Big Reds 2015: Meet the Nominees “Songwriter of the Year”
I wanted to take a minute to introduce you to some of the nominees for this year’s RLR Big Red Recognitions. Today we take a look at the nominees for Songwriter of the Year. The folks who are able to craft something far more than a couple verses and a chorus stretched over a chord pattern. People that elevate those stories to something that touches the listener a bit more, artists, creators of emotion. Give a read, give a listen, give a look…and then vote!
Ian Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald is no stranger to this publication. His 2013 release No Time to Be Tender was one of my favorite releases of that year (and still remains one of my favorite records to this day). His writing is beyond poetic and borders on being mini novelesque with their rich stories and genius use of literary device. His records are fantastic trappings of one of the most brilliant songwriters out there today and his live shows, with witty banter, evolving arrangements of songs and expertly executed self deprecation, are something that have to be witnessed to truly appreciate.
Grace Morrison – Morrison first came to my eyes through her RSO (or really small orchestra). Her sense of humor was evident, and her musicianship and ability to pen a song was even more so. Her songs are natural and pure, clear and silky. She has an ability to pick and choose influences and merge them into a sound that may be classified as “pop folk”, but has far more depth and layers to it.
Amy Fairchild – I was lucky enough to recently share a bill with Amy during a tribute show, and man I was blown back. A performer who truly commands a stage in the utmost definition of the word command. The gal has a killer voice, like you would want to contract this gal to take someone out with that thing and she has a sure knack for a hell of a hook in a song and melody for days.
Amy Kucharik – This uke wielding, soulful singer has a bit of a throwback, vaudeville vibe about her. Which, is most cases can be over the top or showy, but for some reason Kucharik comes across as genuine and real as they come. My thoughts on her “Cunning Folk” release were: ‘if you are looking for something beyond the fold and a bit more exciting than your typical “gal with a guitar singing songs” than I highly suggest checking this album and the release show out! This girl is a talent you need to know.’ This is an artist who is ALL IN for her art.
Dietrich Strause – Strause is a staple in the fabric of the Cambridge based folk community. Every time this guy plays Passim, it sells out, his writing and music is respected by many and rivaled by few. There is just something incredibly fresh about Dietrich and his songs. His guitar playing is fantastic, miles above a 3 chord and the truth mentality and his voice is smooth and clear… “like a fresh breeze on a sunny day really.” In regards to his “Little Stones to Break the Giant’s Heart”- ‘The musicianship here is top notch, the songwriting even more so, and Dietrich Strause is a likeable and charismatic and accessible musician that most anyone will love.’
Danielle Miraglia – The ‘one liner” quote I have given to Danielle is the past is “badass bluesy songstress”, and she wears that crown pretty damn well. Her most recent record, Glory Junkies, has the feel and vibe of something the Stones would be proud to stamp their own name on and the attitude and heart sunk into each verse is something to behold. This is an incredibly fun record. It doesn’t take itself all too seriously and feels very natural. All the players are tuned in and every part makes sense. It has its warm parts, its rocking parts, and of course, the blues are injected to its central arteries
Molly Pinto Madigan – Molly is a weaver of tales and an observer of the world around her. Her songs and writing have a very whimsical feel and flow to them. Her voice and delivery are pure and sweet…I believe I referred to it as “angelic, even”. There are some times when you just need that thing that will calm you and Madigan’s voice may just be the medicine for you. “Something secretive, withheld but with an occasional glimpse into her mind. There is some beauty pressed deep into these songs.”
Krista Baroni – Baroni’s The Alabaster Girl kicked me right in the heart when I first heard it earlier this year. Words like “pensive, smart, deepness, warmth, graceful” flecked my initial review of her sophomore release and all those things still ring true to this day when I revisit the record (I revisit it quite often). She is incredibly introspective, but leaves enough to let the listener craft their own relation to her words. An extremely enviable trait for a songwriter to master so well. And that voice, don’t even get me started.
