Libby KirkpatrickCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Contemporary folk Status:Most recent release, Heroine (2011) See also:Libby Kirkpatrick's page Comparisons:Rickie Lee Jones, Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Patty Griffin, Sarah Slean, Jonatha Brooke Covers/own material:Own General comments:Libby Kirkpatrick has a dynamic voice and writes fascinating songs. Her guitar playing is very impressive, too. Her modern folk style is not wholly original, but still special. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) Comments about live performance:I trekked out to Boulder to catch the show and was totally blown away...she weaves her own blend of ethereal folk (is that a genre?) that is quite magnificent. At times reminiscent of Patty Griffin, Sarah Slean, or Jonatha Brooke she floated, weaved, and played vocal gymnastics through her set. (5/02, gordoja@opt online.net) Recommended first album:Goodnight Venus Recordings:
Songs from the EtherRelease info:1998; reissued 2002—Heart Music—HMM 00272 Availability:See website Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Libby Kirkpatrick—guitar, vocals Guest artists:Hannah Alkire—cello on 2 tracks Produced by:Libby Kirkpatrick Comments:I picked up her debut album a few years ago and remembered liking it a lot. (gordoja@optonline.net) WingedLive at Folks Fest and Velvet StudioRelease info:2002—Heart Music—HM 028 Availability:See website Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Libby Kirkpatrick—vocals, guitar Produced by:Wil Masisak Comments:It's a very impressive live record and that's a rare feat. The quality of the songs is high. "To a Child" is a funky song with insightful lyrics. "White-eyelashed Girl" is a great portrait of a complex soul. "Ground Zero" is prefaced with a poignant talk about the singer's father and his disapproval of her career choice. Thankfully the conflict had a happy resolution. The song itself is stunning. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) Goodnight VenusRelease info:2003—Heart Music—000206002971 Availability:See website Ecto priority:Highly recommended for fans of singer songwriters, folk, and folk/rock Group members:Libby Kirkpatrick—vocals, guitar Guest artists:Mitch Watkins—lead guitar, ebo Produced by:Tab Bartling Comments:Goodnight Venus is her best work yet and shows that Libby Kirkpatrick is a maturing songwriter and performer, who will surely be a force to be reckoned with in the singer songwriter scene. She has a range of emotion here from lively and rocking to haunting and bluesy. I'm hard-pressed to say which my favorite tracks on this album are, as all of them have their charms. "Goodnight Venus" is a strong, complex, energetic and captivating start to the album. "Vaulted Heart" reinforces that with a more straightforward piece of folk rock. "Wake Me Up" and "Circus" are quieter and more earnest, while "The Dream That You Are" has a jazzy bass syncopation. The guitar in "Jenny's Eyes" reminds me of John Renbourn's work—the song is stripped-down featuring lovely guitar work and a simple melody. "Silver Road" is more melancholy and haunting. "Crying" has the feel of late 60s folkrock to me with a slightly bluesy dimension. "Now" is a slightly off-kilter bluesy complaint. With its funky guitar, "To A Child" opens up the mood a little again, while "Run" turns up the energy while still remaining moody. "Garden" is her dark take on old concepts of the war between men and women and the story of Adam and Eve. The final track "This Raging Moment" reminds me a little of Leonard Cohen. Thanks to Sophia Gurley and Anna Maria Stjärnell for work on this entry.
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