Last weekend, we were honored to have Emmy Woods, Katy Tessman and Laura Hugo in studio. Last night we were excited to see them, plus Clare Doyle at the Leading Ladies of Americana at the Green Room.
It was a great crowd with a full room attentive to the performers who each brought their own brand of energy to the stage – as well as a full band. These women can hold their own for sure, but it’s nice to have full stereo of sound behind them, especially on a Saturday night.
The night started with Emmy brings out the cool-jazz side of Americana. She can sing a sultry song like Fishbowl to get everyone swaying or slower tune like the Ballad of Lake Superior. I loved the fiddle on Cowboy Rodeo, such a nice accompaniment to her voice.
Katy Tessman is a great storyteller. Each song is a little vignette, and most are like a shot of warm encouragement from a strong, supportive voice. Her son, Lou Stanoch, plays guitar with her on stage. (His band Burning Blue Rain will be playing Wednesdays at the Green Room in April.) It’s great to see their dynamic on stage.
Laura Hugo grabbed the stage saying, “Let’s get sad.” And we did. Her songs are about heartache and loss. Not a dry eye in the house for some of songs and that powerful, yet plaintive voice. Laura brings a nuance to her songs that tugs at the heartstrings. Her songs capture the difference between the sadness of a Brooding Man and losing a friend.
Clare Doyle finished up the night with the Americana twang and as she says, “songs about crying, dancing, drinking and not drinking anymore.” It is the kind of old school music I listen to in the car when my dad is driving. Tunes to tap your toes and songs and wishing he was you. You just can’t beat Clare’s voice or her energy.
Mostly Minnesota 