David Malachowski
You may never have heard a sound so lonesome and bleak as Kate Sweeney. Not that that's a bad thing.
After stunning a crowd at the Colony Café a few months ago, the Athens, Ga., singer-songwriter now based in New York City has released her first EP produced by D. B. Leonard.
Leading off with the haunting "Lonesome," Sweeney says a lot with few words, and isn't afraid of space and even silence. In a way, she's a female Ralph Stanley (if such a thing was possible): simple, stark, powerful and unforgettable.
"Appletree" describes in detail her lover's hands and ways in an always literary manner. Leonard's spare production offers little intrusion, and allows Sweeney room to breathe, pull the listener in and work her magic.
One of the most unique and original voices to come along in years, Sweeney can steal your heart and break it in the same instant.
Sweeney can be seen at various regional gigs, and be heard Dec. 12th on WAMC on Performance Place.(online version at http://www.dailyfreeman.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19092827&am p;BRD=1)
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