I have all her music, have seen her almost every time she has played in the
area. The first time I heard her was one of the most amazing experiences. I
had never heard or heard of her but read an article in the local paper about
this songwriter who cited Joni as an influence. This was in the days when it
seemed everyone had forgotten about Joni.
So I went down to hear her based on that information. We all sat around on
the floor of what was normally a disco kind of place. Knee to knee people.
She came out solo & sang her songs. You could have heard a pin drop. It was
absolutely stunning. Her voice, her guitar playing. Her lyric & melody &
rhythm. She didn't say a word, just played. This was just before her first
cd came out I believe. I wanted to tell her how incredible her show was but
she just disappeared afterwards. I am sure some of you in NY must have seen
her in her early days there playing clubs?
Anyway, she has a new album coming out in March or April I believe.
One of my favorite albums of hers is Fat City. Its one that got the least
attention I think.
I have noticed, from time to time, really cool lyrical references obviously
influenced by Joni. I wish I had written them down because specific
examples aren't coming to mind right now. But she has done it really
cleverly. I will try & remember & post when they come to mind.
As a songwriter, my biggest inspirations are Joni & Shawn for me. And
Emmylou (more as a performer, though one of my favorite songs ever written
is one she co-wrote, Boulder to Birmingham. I am really enjoying Red Dirt
Girl too.)
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Kate Bennett
sponsored by Polysonics www.polysonics.com
hear the music at:
www.taylorguitars.com/artists/awp/indies/
www.katebennett.com
www.cdbaby.com/katebennett
www.amazon.com
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