All it takes is 3 chords and a dream!

Monday, May 26, 2008

CD Review: Katie Haverly - Around The Bend


Katie Haverly – Around The Bend
2008, Katie Haverly


Pre-Socratic Philosophers dealt with questions of Being and Becoming: Existence and the powers of change that guide and bridge our existence from day to day. Katie Haverly has struggled with these questions in her music, from Face Down to The City. On Around The Bend, she takes steps to define herself in her own terms, stepping away from the labels of the world. In a word, she has come into her own.

It is difficult to classify Ms. Haverly’s sound. Imagine if Joni Mitchell and Aimee Mann had a musical lovechild, and you’d be somewhere in the vicinity of the area that Katie Haverly plays in. Katie Haverly writes powerfully personal songs, and attacks them with a strong yet beautiful voice. Based out of Troy, New York, Katie Haverly plays in a talented but small music market. It would be easy overlook her just up the Hudson from New York City. Don’t.

My personal favorite here is Fire In The Kitchen, but it doesn’t matter which one I pick. Every song here is strong, and the emotional sincerity and depth of lyrical content will connect with listeners regardless of their usual flavor of music. Other highlights include Real Good, Coffee and Thoreau, and To Keep And To Lose. Around The Bend is the sort of musical Watershed moment that tells you whether an artist has long-term staying power. I’ve seen the future, and it’s very bright for Katie Haverly.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Katie Haverly at www.myspace.com/katiehaverlymusic. You can purchase a copy of Around The Bend at www.cdbaby.com/katie3.

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