Because her voice is as smooth, dark and indolent as European chocolate. Because her chameleon piano arrangements effortlessly take on any role from the second voice line to an orchestral accompaniment to an insurgent percussion section. Because her new albumCover Their Eyes is a glamorous effort channeled from an inky corner of an Old World bistro in a black-and-white movie.
And here's a lovely video of Krista and her partner David Weber performing a song from her last album Mudshow:
Krista Detor
"Dancing in a Minefield" from Mudshow
Venue: WTIU for PBS (2006)
Because her voice is as smooth, dark and indolent as European chocolate. Because her chameleon piano arrangements effortlessly take on any role from the second voice line to an orchestral accompaniment to an insurgent percussion section. Because her new albumCover Their Eyes is a glamorous effort channeled from an inky corner of an Old World bistro in a black-and-white movie.
And here's a lovely video of Krista and her partner David Weber performing a song from her last album Mudshow:
Krista Detor
"Dancing in a Minefield" from Mudshow
Venue: WTIU for PBS (2006)
Because she is a lyrical puppet master able to evoke any emotion from heartbreak to righteous indignation to joy. Because her voice carries her gorgeous melodies with arresting power and subtlety. Because she dares to be herself, and a highly sarcastic self at that, in a business that prefers fluff and pretense. Because she is coming to San Diego in March and is the Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month.
This video is classic Cheryl. Dressed for a television appearance in a baggy t-shirt and faded jeans, she leans back her head, closes her eyes and bedevils you with her sultry, heavenly voice and the magic of this stunning song of homesickness.
Cheryl Wheeler
"Northern Girl"
An "American Music Shop" appearance, date unknown
I first saw Cheryl on some daytime talk show back in the early 1980's. She came onstage, probably in her usual t-shirt and jeans, and thunderstruck me with a beautifully simple performance of her song "Addicted". I was addicted. I bought my first Cheryl Wheeler CD that week and I've never stopped loving her voice and her songwriting.
Did anyone see her at a now defunct little San Diego coffeehouse venue in the mid-80's? My best recollection is that it may have been called New World Coffee. I'd love to hear from anyone else who was there. What an amazing show.
But I've found every one of Cheryl's shows amazing. I would guess that this is maybe only the third time that she has played in San Diego since I fell in love with her music. And I am so happy that she will be playing here in San Diego at a favorite venue, the beautiful church setting of Acoustic Music San Diego.
In case you didn't see it, Cheryl is also the Featured Artist on the Acoustic Pie home page this month and there's another great video posted there as well!
OK, so, it's tough to find online song samples for Cheryl's work! To this date, the gal still doesn't maintain a website or a MySpace page! Talk about independent! But try the following:
And it's not just because he wrote "Wichita Lineman" (one of the most achingly tender songs of all time), "Galveston" (so sad and so beautiful), and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" that Jimmy Webb is the Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month. He is also an astonishingly accomplished piano man and a great singer, too.
Go see for yourself! We're incredibly lucky to have him playing here in San Diego in the beautiful church setting of AcousticMusicSanDiego.com.
**Heads up! This show will sell out!**
**UPDATE! SOLD-OUT SHOW!**
Visit these sites below for lots of song samples from Jimmy Webb!
Because three smart songwriters and three strong lead vocalists adds up to pure acoustic magic. Because the harmonies, their signature 3-part sound in intertwining canons or as a vocalistic string section, can make your heart stop. Because their new albumJoyful Sign ties the Acoustic Pie record for most songs in the rotation at one time with five tracks added!
Tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch all of my favorite Girlyman songs in the rotation !
~Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
December 2007
Acoustic Pie Picks of the Month!
Three Holiday Shows!
Patty & John are some of the county's best house concert hosts ~ their energy and love of the music just add to the great space and fine acoustics they provide for their favorite artists. And some of Eve's acoustic shows here have ranked among my favorite shows of the year.
This show should sell out! So reserve your tickets now by emailing Patty at the address above. If you can't get in, then check out Eve's "Songs of the Season" show on Dec. 15!
You can check out Eve's music at either the CD Baby or MySpace link below!
