Laura Siersema “Talon of the Blackwater” March 25, 2011

Talon of the Blackwater, Laura Siersema’s third independent release, is an ambitious and challenging call, “a heady concoction of classical, progressive, and light jazz musics, a Renaissance-ish semi-symphonic enterprise by way of Joni Mitchell”. Liken it to “Chuck Mangione’s mellow side during his high period, minus the improv” with Norah Jones’ soulfulness (Mark S. Tucker, FAME). Lush, complex layers transform the folk music of her childhood with fluid guitars, synthesizers,piano, cello, fretless bass, percussion and the unique high qualities of her coloratura voice into a “depth and scale of music so strong, a soul searing connection to it becomes inevitable.”

Love of the piano has always inspired her, from Debussy, Chopin, Messiaen and Villa-Lobos to just closing her eyes and playing whatever comes up. Patterns of guitar strings, the sounds of Michael Hedges and Pat Metheny, fascinate her. Add to these things a passion for finding her voice through years of studying in the classic bel canto tradition and the compelling inner call towards wholeness and you will find her music woven among the language of poetry and dreams.

Her previous releases, When I Left Loss and Love Flows Like the Blood of a River (with Eugene Friesen, cello, and Steve Wilkes, percussion) contain unique combinations of songs and spoken word pieces that “lend a riveting, personal touch and at times cut so deep the hair on the listener’s skin goes on end.” (Josh Shear, Chicopee Herald)

She’s opened for John Gorka, Cheryl Wheeler, Connie Kaldor, Dana Cooper, Brooks Williams and Lori McKenna.
Read more:
www.laurasiersema.com

Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/laurasiersema