November 05, 2009

UTNE READER MUSIC SAMPLER

More good news for Golden Apples of the Sun! Caroline's song The Dozens is part of this month's Utne Reader Music Sampler. Check it out on Caroline's Facebook page, or at the Utne Reader website. http://www.utne.com/Arts/Utne-Reader-Music-Sampler-November-2009.aspx

October 27, 2009

OUSTANDING REVIEW FROM ALLMUSIC GUIDE

It's not easy being a great folksinger -- you've got to walk a tightrope across a musical minefield where the slightest misstep can find you wallowing in post-Joan Baez warble, drowning in affectation à la Martha Wainwright, or perishing in any number of other aesthetic pitfalls. Only a precious few learn to master that high-wire act; Kate Wolf, Linda Thompson, and Iris DeMent are some of the names on the short list, but Golden Apples of the Sun makes a strong case for the addition of Caroline Herring. Pitched at a point equidistant between honeyed and throaty, her warm, measured tones consistently deliver just the right emotional effect whether she's transforming the songs of others or bringing her own to the table. The ominous minor-key strum that introduces her version of the Cyndi Lauper hit "True Colors" is a sonic red herring that makes you certain you're about to hear Nirvana's "Come as You Are," but Herring's takeover of the song is so complete that it scarcely registers as a cover, even by the time it hits the chorus. She performs similar feats even on well-trod territory like "Long Black Veil" and "See See Rider." The law of averages would seem to demand that so gifted an interpreter would stumble when it came to her own compositions, but here, too, Herring beats the odds. As her dedications to W.B. Yeats and Walter Anderson indicate, she's no stranger to poetry, and her own songs stay well clear of lyrical tropes while remaining musically within the basic folk template. On this latter count, the understated production proves to be a boon, placing the emphasis squarely on Herring's voice and guitar, shading it only occasionally with subtle accompaniment. So how long can Herring keep her balance in the rarefied realm she currently occupies? Let's hope the answer is "indefinitely."http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:dvfexzyaldhe

October 23, 2009

GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN debuts at #20 on folk music radio!

We're pleased to report that Golden Apples is getting great initial airplay, as shown through terrific rotation both on folk music radio and americana radio. Check out the listings at Roots Music Report and Americana Music (through the Facebook link).

October 19, 2009

GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN makes it into AMERICANA RADIO TOP 5 MOST ADDED

Golden Apples of the Sun made it into the top 5 most added albums last week on Americana Radio! Check out the link at my Facebook page, that lovely little blue box below with the F in it.

October 12, 2009

OPED NEWS REVIEW

Folks, you must read this incredible and fascinating take on Golden Apples of the Sun. This is written by Mac McKinney, who actually toured the post-Katrina coastline of Mississippi recently. He knows Walter Anderson of Tales of the Islander quite well, and he may know me better than i do! Go to my Facebook fan page for an immediate link, or copy and paste this: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Poetry-and-Music-Review-of-by-Mac-McKinney-091011-36.html

October 11, 2009

Facebook Daily Updates

For daily updates and new reviews, go to Caroline's Facebook page.

September 23, 2009

FIRST REVIEW

Here's a terrific review of Golden Apples of the Sun from Fish Records in the UK. "Caroline’s fourth album ‘Golden Apples of the Sun’ builds on the critical success of her previous albums, and her development over the course of her discs has seen her grow into a fully rounded and mature artist who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best contemporary singer/songwriters. There’s a confidence running through this album that shows itself in both the choice of material and the stripped-down sound that runs throughout the 12 songs. Produced by David Goodrich, the whole album has an intimate and unproduced feel that puts Herring’s guitar and vocals front and centre, it has the feel of a low-key live show, and the quality of her performance shows her to be an artist brimming with ability and at ease with her craft. While her previous albums have been very obviously easily identified with the traditions, stories and landscapes of her native South, this disc takes a slightly different approach as influences from Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins & Kate Wolf are evident in her songs and their presentation. The sound is unguarded and intimate, and this suits the material she’s chosen that is a mixture of her own pieces and some surprising songs – her own ‘Tales of the Islander’ & ‘The Dozens’ are beautifully constructed lyrical pieces, but it’s a couple of the songs she didn’t write that will steal the show. The traditional ‘Long Black Veil’ is a classic tale that Herring delivers with real emotional power, and her reading of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘True Colors’ gives it a strength and directness that I certainly missed first time around. The beautiful songs and guitar work form the framework for her vocals, and on ‘Golden Apples of the Sun’ she’s never sounded better, there’s a delicacy and world-weariness that makes her perfect for emotionally powerful songs; there are moments here that are breathtaking in their power and simplicity. For the last few years Caroline Herring has been one of the best low-key singer/songwriters around, and this album shows a confidence and power that will bring her to a wider audience."

August 26, 2009

GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN

Caroline's upcoming new album already has an internet buzz! See http://www.songsillinois.net/

August 25, 2009

CELEBRATING EUDORA

Our powerhouse in-the-round foursome, lead by Mary Chapin Carpenter, will return in concert, this time at the Decatur Book Festival on Labor Day weekend. You may purchase your tickets through Agnes Scott College starting July 6h. Don't miss this fantastic show!

May 14, 2009

Caroline on CITY CAFE, WABE Atlanta

LIsten to the May 14th segment about Caroline's upcoming show on City Cafe athttp://www.pba.org/programming/programs/citycafe/