This is not a holiday show so much as a celebration of one of my favorite holiday themes ~ peace. Proceeds from this show will benefit the Peace Alliance organization in their campaign to establish a U. S. Dept. of Peace. Some of San Diego's best songwriters will be on hand to perform their songs of peace. Joe Rathburn, our host, emphasizes that this is not a political event and the atmosphere is, well, very peaceful.
Randi is one of San Diego's most professional performers. And what a talent ~ wonderful songwriting, beautiful voice, piano chops, and a funny and touching stage persona to round it off. You would never go wrong attending any event that she produces. But her holiday shows are especially wonderful!
Lisa Sanders will be one of the Very Special Guests that Randi shares the stage with on Dec. 16, but be assured that other San Diego luminaries will be joining them. A not-to-be missed event!
You can check out Randi's music at either the CD Baby or MySpace link below!
TallGuy Kidd was my very first concert in the virtual computer world of Second Life (SL). It was an unusually lucky teleport landing for someone who loves contemporary acoustic songwriting.
He has a gorgeous, natural, butter-melting voice and oh-so-engaging stage personality. TallGuy (Real Life musician Dale Marsh) is also the first SL musician to have his work included in the daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio!
I know I always joke that I got tired of rock music in the '80s. But Dann Numbers is a serious Second Life rocker with an acoustic sound whose music I find irresistable!
I think I can guarantee that he'll break at least one guitar string per set! But that's your opportunity to hear one of his lovely a capella numbers ~ the music never stops at a Dann show.
Because of the diverse audience in SL, Dann has set himself the task of learning to say "Thank You" in as many languages as possible. You can rock out with him in Real Life as Dann Russo.
Clayton bills themselves as UK's hottest country band and I was certainly impressed when I stumbled onto their show in the virtual Dublin of Second Life. Talented and stylish, professional and entertaining, they gave a stellar performance for the virtually sold-out virtual crowd.
At this show, Clayton's front lady and real life Dubliner Lindsay Armaou chatted with their regular SL fans from all over the globe. Like most SL musicians, they take a lot of pride in their personal connection with their fan base and their fans keep coming back for more!
August 2007
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month! **Update: The show was a sell-out and a wonderful evening all around. It was lovely seeing so many friends in the crowd!**
San Diego contemporary folk veterans Berkley Hart will celebrate their 10-year anniversary at Acoustic Music San Diego on August 4. It was my first Berkley Hart house concert back in June 2001 that reminded me how exciting live music can be in the right setting. And it turns out that Berkley Hart is pretty darn exciting in any setting. This promises to be special.
In the six years I've been running Acoustic Pie, I've written more about this acoustic songwriting duo than any other artist, local or otherwise. Take a look at this band review from 2004 which I still stand by: Berkley Hart Acoustic Pie Review And then, please come out on August 4 and see what I'm taking about!
I've already reserved half a pew at this beautiful church venue! I'll hope to see you there!
Visit these sites below for song samples and all you ever wanted to know about Berkley Hart!
There's not a strummer in the bunch. This feature showcases those lady singer/songwriters who play unusual instruments or play their instruments unusually well. These triple-threat artists do it all ~ sing, write, and play.
All of the song samples featured below can be heard in their entirety on Acoustic Pie Radio, devoted to acoustic singer/songwriters 24/7!
The waif-like beauty out of Massachusetts can play the guitar with the the big boys. Elegant finger-picking and passionate arrangements mark this gal's engaging style.
Out of the heart of Asheville, NC, the heart of folk music, comes this young and arresting banjo player. A bluesy voice and contemporary arrangements turn the unlikely banjo into a mood-setting accomplice for a lovers' tryst.
Randi is as much a showman as a pianist and this song showcases her taste and musicality. San Diego is lucky to have her back in town. I hope she's home to stay.
Laurie is not one for showing off her fiddle playing. In this song, a classic favorite of mine, her flatpicking guitarist is the showcased artist but Laurie contributes a lovely traditional bluegrass violin break towards the end of the clip. Very classy.
Because "American Pie" rocked my 12-year-old world. Because beauties like "Empty Chairs" and "Castles in the Air" still do. Because he's still touring and delighting audiences all the way from Des Moines to Dublin. Because the "Pie" in Acoustic Pie is a tribute to his place in the development of the singer/songwriter genre.
