Kate McGarry - Mercy Streets      >> Critical Praise for Mercy Streets
The Target
1. Chelsea Morning
2. Whatever Lola Wants
3. How Deep Is The Ocean
4. But Not For Me
5. Mercy Street
6. Joga (State of Emergency)
7. Snow Picnic
8. Aquelas Coisas Todas
  9. Stars
  10. Trouble Of the World
  11.Going In
  12. Do You Know What It Means To Miss
     New Orleans
Buy the CD Mercy Streets released April 2005 on Palmetto Records

More concerned with the essence of a song than idiomatic limitations, vocalist Kate McGarry has managed to attract the attention of tomorrow’s jazz fans. An eclectic repertoire ranging from Brazilian standards to the works of Joni Mitchell assists McGarry’s mission to involve a younger audience in the music. Her signature contralto conveys a message with a crystal clarity that precludes the need for gimmick or effect. All that’s left is undeniably honest music that transcends the boundaries of age or genera. Using the intimate setting of acoustic and electric guitars, acoustic bass and percussion, Kate and her band tie a thread of honesty and artistry through a remarkable range of material, creating music that is deeply satisfying to the mind and heart.

From the plaintive cries of Peter Gabriel's "Mercy Street", to the vocal/guitar acrobatics of "Whatever Lola Wants", to her own touching and tuneful "Going In", Kate's voice rests on the musical landscapes created by electric guitarist Steve Cardenas, bassist Sean Smith, drummer Kenny Wollesen and co-arranger/composer Keith Ganz on acoustic guitar. The band is joined on two tracks by special guest Fred Hersch on piano, whose wistful song "Stars" is a welcome addition to the project.

The set also includes Joni Mitchell's "Chelsea Morning", Bjork's "Joga", the spiritual "Trouble of the World", a haunting resetting of the Irving Berlin classic "How Deep Is the Ocean" and others.

Keith Ganz - acoustic guitars (Check out Keith's new cd here.) Steve Cardenas - electric guitar, acoustic on 2,5 (left channel) Sean Smith - bass Kenny Wollesen - drums and percussion Special Guest: Fred Hersch - piano on 6 and 9

Chelsea Morning arranged by bassist Steve Roane and Kate McGarry, Mercy Street, Joga and Trouble of the World arranged by Kate McGarry, Whatever Lola Wants and How Deep is the Ocean arranged by Keith Ganz, Aquelas Coisas Todas arranged by Kate, Keith and Steve Cardenas.