Sarah Swanson: Reviews/Press

Sarah Swanson's album Dark Sunshine is both dark at times, light at others, but always rich with insight and emotion.  From the opening track of "After You Move On," which features a warm, yet sweet guitar played by Patrick Thomas to Sarah's amazing voice and meaningful lyrics, Dark Sunshine offers much for listeners of Americana and AAA.  Dark Sunshine answers the question (or maybe doesn't) of if, or when, you "can trust a girl with a broken heart."

Sarah's songwriting is both personal and universal and on songs such as "Free", "Not What You Wanted", and "Everything Changed", Sarah lays out her heart, soul, but mostly her mind, into her lyrics. In today's era we don't usually take the time to curl up in "the big chair" with headsets on and listen to an entire album, but Sarah Swanson's album Dark Sunshine just might inspire the listener in this day and age, from time to time, that is exactly what we need to do. 

Sarah Swanson's album Dark Sunshine is excellently produced, solid instrumentally, and a bittersweet joy to listen to.  Because as Sarah writes in "After You Move On", you "can't wait forever on a dream." You also can't go wrong in listening to the songs of Sarah Swanson on her newest album Dark Sunshine.

The patio of AnnArbor.com will continue to host its free noon concert series this week as the summer winds down. The August 13 event features indie singer-songwriter Sarah Swanson, whose “Dark Sunshine” has been described in promotional materials as “a blend of '70s West Coast rock and dark, soulful tunes.”

Listeners have described Swanson’s voice as a “haunting, strong presence.” All songs on “Dark Sunshine” are, she has said, “intensely personal, yet universal.”

Swanson’s musical experience began in her childhood, where she spent time writing, singing and playing music influenced by the 70s music collection of her parents, which was, she relates on her website, “laced with an edgy and often haunting alternative songwriter rock sound of today.”

In both high school and college, Swanson played in cover bands and continued to write songs. Although Swanson eventually switched directions and focused on other interests for a few years, she never stopped writing songs in her spare time.

According to her website, Swanson met local guitarist Patrick Thomas at the Blind Pig, and the two married in 2002.

PREVIEW

Sarah Swanson

• Who: Local singer-songwriter.
• What: Indie folk/pop.
• Where: The patio at AnnArbor.com, 301 East Liberty Street.
• When: Friday at noon.
• How much: Free.

Thomas encouraged her to return to the studio, and they worked together on Swanson's album, "Dark Sunshine," produced at Big Sky in Ann Arbor.

This week, Swanson and her band will take the stage at our very own 301 East Liberty location, sharing the raw, emotional sound that has come to characterize her music with concert-goers who join in.