This video appears to be an early '70s concert and I was enchanted by the fresh, clear voice seemingly recorded in the raw without audio enhancement. So, so charming!
Because the synthesis of his smoky vocals and melting finger-stylings kindle a campfire in your heart. Because his performances are stirring, funny, uplifting and real. Because he's bringing his whole band to San Diego on June 26 and is also the Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month San Diego show!
Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland's most gifted and most successful contemporary singer/songwriters. My first Dougie MacLean concert was his well-nigh sold-out solo show at the Sherwood Auditorium last year. Wow. It was so moving that my friends and I all had our hankies out by the end of the first song. There's just something about that voice. And this year he's putting his faith in San Diego's acoustic fans and returning with his band. It will be a rare treat.
His music works as a definition of what is best in the contemporary folk genre: The composition and arrangement are uniquely his own while the tone and ambiance are evocatively reminiscent of a more traditional music, in his case, the ancient Scottish culture.
I'm currently listening to his gorgeous 2003 album With Strings but I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite CD. All of his albums are meticulously produced and a pleasure to listen to. As I've collected and listened to his recorded work over the past year, I've fallen in love with his warm voice, beautiful arrangements, and sweet melodies.
Here are a few quotes from the experts:
"... a Scottish phenomenon, with his exquisite guitar style, expressive voice and honest performance, his songs conjure up remarkably vivid imagery" -- Performing Songwriter
"Strong yet subtle, hauntingly evocative yet contemporary in feel, this music demands listening to over and over again." -- Time Out
"A Musical Hero." -- Wall Street Journal
A not-to-be- missed event! I'll hope to see you there!
Dougie is also the Featured Artist this month!
Visit these sites below for song samples and more info about Dougie!
Because I love songwriting duo's ~ the harmonies, the variety, the chemistry ~ and Storyhill is one of the best. Because their new CD Storyhill spent so much time in my CD player that I memorized all of the lyrics to "Give up the Ghost" (and it's been awhile since that's happened). Because Billboard Magazine says "Their sound recalls the harmonious interplay of Simon and Garfunkel and the acoustic juice of the Indigo Girls"... and I agree!
Even this homemade video, despite the poor lighting and the talking of the crowd, manages to capture the excitement of these two exceptional performers singing one of my favorite songs. (Video sharing courtesy of YouTube.com.)
Storyhill
"Give Up the Ghost"
Video from the Bombs Away Cafe
Corvallis, Oregon (date unknown)
Only a few weeks ago, Sara Petite was wowing the sold-out crowd at the Belly Up Tavern when she opened for Todd Snider. Now this talented San Diegan will be playing at one of my very favorite venues in the world ~ the house concert series hosted by Chris and Tiffany Clarke in Kensington (Find my review here). This will be a real treat.
Sara Petite's music is as genuine as it is intelligent and engaging. I love her voice. It's warmly familiar but difficult to pin down why. Her tone is throatier than Dolly Parton, more resonant than Iris Dement, and smoother and more melodious than June Carter (to list a few singers that reviewers have compared her to). So familiar yet so very much her own sound.
Her acoustic work is an Americana hybrid of folk-country originals in bluegrass arrangements. This house concert will feature a solo set with our host Chris Clarke joining in on the mandolin and a second set with Sara's acoustic band The Tiger Mountain Boys. A rare unplugged performance!
For an introduction to this charming and charismatic songwriter, take a peek at Sara's cover interview in last week's Union-Tribune Street magazine.
And then click on over to Clarke House Concerts to prepay and reserve your spot for the show! See you there!
Visit these sites below for song samples and more info about Sara!
A lot of people seem to be at ArtWalk for, oh, I don't know... the art, maybe? So that leaves six stages of top-notch San Diego musicians performing for the musically in-the-know. And it's free, too! Some years, chairs aren't provided at all of the stages so I always carry a little folding festival stool with me (I ought to get a commission on those). I also always park my car at the Old Town Trolley stop and take the trolley in to Little Italy.
