Sheila Mac DonaldCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Contemporary folk Status:Most recent release, Tangle of Trees (2014) See also:Sheila Mac Donald's CD Baby page Comparisons:Kathryn Williams, Dar Williams Covers/own material:Own General comments:Sheila Mac Donald makes modern folk in a convincing way. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) Recommended first album:Half-Light Recordings:
This WayRelease info:2009—self-released Availability:See Sheila Mac Donald's MySpace page Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Sheila Mac Donald—vocals, backing vocals, guitar Guest artists:Raymond Gonzalez—guitars (3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11); lead guitar (1, 5, 7, 10, 13); mandolin (12); keyboards (1, 6, 9, 14) Produced by:Raymond Gonzalez Comments:Sheila Mac Donald makes tranquil yet cool modern folk. She reminds me a little of Dar Williams with some of Kathryn Williams' soft approach thrown in. She rarely raises the tempo, preferring a meandering stillness that speaks volumes. Story-songs like the moving "Grazna" sees her at the top of her game. It's a moving and captivating record. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) Half-LightRelease info:2011—self-released Availability:See Sheila Mac Donald's MySpace page Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Sheila Mac Donald—vocals, backing vocals, guitar Guest artists:Raymond Gonzalez—guitars (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13); slide guitar (13); mandolin (1, 6, 13); banjo (6, 13); bass (9), keyboards (1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11); percussion (2, 11) Produced by:Raymond Gonzalez Comments:Sheila Mac Donald continues with her soft yet compelling approach to modern folk. She has some amazing songs this time around too. "The Lighthouse Keeper's daughter" is an astoundingly confident and moving opener. Her way of singing without adornment or flashy tricks gets straight to the heart every time. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) Tangle of TreesRelease info:2014—self-released Availability:See Sheila Mac Donald's MySpace page Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Sheila Mac Donald—vocals, backing vocals, guitar (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) Guest artists:Raymond Gonzales—guitars (1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12); mandolins (3, 5); banjos (9); piano (7); keys (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11); percussion (3, 8, 9, 11, 12) Produced by:Raymond Gonzales Comments:Sheila MacDonald's folk style is intact on this new record. Her original songs are gently hushed, but carry a deep meaning. Thanks to stjarnell@yahoo.com for work on this entry.
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