Martha Berner

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“..think Natalie Merchant with fewer adult contemporary leanings or Aimee Mann on a folkier trip. Berner’s voice can thicken and thin like Joni Mitchell’s and it’s unmistakably her greatest asset.” – Magnet
“Fabulous” – Performing Songwriter
“…evokes the vocals of Tori Amos and the musical style of Wilco.” – The Chicago Tribune
“[one of] indie’s finest talents.” – Toronto Metro
This is certainly one to keep an eye on.” – Women Folk
TEN TINY LITTLE PIECES
Martha Berner’s Ten Tiny Little Pieces EP was recorded in just one day , a sunny fall day (Sunday, Oct. 8) in Lake Geneva, WI, only a few miles from her hometown of Williams Bay, WI. The emotionally-charged title track “Ten Tiny Little Pieces,” a ballad inspired by the loss of loved ones was one of the four tracks that brought together an inspired group of talented musicians for what Berner describes as a “magical ” recording experience. Now calling Chicago home, Martha took a weekend getaway from her busy 2006 touring schedule to record this slight departure from the traditional acoustic folk-rock leanings of her critically acclaimed debut album, ...this side of yesterday (Machine 2005), by recruiting both family (sister Kari Berner Adams on backing vocals and brother in-law Jon Adams on guitars) and long time musician friends, including the distinctive tones of keyboardist Zaid Maxwell’s space-echoed Wurlitzer piano and Milada Keck’s dancing violin and piano lines, which are most evident in the fun, cruising groove of track number three “Down and Out in San Francisco.” Rounding out this first ever collection of musicians (some of whom had never met before the weekend) was Dan McMahon (Wandering Sons), engineer/bass player Justin Perkins, producer Chris Buttleman and the talented Helen Tyler on backing vocals for a fresh take on The Velvet Underground & Neko’s dreamy 1967 pop classic “Sunday Morning.”This truly enjoyable EP closes with an up-tempo, tip-of-the-hat to ‘60s and ‘70s power pop, where Martha dusted off her first instrument, the cornet, to complete a disc that will most certainly leave you wanting more. Label Machine Records promises more is soon to come from Martha, with a brand new full-length offering slated for release this summer (2007). In the meantime, this four song treat should prove to be the perfect appetizer for fans of this talented new songstress.
THIS SIDE OF YESTERDAY....
With a wellspring of captivating songs that dig deep into the soul of American roots music, while also interjecting a distinct modern rock flavor, Chicago singer/songwriter Martha Berner has successfully melded old and new into a timeless collection of indie folk-rock on her full-length debut album entitled …this side of yesterday.