Be sure and check out the ArtWalk online schedule as there are many more great acts playing than I'm able to list below. And things change! But here is a brief schedule with just a few of the highlights and links to the musicians' websites:
Because she sprinkles literary references ~ from T. S. Eliot to the New Testament, from Woody Guthrie to Greek mythology ~ like a Renaissance poet. Because she has a voice like sugared lemon slices. Because her wondrous new album The Brightness was released this month by Ani DiFranco's highly exclusive Righteous Babe Records. Because, and I quote Acoustic Guitar magazine, she is "...a songwriter of startling clarity and depth, equally skilled at turning a melody or lyrical phrase into what you didn't know you needed until you heard it."
I love this video of Anais singing "1984" from her 2004 album Hymns for the Exiled.
The video is courtesy of YouTube.com.
ANAIS MITCHELL
"1984"
Video of a Tin Pan Alley Caravan show
Guilford College, Greensboro, NC (date unknown)
Love is always just within my grasp
Like a UFO it's gone so fast.
Was it real or just in my mind,
I ask the psychic on the telephone line.
Fast cars dream of winning a race.
Like a cloud that gets stuck in one place,
I'm drifting with the autumn leaves
In a park where I pray for peace.
Fresh, poetic lyrics but it's the minor to major chord changes and the sparse string interlude that really break your heart in this beauty of a song.
Take it from me it is no use
Washing your hands so often they are clean and cracked.
You never get your old skin back,
Once you have loved like that
You're a river of tangled string,
You are unraveling...
A truly modern heart-break song chronicling the neuroses and compulsions of a contemporary break-up with the help of a shoelace metaphor.
I feel like the king when the queen loses faith
And the crowd rushes in to tear down the gate
While the whole palace slept, and I never rang the bell.
Maybe that's poetic justice, but it's pretty hard to tell.
A sweeping, romantic melody line carrying grand, romantic language all awash in hindsight and regret.
I didn't want to burn like this, so close to the bone
No muscle left to carry it, this black bag of stones,
It's a black bag.
The August heat, the autumn rain, and winter's face of blue
The seasons keep their spinnin up but there's no sign of you,
There is no sign...
A mourning song for a love lost to death. The chorus has a soaring opening phrase which belies the finality of the loss with a sense of melodic hopefulness.
Anjulie's broken heart will make a lonely, lonely sound
For my life, I can't see why she waits for you to come around.
I would love to believe she might have done the same for me
But then she's not my Anjulie.
I'd like to think that we were lovers but it was never meant to be
The girl is not my Anjulie.
So you can lose your wide-eyed wonder, boy, she won't remember me
The girl is not my Anjulie.
Not a love-lost song but rather a love-never-found ballad in a beautiful and simple guitar & vocal arrangement.
Because he is San Diego's very own troubadour-in-residence. Because he is the prince of thrift store chic. Because this guy really knows how to make a beautiful record. Because his newest album Daydreaming at Nightis no exception ~ a dreamy collection of violin-drenched, melody-driven melancholia.
Click the PLAY ALL SONGS feature at CD Baby to hear samples of the songs and buy a copy of the new album. Then tune in to Acoustic Pie Radio to catch a slew of Gregory's songs, old and new, currently in the rotation !
Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
January 2007
Featured Artist : Chris Pureka
Photo by Eva Moss
Because she is a waif-like beauty who can play guitar with the big boys. Because her smoky vocals remind you of Stevie Nicks and her close-knit melodies of Patty Griffin. Because her songwriting manages to blend rootsy acoustic with contemporary sensuality. Because her new album Dryland is gorgeous and should be in every contemporary folk collection.
Chris Pureka
"Come Back Home"
Video from The Highline Ballroom New York City ( 2007)
Because he comes from a little island I never even heard of (the Faroe Islands). Because US names like Glen Phillips open for him in Europe while US audiences don't yet know how to pronounce his name ("tighter" is pretty close). Because his new album Stay Under the Stars is beautiful, original, moody and intelligent. Because I never really liked "Great Balls of Fire" until I heard Teitur's arrangement.
Five of my favorite Teitur tracks are now playing in daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio!
