Once, maybe twice, a year an artist comes along that at the time when it is most relevant to provide “press quotes” and reviews and all that stuff that artists sadly need to keep moving along, get better gigs and build their EPK up…and I am completely lost for words. Lost. Not because I have nothing to say about their music but I am afraid that my words will not do justice to their voice and their songs. Ali McGuirk has fully cemented her place in the allotted “can’t find my words” artists for the beginning part of this year (and end of last) for herself.
There is something about that voice the moment it hits. There is no one coming out of this community that sounds like the singer-songwriter but yet, glimmers of powerhouse artists from years past seem to infiltrate her voice at times. Its that juxtaposition that captures and captivates you when you listen. Sultry, smooth…its that sound that when it smacks you in the ear canal you just know “this is it”. That something special that industry folks talk about, she commands it to the fullest. Many artists strive to reach that peak, but few are able to crest the pinnacle.
“Long Time” off her recent full length release has all that and more. A smokey backroom vibe. A room with a velvet curtain lined doorway in the front and a bulky man guarding it from those not in the know from entering. Because there is something special about the sounds emanating from its recesses.
Ali McGuirk has stolen not just that “can’t find my words” accolade for the year from me, but this gal’s voice has the ability to stop hearts and send tingling shivers all over your body. Get this record and get out and see this gal live as son as you can.
Ali and the band will be at Riverwalk Cafe in Nashua, NH this Thursday 1/25 and at Bull McCabes in Somerville on 2/2.