Subtle and musically tasteful, Sarah Swanson's CD, "Dark Sunshine", begins with a reflection on freedom and cautionary intimacy in the first track, "After You Move On". Swanson writes, 'i knew you when i thought i was free, i must have been crazy. . .you say have an understanding, i say i have one too, i'm deceiving you right from the start, did you trust the girl with the broken heart.. .she'll only bring you down'. Swanson at once sings of herself in first and second person, taking that emotional cue to distance oneself from profoundly honest personal reflection. Swanson doesn't want to be the deceiver, yet may be, and in the way Cash's "Hurt" sweetly describes a personal pain, so does a pain get communicated here. Supporting the tune is world-class guitarist and producer, Patrick Thomas. His lyrical and textured guitar work is a backdrop and first-rate canvas to Swanson's colors.   The guitar playing has an airy-voiced Travis lean in cuts like "Blue". We hear influences from Winwood, Zep, to Nicks - 70's substantial style with contemporary rhythmic choices in the (drumming). When the rock kicks in, the drums from Chuck Mauk are a page out of Bonham-land. Swanson's voice soars above with conviction in the varied dynamic tune that turns into a modern throw-back trip to when a music piece could move from heaven to hell and back again. Track 5, "Dance with Me", is a textural masterpiece. Swanson's voice invites with a somber love as she sings 'dance with me...one more time'. Thomas' guitar work which consists of at least six layers of beauty, is a lesson in subtlety and restraint as the supportive music structure caresses the vocals like a parent. We are reminded of the production nuances of Natalie Merchant's first solo records. Swanson's voice, though, is more accessible. The timbre of her voice is up-front and without a noticeable wash of effects. The result is a listening experience that is pure and substantially personal. In track 6, "Afraid of Everything", piano and guitar exchange phrases as Swanson continues with the reflective pace, 'in this small town, your face is everywhere, a sign of complete disaster, when you're afraid of everything, it's not the easiest way to live'.   Track 7, "You're My Man", is the one upbeat tune in the collection - a shock of countrified proportions. The tune, dedicated to a very lucky guy, is from a yee-haw lucky gal, and one of the most commercial ditties we've heard in a long time. The personal lyrics are country-perfect with a grin at life and a mountain-top shout, "You're My Man". Lyrics are light and revealing, 'sometimes things get crazy and i say i'm runnin away, you don't need to worry baby, you know i'll always stay, all i know is you're my man'. The tune chronicles her admiration of this guy as he plays and performs guitar, safely guides her through wildlife, and loves the domestic role of step-Mom for his son.   Track 8, "No Goodbyes", is the epic band tune on the record. Swanson sings, 'it's impossible to say you don't have to stay, i'm going back to that place to see you smile, no goodbyes'. Piano lays down the perpetual chord changes, snare hits the four, and, again, the guitar work is perfect. There's something here that's tangible but hard to achieve. Clearly, Swanson and guitarist, Thomas, are incredible musicians in their own right, as are all the musicians in tow, yet the songs, sacred in approach from a production standpoint, are respected around the message and composition. And in that, Swanson's vocal delivery bleeds honesty in communication while the guitar work is there to agree and nurture the song - as does the rest of the instrumentation - without the kind of acrobatics that take away from song yet is so prevalent in much of contemporary popular music. The final song is Swanson solo - piano and vocal - in "I Know You". She sings, 'time has a way of playing her games, i have played some games of my own, i did not know that you were not playing, looking back, i should have known. . .you can run, but the past is right behind you, and I will always know you'. The paradox of this substantial quality album is clear and reflected in the album title. Swanson writes of struggle, pain, self-pity and condemnation, while maintaining a pragmatic love and acceptance in life - the balance, if you will, between black and white, good and evil, and "Dark Sunshine". - d.k.

Indie rocker returns to Midland

Indie rock artist Sarah Swanson returns to her hometown of Midland on Saturday, February 26 to perform in concert at Creative 360 presented by Phoenix Productions. Swanson, who is promoting her latest release Dark Sunshine, is ecstatic about playing in front of long time friends and new fans.  

“This upcoming show means the world to me. I started writing songs when I was a kid back at Sugnet School. I followed the teen musicians from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship which I attended all through school, and I joined my first band in Midland,” recalls Swanson. “Even though I've lived in Ann Arbor for years, I still feel nostalgic toward Midland when I visit. It is a long time dream of mine to sing these songs here where I grew up.” 

Swanson's music ranges from intense, moody confessionals to rock-based edgier songs, each punctuated by personal and introspective lyrics. While Swanson is the primary songwriter, guitarist Patrick Thomas co-wrote some of the songs on the newest CD, including the eclectic fan-favorite “Blue” and “Free”, which found airplay on dozens of radio stations across the country. 

Nine of the 10 songs from the CD hit the airwaves, but the uptempo “Free” was the breakout song in radio rotation from Hawaii to Maine and from Texas to Minnesota.  

“We were astounded when the songs especially 'Free' started showing up on stations all over the country,” Swanson says. This led to in-studio performances and interviews. “It is an amazing feeling to hear your song on the radio!” 

Dark Sunshine charted with the national Americana Music Association for weeks as well as charting on the Roots Music Report. The CD was recently nominated for the West Michigan Jammie Awards in the categories of Best Female Solo and Best Rock/Pop CD. 

Although Swanson's music leans toward a laid back sound, she assures concertgoers that the shows are energetic, engaging, and well-executed thanks to her phenomenally talented band.  

“We'll be performing a number of selections off of Dark Sunshine as well as introducing a few new songs from our upcoming CD which we start recording in March,” Swanson says. “This band does like to rock so we also play a few of our favorite cover songs which wraps nicely into our love for 70s rock.” 