Kelley Martin, Acoustic Pie
Acoustic Pie San Diego
Pick of the Month
Janis Ian Saturday, November 11
Acoustic Music San Diego Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006
7:30 pm ; $25-50
4650 Mansfield St. (Normal Heights)
(619) 303-8176
Janis Ian was only 15 years old when she wrote "Society's Child", the song that catapulted her into international recognition and wide-spread controversy. "At Seventeen" ~ her most successful song commercially ~ followed just a few years later and garnered Janis the first of several Grammy Awards amidst nine nominations.
I know that Janis is a generous performer and often plays these favorite hits at her shows. But these great old songs aren't the reason I'm recommending her Nov. 11 show at Acoustic Music San Diego. I'm going to hear her newest work from her just-released CD Folk is the New Black. In these new songs, you can still detect the idealistic social conscience of the 15-year-old but with the persuasive conviction of a grown-up. The album works as a singer/songwriter's template for an all-original, contemporary folk collection combining sophisticated songwriting with simple acoustic arrangements. Really lovely!
"Singer? You ought to hear that girl play guitar; she gives me a run for my money!"
Chet Atkins
Click on a song title below to hear sample clips of three of my favorite songs from Janis' new album Folk is the New Black.
Because she's just releasedFolk is the New Black, a powerhouse collection of all-original songs. Because the album is a working template for a great acoustic singer/songwriter collection and beautifully illuminates the contemporary folk genre. Because she has the imagination to keep the instrumentation simple. Because she still has the idealistic social conscience of the 15-year-old with the persuasive conviction of a grown-up. Because Folk is the New Black is just about the coolest album title I've heard all year.
Three of my favorite tracks are now playing in daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio!
It was quite a treat to have an artist of Kris' talent and charisma cap off her tour with a performance here in San Diego. Her new album Strange Conversation (use the "Play All Songs" button at CD Baby to hear clips ) is a wonderful tribute to classic poetry with two songs just added to the daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio .
Acoustic Music San Diego Saturday, Apr. 8, 2006
7:30 pm; $15-20
4650 Mansfield St. (Normal Heights)
(619) 303-8176
Tracy is known primarily as the foremost interpreter of the late Dave Carter's melodic, mood-setting, and poetic songs. To this role she brings a beautiful voice, wry stage presence, and lovely, expressive violin playing as well as her multi-instrumentalist duo partner Jim Henry. But Tracy is also a talented, blossoming songwriter herself and, if you're lucky, she may just break out one or two of her own originals at the wonderful old church that houses the Acoustic Music San Diego concert series.
Her last album Flower of Avalon, was the #1 played album on folk radio in 2005 (several tracks are in daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio). Here are a few quotes to give you an idea of how highly regarded Tracy is in the contemporary folk world:
"One of the finest pure musicians anywhere in folkdom." -The Boston Globe
"A brilliant artist and unique individual. Her voice is distinctive, as is her mastery over the instruments she plays ." -Joan Baez
" Her pure voice conveys the simple truths of these songs; her gifts as a musician are like that of a painter who is a master of chiaroscuro, offering light and shadow at every turn.... I was honored and humbled by the invitation to sing on this record ." - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland's most gifted and most successful contemporary singer/songwriters and it's been almost a decade since his last (well-nigh sold-out) visit to San Diego. His music works as a definition of what is best in the contemporary folk genre: The composition and arrangement are uniquely his own while the tone and ambiance are evocatively reminiscent of a more traditional music - in his case, the ancient Scottish culture.
I've been listening to Dougie's albums all month now and have fallen in love with his warm voice, beautiful arrangements, and sweet melodies. He'll be performing at Sherwood Auditorium - a wonderful venue to showcase this music. All in all, a not-to-be-missed event!
"... a Scottish phenomenon, with his exquisite guitar style, expressive voice and honest performance, his songs conjure up remarkably vivid imagery" --Performing Songwriter
"Strong yet subtle, hauntingly evocative yet contemporary in feel, this music demands listening to over and over again." --Time Out
When Carlos Olmeda re-released his 1995 acoustic gem Learning to Walk this year, I rediscovered the powerful track "Trinkets and Blood" which had been inspired by indignation at the poaching of elephants for ivory "trinkets". It reminded me how music can take an important ideological statement and transform it into an emotional and heart-wrenching appeal. I decided to feature some environmental songs on Acoustic Pie and was subsequently surprised at how little seems to be written on the subject today. Below you'll find song samples and lyrics to some of my favorite songs in the struggle to "save the planet".
