Album Review: Stone Blind Valentine - Burn Like a Field

Last week our friend, Emily Hurd, sent us a review copy of her latest project: the Stone Blind Valentine - Burn Like a Field. The band is an acoustic trio of Hurd and fellow Chicago musicians Colby Maddox and Gregg Ostrom, with the debut album recorded in 2 days at Chicago's King Size Sound Labs.

I was won over at  Promised Land, the lyrics and vocals reminding me of Hurd's Long Lost Ghosts, and the soothing flat picking and mandolin from Ostrom and Maddox. This song, on its own, is worth purchasing the album.  But don't ignore the other tracks. Chicago blues mingle with the fiddle in Extra Extra;  bluegrass in Gold Fever; sweet harmonies in Crown the Kings; and gospel jazz in Whiskey Neat - that's how I enjoy my bourbon. Or perhaps this video of Think What You Will will convince you. Cheers.

Emily Hurd Brings Some Sanity to the Christmas Song Market

Chicago based singer-songwriter Emily Hurd started Christmas early this year by spending the month of October drafting ten original songs for her new Christmas CD, Any Given Day.  And I mean original. No overplayed Christmas or seasonal references here. Instead, we get her bluesy, soulful vocals reflecting on love and relationships - all wrapped around this glorious season. Take Glögg - a reference to mulled wine, but a song referring to a couple spending quality romance together. Or In the Spirit of Giving, a powerful song of the reconciliation of the soul. And we all want to believe in magic - Children Believe. Love Chain of Light as well. Did I mention the accompanying musicians: Gerald Dowd, Gregg Ostrom, and John Abbey.  Outstanding. In fact, this is such an enjoyable CD, I want to listen all year; you won't find it being boxed up with our other Christmas CDs and ornaments. Merry Christmas.

Vonda Shepard & Emily Hurd - New Releases for 2012

Honestly, even after two Golden Globes, two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, and over 12 million album sales; I never really bothered to listen to Vonda Shepard. Maybe it was an anti-pop culture phase from her "Ally McBeal" fame. Maybe it was being tied to the blues and roots rock. Whatever the reason, that was a huge mistake. Recently I was sent a copy of her latest CD, Solo - just Shepard and her piano - and I was completely overwhelmed. Whether covering famous songs ("You Belong To Me" and "Walk Away Renee") or her originals - she has my devote attention. No mind wandering background music here. My favorite tracks are "The Sunset Marquis" and "Soothe Me" and both illustrate her song writing finesse as well as her vocal range. I hope she plans on long 2012 tour - this is one show I will plan a road trip.


Another female singer-songwriter, Emily Hurd, is also out with a new CD: Long Lost Ghosts. Hurd has those bluesy vocals we are accustomed to listening to, so this CD easily fell into our play list. Just listen to the title track - great vocals and a talented supporting cast. The rest of the songs are catchy - but Hurd provides an edge to them, the result - these are not your typical pop songs. And "Irreparably Yours"  - that's an instant classic.