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This dynamic new singer/songwriter looks at music in a new way by singing funk, jazz and folk while accompanying herself on hand-plucked cello. Lindsay Mac's originality made her the lead story of the February, 2006 issue of Strings magazine, one of the few singer/songwriters ever to appear on the magazine's cover, taking her rightful place as a true innovator in transforming a traditional instrument to new heights. Classically trained, Mac is characterized by her combination of plucking the cello and standing while performing. She holds the instrument like a guitar, strapped around her small frame, and sings her own original songs in the folk/jazz tradition. In her pioneering way she creates a sound that is groundbreaking and compelling. Lindsay Mac has quickly earned wide recognition on the acoustic music scene, opening for KD Lang, "folk goddess" Catie Curtis, Vance Gilbert, and Daemon Records' group Girlyman. Lindsay has also backed up bass legend Charlie Haden and saxophonist Michael Brecker in New York's Carnegie Hall. Her image appears in publications such as Guitar World, Performing Songwriter, Northeast Performer, and Harp magazines as a part of a promotion deal with the Fostex Corporation. Playing over 180 shows per year, she tours internationally, often with her Boston-based band, which includes Stephen Webber (NPR's All Things Considered, Today Show, 60 Minutes) on turntables, banjo, and mandolin; Tim Ray (Lyle Lovett, Bonnie Raitt, Jane Siberry) on piano; Jesse Williams (Al Kooper) on bass; and Louis Cato (Boston Pops) on drums. This exciting performer is revolutionizing the way we think about the cello, while also expanding the definition of the folk/singer-songwriter genre. Her debut CD, appropriately titled "Small Revolution" because of her unique new approach to music, is receiving airplay throughout the country on hundreds of community and NPR-affiliate radio stations. Produced by Stephen Webber, guest artists on the album include two-time Grammy-winning cellist Eugene Friesen; fiddler Matt Glaser (Rounder Records' The Wayfaring Strangers); and pianist Tim Ray. Born in Iowa and raised by hard-working, party-hungry, bohemian bamparents, Lindsay was fed pork tenderloin and Midwestern microbrews for breakfast (she claims this accounts for her wholesome good looks and generally bad breath). Mac then set out to develop her talent at various schools, including The Royal College of Music in London, The San Francisco Conservatory, and Berklee College of Music in Boston, before trading her seat in the symphony for the vagabond life of a touring singer/songwriter. More on Lindsay Mac can be found at her website: www.lindsaymac.com; and on her blog at www.myspace.com/lindsaymacmusic Here's what reviewers and audiences have to say about Lindsay Mac: "I can't rave enough about this dazzling debut, one of the year's best in every way, with every track [in her CD "Small Revolution"] a winner. I want to run into the streets and force strangers to stop what they're doing and listen to this crazy genius girl with her strapped-on cello. Viva la revolution and all things Lindsay Mac." "...a lush recording and an easy-going sound ensures that this track [Small Revolution] will be on the lips of all listeners." "Lindsay Mac has the talent to move alongside the titans in this section of the industry; with the commercialization of Liz Phair, there needs to be a strong and assertive voice for the oppressed in society to draw from. "Small Revolution" thus is right in its definition of itself; here's hoping that Lindsay comes out with other albums of this same caliber..."
"She arrived, cello in tow, and I have been a fan ever since. A cellist with an insightful lyrical eye, Lindsay plays cello as if it were a guitar. Rather than single line bowing, Lindsay plays chords, strumming instead of bowing while singing her beautifully crafted songs... she makes it seem as natural as rain. I am certain she leaves other cellists in wonderment, asking, 'Why didn't I think of that?' It is an entirely fresh approach. The effect of strummed cello is both ancient and contemporary... That mournful quality, so much a part of the character of a cello, becomes more primitive and percussive when strummed. Married to the lyric, this effect is primal and arresting... adding a resonance to her songs that reaches deep inside the listener. Lindsay is an artist worth watching." "I saw Lindsay Mac do a live solo show in San Francisco recently then bought her disc "Small Revolution." It's new, awesome and totally delightful. She has incredible lyrics: if you like Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird or Patricia Barber, check out Lindsay Mac both live and on CD. Her version of Bill Withers' "Use Me" makes great use (a rare thing) of scratches and turn-tablism -- pomo, baby. Although classically trained in the cello, she stands and strums or picks it like it's a guitar or mandolin!!!" "This album brings me a total fresh feeling of music, story-telling and living. Lindsay Mac has a haunting voice and a funky sound, and her plucked cello adds an incredible dimension to the music. It's original, it's got soul, it's funky, it's beautiful. No matter my mood, there are tracks on this album to match. Mac is able to pull off being technically sophisticated and highly original while appealing to a wide audience. This CD is my new favorite -- what an album." "A friend of mine played me the Lindsay Mac CD last month, and I haven't stopped listening to it since. Even after what must be a thousand times by now, every time I hear it, I notice something new and different in this eclectic group of songs -- whether it's a witty or wise lyric, or an unexpected instrument artfully layered into the mix. " "I just can't seem to get tired of this CD. It's a breath of fresh air to find an artist doing something so creative -- seriously, who else plucks the CELLO, and makes it sound so so good? I can't come up with just one word or genre to describe Lindsay's music, but that is what makes her so amazing, she defies it all. And have I mentioned that her voice is absolutely mesmerizing. That's just icing on the cake of this fantastic CD. You only have to hear her once to fall in love with this unbelievably talented new artist." |
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