This is such a moving and powerful piece about the poaching of elephants for ivory "trinkets". You can hear the whole song and read the lyrics on Carlos's website via the links below:
This high-energy, banjo-driven work chronicles the story of Julia Butterfly Hill who spent two years living in a redwood tree in her efforts to save an ancient grove. The entire song and lyrics are available on the duo's website:
Cheryl's voice can always touch a heartstring but never more so than when singing about a subject which has so obviously inspired her. In this ballad, she sings that "laden with garbage from decades ago, the rivers can poison us." Listen to a song clip and read the full lyrics here:
Although a fervent advocate for wildlife and the environment, John Denver wrote surprisingly few activist-themed songs. But most of his works extol the beauty of and his own love of nature as when he writes of the joy and freedom represented by the ocean-faring "Calypso". Here are links to a sample clip and lyrics:
"Tapestry" is Don McLean's eloquent and beautiful ode to the interdependency between caring for the environment and quality of life. Click on the links below for a sample clip and to read the lyrics:
A wonderful songwriter and a wonderful singer, Richard Shindell is an East coaster, now living in Buenos Aires, who rarely makes it to San Diego. Some of you may know him from his work with Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky in the trio Cry, Cry, Cry. Why not come out and make him feel welcome at Lestat's, one of this town's best amplified venues? Some of his rave reviews follow:
"Shindell is a master builder of songs. Shindell has uncanny sense of the theater of a song, building his ballads sparely and subtly, set to sweeping graceful melodies." -The Boston Globe
"Disturbing, beautifully drawn portraits of frantic losers. A quiet grabber." -Entertainment Weekly
"A tour-de-force of brilliantly crafted songs, passionately delivered songs that consistently create three-dimensional visual and emotional images which move through the listener's mind's eye. His lyrics are carefully distilled essences of dramatic circumstances and personal dilemmas mated with melodic lines that allow the words to stretch and breathe. Shindell's rich voice is reminiscent of REM's Michael Stipe in the way he holds and emphasizes the ends of words, but you'll quickly realize you're in the presence of an original who can draw you in and punch your lights out with the turn of a phrase. - Stereo Review
Click on a song title below to hear sample clips of my three favorite songs from Richard's last album Vuelta.
Cane's Bar & Grill Tuesday, July 12, 2005
7-11 pm, $5
3105 Ocean Front Walk (Mission Beach)
(858) 488-1780
Calman Hart
Acoustic Alliance is a Cathryn Beeks's production. Once a month, the inimitable Ms. Beeks invariably brings together twelve wonderful songwriters for three sets of acoustic music and a very fun evening indeed. Four performers at a time share the stage playing their original works "in the round". If you love acoustic songwriting, this is also the best bargain of the month at the remarkable cover fee of only $5 (that's just 42 cents per artist or 14 cents per song) - quite the deal!
Special Show Alert! Two previous Acoustic Pie "Pick of the Month" artists will be joining forces at Dizzy's on Friday, June 17th at 8pm! Don't miss this fabulous evening of music with Carlos Olmeda and The Weepies. See the Past Announcements section for reviews and music clips of some of my favorite songs by these talented songwriters.
May 2005
Acoustic Pie Pick of the Month
Carlos Olmeda
Sunday, May 15 with special guest Jason Mraz
If you have a penchant for state-of-the-art songwriting then here's the show to indulge your fancy. You just won't find more finely crafted songs than in the Carlos Olmeda repertoire of original works. Carlos's songs are lyrically intriguing, melodically captivating and always beautifully arranged. And he sings like an angel and plays the guitar like a veritable fiend, too. Add to that the fact that Carlos will be re-releasing a favorite early acoustic album "Learning to Walk" and you have an evening not to be missed!
Click on a song title below to hear sample clips of Carlos's songs!
! 
) is a wonderful tribute to classic poetry with two songs just added to the daily rotation on Acoustic Pie Radio 
