Once again I find myself composing a blog in full support of a musician with a sound I don’t normally find appealing. But there is something so tingly about Liz Longley. Two measures in and I am so lost in the evocative sound of her voice that I can only love the slide guitar for complementing it so perfectly and unobtrusively.

Not surprisingly, I now have a severe case of green-eyed vocal envy. My plan is to learn the lyrics to all of her songs so I can mouth the words and imagine that it is my voice that I hear. I may even hire her to just walk around behind me and be my voice, like I’m some kind of ventriloquist dummy. Which isn’t that far of a stretch really.

Cut from the same cloth as greats like Ani DiFranco and Jewel, with a strong influence from Joni Mitchell, her singer/songwriter, folk, Nashville sound is so huge, that it almost seems dangerous that you should be able to see Ms. Longley perform in a small venue. Her voice is as clear as a bell and will ring in your ears (and soul) long after she’s packed up her guitar and moved on to the next stop on her tour in support of her new CD Somewhere in the Middle.

This woman is tough and sensitive and bluesy and brave. And every one of her tunes exudes these characteristics in a very rich way. It is my fervent suggestion that you get out and see her up close while you can. And make sure you demand to hear gems like “Rush,” “Almost Over You,” “Overdue” and “Go On.” Before OSHA shows up with protective ear-wear.

You love Liz Longley. Maybe you don’t know it yet, but you do. And there’s no better time than the day before Valentine’s Day to spend an evening with someone you love. Amirite?

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 8 p.m.
Liz Longley w/ Seth Glier
Burlap and Bean, 204 South Newtown St, Newtown Square, PA 19073
484-427-4547
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