooner, but also laid the foundation for Ferrick's reputation as a dynamic live act. A recording contract with Atlantic Records followed in 1993, as did her debut album, "Massive Blur." The album garnered glowing reviews, as did her sophomore effort two years later, "Willing to Wait."
Although she enjoyed success with Atlantic, Ferrick elected to go in another direction in the wake of "Willing to Wait." She released five studio albums and four live albums as an Indie artist over the next 12 years. Her second live album during this period, "Live at the B.P.C." (2000), marked the first release on her personal label, Right on Records.
Often described as folk singer, Ferrick's inspiration flows from a love of rock..n' roll. During her impassioned live performances for instance, she'll occasionally crack out a Zeppelin-style riff or tinker with a little Red Hot Chili Peppers vocal improvisation. These touches however, only sharpen the intensity of her wildly popular live shows.
A desire to explore a rock vibe has crept more into Ferrick's music in recent years. "The Other Side," released in 2004, exhibited a distinct sonic charge that grew with organic force into a captivating bolt of energy on "In the Eyes of Strangers." The decision though to dial back the sound on "Goodbye Youth" though, didn't leave the thrust in the dust. In a stroke of musical mastery, Ferrick channeled her rock spirit into a fresh acoustic idiom, which she navigated with tactical beauty with the assistance of engineer Scott Norton.
Ferrick ranks among an elite group of female guitarists who'll brave the stage alone, and leave it with the house cheering for more.
Some of the biggest names in folk-rock-pop music, such as Ani DiFranco, PJ Harvey, Neko Case and Liz Phair, have tackled standing under the spotlight alone at one time or another during their illustrious careers. The same can be said for Ferrick _ except for one notable difference. She has made it something of a signature to go before her audiences armed with only her guitar and a set list. Since the end of her "Eyes of Strangers" tour in mid 2007, for example, Ferrick has taken to the stage solo, headlining and playing countless venues coast to coast for more than a year.
How has Ferrick's shift in creative focus and new music played out in recent months?
During her most recent appearances, including a reunion gig with Ani DiFranco outside Washington, DC in July 2008 (Ferrick toured extensively with DiFranco in late 2007), she featured several new numbers from "Goodbye Youth," including her tender yet playful "Hypocrite" and "John's Field," wrapping her audiences in an indelible melodic embrace that resulted in nightly standing ovations.
With the release of "Goodbye Youth," Ferrick's fan base and will certainly continue to expand, and fuel the enthusiasm for her music _ and further drive the passion she brings to her live shows.
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Hey Melissa, Good to meet you - Greetings from over the Pond! Please excuse the blatant self promotion, but I was just wondering if you'd care to take a little listen to some of our toons? ....or maybe just a couple?.......just one?
I had a girlfriend load one of her cd's wit ur music in my I Tunes awhile ago, bout a year ago. Been listenin to it on my Ipod while I run! I fucked up wit that girl, (whats new) But ur music has me running 8:40 min miles don,t no the name of the song cuz I don't have the cd but I think it's "I am going to break your Heart" is that right? Anyways story short I time my music n runs to improve time n your song is 1 of the finisher songs Thank You Ree
Dear Melissa Ferrick, Please come back to northern VA sooner rather than later. I'm talking about Jammin' Java, but if you're somewhere other than that, I could be there too. I love listening to you but watching you live is definitely one of the best things ever!
And remember how you said you were all excited that VA went Blue for Obama? yea, well, now the new Governor of VA is a staunch Republican, but Maddow says that's been the trend since the '77, VA just tends to vote a Red Governor when Blue's in office.
Hey Melissa, I just "found" you and am totally enthused by your music, I'm listening to Freedom a lot, particularly "Little Love" - simply great! As for the lost youth theme, I just wrote a song entitled "Further From The Truth" which covers the same terrain, I'll send you a link once it's recorded and up somewhere ... Thanks for the music, Niels (an instant fan).
Thanks for the add, Melissa. You are pretty awesome, I have to admit. I'm a pretty big fan. I have three of your albums and plan on buying more. You rock my socks!!
Hi Melissa..hope all is fine and more in your world! Wish I was at Passim tonight hearing some good music and contributing to good! Anyway, I can not believe that it is almost a year since I saw you play at Schuba's.....Are you thinking about the next tour? For now, I will continue to listen to my Ferrick cd's from the first till your last. Take good care of yourself and hope your having fun, fun, fun; even when there is no sun!!! Peace2u..mn
Come to the Bay Area, I miss you!! PS I think you'd get a great response if you posted the cover of "comfortably numb" :) I love it when you sing it better
Ciao,Melissa Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal