MP3 Kathy Marshall - Smile a Little Bit
a little bit of folk, a little bit of blues and a little bit of americana, kind of eclectic
13 MP3 Songs in this album (59:53) !
Related styles: FOLK: Modern Folk, BLUES: Soul-Blues
Details:
From sultry, gospel-tinged grooves to smoky, translucent tear-jerkers, it’s the diversity of Kathy’s music that keeps me wondering, “What could she possibly play next?” And, I am always delightfully surprised and enchanted. Sometimes she dishes up introspective portraits of loss and pain that move me to tears. The next tune…and she’s taking me down a long koan-like road urging me to lean in and listen closely. Her lyrics are at once mystical, obscure, poetic, dreamlike, and just suggestive enough to leave room for my own meanings and interpretations. Like some of my favorite music from the past (i.e. Joni Mitchell), each time I listen to a Kathy Marshall song it carves out a more substantial place in my own consciousness. These songs are a gift. Sometimes healing…sometimes expanding…sometimes tremendously moving…songs that simply help in this wonderfully awkward experience of being human. Brent Alan, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist
Notes
Kathy Marshall grew up on the west side of Chicago singing the Blues, Gospel and Motown. She wrote her first song when she was 13 years old called “All I Want Is To Be A Woman”! She listened to all kinds of music growing up in the 70’s and 80’s (including women’s music on Olivia records) and was influenced by many great folk, pop and blues singers of those times but remained distinctive in her own way (she is an Aquarian.) She continued writing songs and playing them for friends and family never quite taking her music seriously until the year 2006 when she went to the Sisters Folk Festival Song Camp. She had an awakening of her creativity and music. Her 1976 Gibson J45 guitar (which she bought when she was 18 years old) had sat in the closet for about 5 years but quickly got a makeover and is very much loved and prized once again. Her songs are eclectic with some ballads, some blues, and some really esoteric tunes that just “kind of came out of nowhere!” Her songs sing of connection with life and death, the earth, the source, her tantric teacher, her four legged friends, and her unique view on life and love.
A Native American proverb says that the Great Spirit gave us each a song and it seems that Kathy got a little extra song than most. A friend and admirer have said about her music; “Kathy writes her own songs out of a strong, uniquely spiritual base and poignant real life experiences. She is a true sister of extraordinary talent. She will capture your heart with her ever-so-sweet compassionate and commanding presence. She will inspire you to search your soul and reconnect with the earth. With voice, guitar and gentle smile, Kathy will draw you in, hold you and rock you in her melodious embrace!”
Her first CD, “Smile a Little Bit” has some old tunes (even one written when she was 19 years old (Neptune in the 7th house)) mixed in with new tunes. It is a compilation that shows the diversity of her songs and range. The title track “Smile A Little Bit’ came alive in the studio with a flamenco flare! The tender “Shed a Tear Like the Rain” she wrote after her 4 legged canine soul mate Shaman passed; captures the yearning of the loss of a loved one.
Quote by Marean Jordan, fellow singer/songwriter
I''ve been "test driving" your CD this week. When I get a new CD I like, I tend to listen to it a lot. I''ve been doing that with yours--and I keep hearing new, wonderful things. It truly stands the test of frequent listening. Also, much as I thought I knew many of these songs, I''m hearing their message in a new and deeper way. It''s SO exciting and wonderful that you''ve produced such fine music that makes strong emotional and spiritual connections. WOW!!!!