Post by Joe on Jan 14, 2006 21:24:22 GMT -5
Article in the Boston Herald - Tuesday, January 3, 2006
The BOSTON HERALD names The Cottars one of six folk acts poised for a breakthrough in 2006!
Folk's fresh faces: Six acts poised for an '06 breakthrough
By Daniel Gewertz /Music
Folk music is the ultimate indie genre. It lies so far from the music industry's star-making machinery that predicting future stars is like picking an American League pennant winner based on farm league reports.
Despite the folkie belief in purity, it takes a lot more than talent to make it. Physical appeal, youth and industry connections are far more important than the local folk mafia lets on. Some likely stars have been kicking around for years. Why isn't the stylish, sexy and witty Brian Webb a star?And what about Jake Armerding - will 2006 be the year this rootsy whiz-kid charmer moves from folk club popularity to crossover success?
If it were based on talent alone, Boston's Americana gem the Eilen Jewel Band would be huge along with winsome April Verch, the Canadian fiddler/singer who has a new Rounder CD due in February.
So who - like Peabody's Ryan Montbleau did in 2005 - is ready to go from small club to large? Here are six folk acts to watch in '06.
- The Cottars. Together for five years, these Cape Breton teens will release their first American album on Rounder Records in two weeks and then join The Chieftains for a 23-city tour. The Cottars used to be prepubescent adorable. Now, [ages 16 to 18], they're on the verge of teen [stardom]. Their brilliant Celtic folk has added a hint of pop, and their beseeching vocals offset the instrumental excitement.
- Antje Duvekot. Born in Germany, Duvekot has recently moved from Vermont to Somerville. New manager Ralph Jaccodine has arranged for the personable singer to open a bunch of high-profile shows for his other client, Ellis Paul. Duvekot possesses unique lyrics, melodic flair, a nicely daffy style and — it can't hurt — she's beautiful, too. Maybe her next album will capture her best gifts.
- Girlyman. Just another Asian/Jewish New York City folk-pop trio.They sing beautifully, and their shows are lots of fun. With two CDs on Indigo Girl Amy Ray's Daemon label and a recent tour with Dar Williams, Girlyman's bound to grab more adoring fans in 2006. In March, they openClub Passim's anniversary show at Sanders Theatre.
- The Duhks. How many Canadian fiddle bands get a full-page color photo in Rolling Stone? OK, it was a Chevy ad. But the fact that they were chosen for a 'Year in Rock' car calendar says a lot. The Duhks' merging of haunting Americana vocals, bracing rhythms and folk-stringed finesse is fresh.
- Anais Mitchell. A scratchy, piquant little voice, a strange way with a sentiment, an expressiveness that reflects and goes beyond her youth: Vermont's Mitchell is an original. Perhaps manager Gabriel Unger will have some of the luck he had with Lori McKenna. She appears with another young talent on the rise, Kate Klim, Saturday at Club Passim.
- Meg Hutchinson. After winning or being a finalist in a slew of major songwriting contests, this local gal, with producer Crit Harmon's help, has made a moody CD worthy of her evocative, writerly gifts: 'The Crossing.' She plays Jan. 14 at Club Passim.
The BOSTON HERALD names The Cottars one of six folk acts poised for a breakthrough in 2006!
Folk's fresh faces: Six acts poised for an '06 breakthrough
By Daniel Gewertz /Music
Folk music is the ultimate indie genre. It lies so far from the music industry's star-making machinery that predicting future stars is like picking an American League pennant winner based on farm league reports.
Despite the folkie belief in purity, it takes a lot more than talent to make it. Physical appeal, youth and industry connections are far more important than the local folk mafia lets on. Some likely stars have been kicking around for years. Why isn't the stylish, sexy and witty Brian Webb a star?And what about Jake Armerding - will 2006 be the year this rootsy whiz-kid charmer moves from folk club popularity to crossover success?
If it were based on talent alone, Boston's Americana gem the Eilen Jewel Band would be huge along with winsome April Verch, the Canadian fiddler/singer who has a new Rounder CD due in February.
So who - like Peabody's Ryan Montbleau did in 2005 - is ready to go from small club to large? Here are six folk acts to watch in '06.
- The Cottars. Together for five years, these Cape Breton teens will release their first American album on Rounder Records in two weeks and then join The Chieftains for a 23-city tour. The Cottars used to be prepubescent adorable. Now, [ages 16 to 18], they're on the verge of teen [stardom]. Their brilliant Celtic folk has added a hint of pop, and their beseeching vocals offset the instrumental excitement.
- Antje Duvekot. Born in Germany, Duvekot has recently moved from Vermont to Somerville. New manager Ralph Jaccodine has arranged for the personable singer to open a bunch of high-profile shows for his other client, Ellis Paul. Duvekot possesses unique lyrics, melodic flair, a nicely daffy style and — it can't hurt — she's beautiful, too. Maybe her next album will capture her best gifts.
- Girlyman. Just another Asian/Jewish New York City folk-pop trio.They sing beautifully, and their shows are lots of fun. With two CDs on Indigo Girl Amy Ray's Daemon label and a recent tour with Dar Williams, Girlyman's bound to grab more adoring fans in 2006. In March, they openClub Passim's anniversary show at Sanders Theatre.
- The Duhks. How many Canadian fiddle bands get a full-page color photo in Rolling Stone? OK, it was a Chevy ad. But the fact that they were chosen for a 'Year in Rock' car calendar says a lot. The Duhks' merging of haunting Americana vocals, bracing rhythms and folk-stringed finesse is fresh.
- Anais Mitchell. A scratchy, piquant little voice, a strange way with a sentiment, an expressiveness that reflects and goes beyond her youth: Vermont's Mitchell is an original. Perhaps manager Gabriel Unger will have some of the luck he had with Lori McKenna. She appears with another young talent on the rise, Kate Klim, Saturday at Club Passim.
- Meg Hutchinson. After winning or being a finalist in a slew of major songwriting contests, this local gal, with producer Crit Harmon's help, has made a moody CD worthy of her evocative, writerly gifts: 'The Crossing.' She plays Jan. 14 at Club Passim.