Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Washington-based singer/songwriter Beth Whitney's debut album has already received airplay on over 200 college radio stations across the USA and Canada and it's easy to hear why. Whitney has been compared to fellow songstress Norah Jones but she is very much an artist in her own right who is capable of holding her own in terms of performance and craftsmanship. Containing 11 mostly self-penned tracks set to a melodic acoustic backdrop, each song contains heartfelt lyrics that are equally thought provoking and sensitive. An array of subjects are covered from the uncertainty of love in "Kickin' Pinecones" and the loss of a loved one in "Lights Out" and there are references to God in songs like "Busy Bee". What makes this release stand out is the inclusion of an innovative range of additional instruments that augment Whitney's tender vocals and subtle guitar playing. Sarah Ali LKC's gipsy violin on "Wayfarin' Stranger" adds a haunting quality to the traditional song whilst a surprise percussion break from Jeff Busch lifts "Sugar-Coated" into a different realm. Only "Grandma Francis" falls short of the mark due to the sudden minimalist nature of the song compared to the variety contained in the rest of a rather beguiling album from this very promising artist.

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