Allison Sattinger

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Soul-folk, a blend of blues and folk, with healthy doses of gospel, pop, and jazz

Status:

Most recent release, Steady Heart (2008)

See also:

Allison Sattinger's MySpace site

Comparisons:

Maybe a Joni Mitchell/Janis Joplin cross with shades of Laura Nyro, Eva Cassidy, Nina Simone, and Carole King?

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

Allison has a sweet soprano voice. Her music could be described as soul-folk, a blend of blues and folk, with healthy doses of gospel, pop, and jazz. Any one of these styles may play center stage on any given song. (JoAnn Whetsell)

Recommended first album:

Allison Sattinger is the only one we've heard

Recordings:

• Allison Sattinger
• Vox (2006)
• Steady Heart (2008)

Allison Sattinger

Release info:

2004—self-released

Availability:

CDBaby

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Allison Sattinger—vocals

Guest artists:

Brian Jordan—guitar, bass
Dan Kujack—Congas

Comments:

Allison Sattinger's self-titled debut has a smooth, late evening vibe. She doesn't really sound like anyone else I've heard. Her music doesn't sound wildly new, but it doesn't sound like a rehash of anything else either. Rather, she combines her multi-flavored influences into something that's at once original and familiar. Since there's a different blend of influences (folk, blues, gospel, pop, jazz) on each song, the album has diversity in style while maintaining cohesiveness.
     She uses background vocals well; they often have a gospel choir feel, but restrained, so they don't overpower her voice. I do think the stronger songs start at the third track, especially those where she's just accompanying herself on piano. Her voice is a lighter one, and it works better on quieter, contemplative songs; she does yearning well. She also does sultry well; her lyrics often contain a knowing wink. (JoAnn Whetsell)

Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.