Audrey Becker from Detroit has some amazing tunes. Her song "Little
Archeology" was a fantastic number about what guys really do when you first
leave them alone in your place. This song needed to be written, and Audrey
nailed it. She sings great , plays great, and the melodies are really cool.
I certainly hope to hear her around a campfire sometime soon! (Of course, I'd
rather hear her at a sold out arena..)
Ben Kaplan from Pennsylvania writes in a Leonard Cohen style: highly
intellectual, but with all the right feel. Lyrics are his strongpoint,
although I must admit he goes over my head sometimes! Powerful vocals and loud
guitar were a welcome change from the normal "folkie" stuff we get at these
kinds of events. This guy really stands out.
Mark Erelli blew me away from the first note. He reminded me of John Hiat,
but was in no way a clone. His voice is incredible and very different. Mark
has a great talent with melodies and an awesome stage presence. I was
absolutely shocked when he wasn't listed among the 5 finalists. The song that
really killed me was "One Horse Town" ( I am not 100 percent sure this is the
title...). Beautiful!
Barb Kessler: What more can I say that hasn't been said about her? She's a
great singer and guitarist, and I hope to see her in Lyons.
Jean Bratman: Kinda reminds me of Bonnie Rait. Her songs are simple and her
voice stands out. I can't wait for the cd!!!
I can't wait until next year.
Karen Nash
I also want to add that in addition to the "emerging" folks above, I also
witnessed the most amazing concert in Elks Park. Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin-
Carpenter, Buddy and Julie Miller, and Jim Lauderdale in a writer's in the
round. This could only have been better if Steve Earle and Bob Dylan sat in!