Swanson will be joined on stage by musicians from Southeast Michigan and Ohio including guitarist Thomas, guitarist Rod Capps, drummer Chuck Mauk, bassist Don Beyer, and back-up vocalist and percussionist Jennifer Buehrer. 

Acoustic performers Paledave and Jenny Fair will open the show on February 26 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Creative 360 is located at 1517 Bayliss St. in Midland. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and can be purchased the night of the show.  For more information or to hear Swanson's music visit: www.SarahSwansonMusic.com or www.thosephoenixproductions.com.

An inspiring work by strong and tempered vocalist Sarah Swanson sets the mood for this initial effort. Her excellent songwriting and high quality production reveals superb and memorable performances by supporting musicians helping to create overall strength of this classic yet contemporary visit into her inner feelings. A must listen to. Go Sarah and Patrick!  Charlie Huhn of Foghat

The ensemble is a real treat. The sparseness highlights the vocal lines and lyrics. There's a fine intimacy throughout--and the best moments, for me, come along when the guitar and vocal are in dialogue--as in "After You Move On," "Afraid of Everything, verses of "Blue." (By the way, "Blue" is a great rock song. It has all the things a human wants: epic chorus, moody verses, ensemble depth).
 
Also, "Free" is a nice f**k-off pop song. It's a good "take that" genre. Salute! (And what a fine-ass lead guitar. Dang.)
 
The vocal tracks are great--reminiscent of Lucinda Williams...my favorite CD, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. I like the relaxed, almost conversational approach, e.g. "Not What You Wanted", "Dance with Me". Very cool. Too many singers over-sing. Sarah doesn't. She's got the right posture. Bravo. It's a pleasure to hear. And needless to say, but I'll say it: The guitar work is world class. Bang.

A well rounded soulful artist

author: Michael Gray

This CD blends a lot of good artistic influences from Rock, Blues, and on one occasion Country. All songs are well crafted and accessible without being too mainstream or pop oriented. A very listenable album that echos some well know artists such as Stevie Nicks, Sarah Mclachlan and Bonnie Raitt. There are some definite stand out tunes where Sarah Swanson's own unique style rises up to claim her own identity. Notably "Blue", "No Goodbyes" and "Everything Changed" Recommended !

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Dark Sunshine

author: Mary

With engaging lyrics and sophisticated instrumentals, Dark Sunshine is high quality listening! I totally recommend it!!

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This CD rocks!

author: Cowgirl in the Sand

The only thing better than listening to this CD is hearing Sarah sing the songs on this CD live on stage. I've purchased this CD for myself, my parents, and several of my friends - all with different musical tastes - and everyone has enjoyed it and given it positive reviews.

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Great Disk!

author: Curt

Dark Sunshine brings sunshine to my day!

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A Taste of Atmospheric Heaven - 5 Stars

 

Beautiful and mesmerizing...Sarah's rich lyrical ability and lush voice are a powerful combination. She writes like a poet and sings like a dream- treat yourself to this gorgeous music.

"Dark Sunshine is a great Sunday morning disc. Soothing, but the sound sparks your ears. Easy to listen to but also introspective and emotional. Grab your favorite morning brew and enjoy...Favorite song: Blue"
 
 Kent "Bubba" Gascoyne / Cub Koda & Humble Pie

Sarah Swanson recently returned to her true love of making music and is currently promoting her new CD "Dark Sunshine" with a gig at the Arbor Brewing Co. on June 18. She sang "Free" and "Dance With Me" from the album. Both sounded great.

Dark Sunshine is a beautiful blend of 70's West Coast rock and dark, soulful tunes. Listeners say Sarah's haunting voice gives them chills with it's strong presence. The songs on Dark Sunshine are intensely personal and yet universal. The vocals and guitars are interwoven in original and hypnotic phrases. The words will bring your own experiences to life.  Buyers say they listen to this CD over and over and over again.  Dark Sunshine was intentionally left somewhat raw and not overproduced, yet this CD is of professional quality and doesn't sound "local". However, if you are looking for a dance record, this CD is probably not for you. Winning rave reviews,Sarah Swanson's Dark Sunshine will feel like a familiar friend, and yet will be unlike anything you have experienced before.