Sloan WainwrightCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Contemporary folk, folk/rock Status:Most recent release, Bright Side of a Rainy Day (2016) See also:The Official Sloan Wainwright page Comparisons:Mary Fahl of October Project Covers/own material:Mostly own material, a few well-chosen covers General comments:She's Loudon III's sister, but the connection ends there. Her voice is quite reminiscent of Mary Fahl of October Project, though there's a roughness to it that makes it even more intriguing. Everyone mourning the demise of October Project needed to run right out and buy her music. I think she sounds EXACTLY like Mary Fahl. Her music is pretty straight neo-folk band stuff, but interesting, and I definitely want to hear more. (meth@smoe.org) Comments about live performance:I didn't really know what to make of Sloan Wainwright at first, but after a song or too, I decided I really liked her. She has a deep, husky gospel-style voice, but sings with that well-mannered style I associate with a lot of training, or sometime the English folk tradition. Sorta like how Emily Bezar sings, though there was little other relationship beside the phrasing. Some of the way she sang also put me in mind of the October Project (though her voice sounds nothing like Mary Fahl's—interesting that we think she sounds exactly like/nothing like Mary Fahl). (c. 1999) Recommended first album:Her self-titled debut, Sloan Wainwright Recordings:
Sloan WainwrightRelease info:1995—Waterbug Records Availability:See website for availability Ecto priority:Recommended for folk and folk-rock fans Group members:Sloan Wainwright—vocals, piano Comments:This album is rather uneven, but when she's on, baby, she's on. Her cover of the Grateful Dead's "Box of Rain" is lightyears beyond the original, and on songs like "Unseen Guide" and "Daddy's Water" she and her band provide the perfect answer to those mourning the loss of October Project. (meth@smoe.org) From Where You AreRelease info:1998—Waterbug Records Availability:See website for availability Ecto priority:Recommended for folk and folk-rock fans Group members:Sloan Wainwright—vocals and piano Guest artists:Include Loudon Wainwright III on guitar and vocals on the song, "Don't Go". Comments:On the first few listens this is pretty good stuff. Nothing instantly grabbing like "Hey Girl" or her stunning cover of "Box Of Rain" from Sloan Wainwright, but it's eminently listenable all the way through. The band sounds like October Project now more than ever. (meth@smoe.org) The Song InsideRelease info:2001—Waterbug Records—Farkie CD-2 Availability:See website for availability Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Sloan Wainwright—lead vocals Guest artists:Liadain Clancy—vocals Produced by:Stephen Murphy and Sloan Wainwright Comments:I just got this a couple days before I left town for the holidays, and I haven't even had a chance to sit and listen to the whole thing in one sitting—but I've heard every track at least three times, and that's enough to know that this album deserves to round out the year's top 3. Finally, Sloan has gathered the wherewithal to put together a CD that accurately captures her music at its best. Simply put: this album kicks *major* ass. Bluesy, rocking, driving, gorgeous...and everywhere there's Sloan's rich, powerful voice. Liadain Clancy provides the perfect backing vocals (sometimes she sounds so much like Happy in her upper range, it's scary), and the instrumentation, from Sloan's brilliant live band is great. Fans of October Project, as well as '60s-flavored bluesy rock absolutely need to have this in their collection. (meth@smoe.org) Cool MorningRelease info:2003—Waterbug Records Availability:See website for availability Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Sloan Wainwright—lead vocals Guest artists:David Sancious—piano Produced by:Joe Bonadio Comments:Much mellower and lower-key than her previous releases, but no less lovely for that. I would expect that the Mary Fahl fans should eat this one up (I've heard Mary Fahl's new one and it really did nothing for me—I'd much rather listen to Sloan instead). (meth@smoe.org) On a Night Before ChristmasSloan Wainwright and FriendsRelease info:2005—Derby Disc Music—7 83707 21200 5 Availability:See website, CDBaby Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Sloan Wainwright—lead and backing vocals Guest artists:Stephen Murphy—guitar, electric guitars, high strung guitar, acoustic guitar, ebo Produced by:Stephen Murphy, Sloan Wainwright Comments:I've never been to Sloan Wainwright's annual holiday show, but this album makes me feel like I'm right there. I think it's because the joy and energy among Sloan and her invited guests really shines through on this recording; they sound like they're having so much fun. There's a great selection of traditional and contemporary songs, including 2 originals by Sloan (1 new, 1 previously recorded), and they mix things up by having different combinations of performers for different songs. A truly celebratory album to enjoy the holiday season with. (JoAnn Whetsell) Thanks to Paul Blair, JoAnn Whetsell, and Marisa Wood for work on this entry.
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