VOICES ON THE VERGE
Live In Philadephia
Rykodisc Records

www.voicesontheverge.com

What began as a one-chance round robin last year between Beth Amsel, Erin McKeown, Jess Klein, and Rose Polenzani has developed into friendships, mini-tours and a magnificent debut, "Live in Philadelphia."  The quartet's combined skills of songwriting and harmony are fleshed out with guitars, hand percussion, accordion and clarinet to create a disc that recalls the solemn stillness of Joan Baez and the joyous communion of the Chenille Sisters.  Heartfelt balladry, city blues, Southern folk, and rousing gospel figure in the dizzying variety of rich musical traditions.  Singly, each woman is a world class singer-songwriter, but together their integrated energies bring each other's gifts to a fine simmer, cooking up warm feelings and proving, without a doubt, the powerful beauty of hearts united in song.    

John Noyd