Sweetbird

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

contemporary folk/pop

Status:

Most recent release, 2B1 (2016)

See also:

Sweetbird's site

Comparisons:

Norah Jones, Cowboy Junkies

Covers/own material:

Mostly own; occasional covers

General comments:

The lead singer does indeed have a lovely, evocative voice. This is pretty folk/pop with an inspirational message (luckily the music is frequently more fun than that). (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)

Recommended first album:

Soul Fire is the first we've heard

Recordings:

• Free Spirit Reflection (2003)
• Soul Fire (2005)
• Shine (2007)
• The Great Life (2011)
• 2B1 (2016)

Soul Fire

Release info:

2005—Broadband Records—SB002

Availability:

See Sweetbird's site

Ecto priority:

Recommended for folk/pop fans

Group members:

Christine Yandell—vocals
Steve Waite—6- and 12-string acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin

Guest artists:

Paul Avgerinos—bass, cello, keyboards, vocalizations
Nick Bariluk—piano, keyboards
Don Harris—trumpet
Joe Meo—tenor sax, baritone sax
Matt Moadel—drums
John Widgren—pedal steel guitar

Produced by:

Paul Averinos and Sweetbird

Comments:

Swooping, lilting poppy vocals lift this album above the ordinary sugary realm of music with upbeat, spiritual messages. It does have a few cheeseball moments, like "A Time to Heal" but those are in the minority. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)

Thanks to Sophia Gurley for work on this entry.