A Trifecta of Young Singer-Songwriters Serenaded at The Sinclair

Playing to a smaller audience than they deserved, Liz Longley, Heather Maloney, and Sarah Blacker treated us to a trio of sets that showcased the talent each of them possesses.

I was familiar with the music of all three young women prior to this show, and was excited to see how their styles worked off each other.

I have seen Liz perform a number of times since I was introduced to her at a Livingston Taylor show while she was still an undergraduate at Berklee College of Music. Liv introduced Liz as that spellbinding student who comes along once in a decade. Living in Nashville, her bluesy style has added a country influence that works.

Recently signed to a record label, Liz’s set consisted of a number of songs from her new self-titled album, including ‘Camaro’ which she explained was written about a relationship that ended badly. “You’re just his shiny new thing’ is the hook.

Liz’s songs are intensely personal; the song that perhaps shows that best is ‘Unraveling’, a song she wrote about her late grandmother who had Alzheimer’s. “I’m the only daughter of her oldest son/I knew her well before her spirit was gone/And her life is a thread woven into every part of me/She is unraveling.” Even though I have no personal experience with Alzheimer’s, this song brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. I thought I heard a few sniffles in the audience this night.

This was the first time I have seen Liz perform with a band, despite this being the first time they played with her, I thought they sounded good.

Liz is an engaging performer who should go far in this business.

I have only seen Heather perform a couple of times; once with Darlingside, a band I adore, and another solo at a three-act show when she unfortunately followed a rocking first set (unfortunate because it’s hard to follow a lively full-band set with a mellow solo act). I enjoyed both sets, but was eager to see Heather perform with her own band.

Heather recently released a new album, Making Me Break, which I reviewed and love, so I looked forward to hearing some of those songs during her set. Her style is, more or less, indie folk rock.

Heather is also an engaging performer who appeared to be in her element with her band, as well as special guest Will Dailey (who is a fine addition to anyone’s band). I especially enjoyed her guitarist who has an unassuming demeanor that belies his talent. It was clear to this writer that he and Heather have wonderful musical chemistry.

Heather’s co-headlining set included many songs from the new album, including ‘1855’, ‘Linger Longer’, and the title song. She also performed ‘Flutter’ which is her best-known song to date.

I hope and believe Heather also has a long career ahead of her.

Opening the show was last-minute (several days before the show) addition Sarah Blacker. I have seen Sarah perform a couple of times as well and enjoy her stage presence as well.

Performing this night with the fabulous guitarist Erik White, Sarah performed songs from her new release, In Waves, which I had not heard prior to this show. I loved what I heard of this album and am getting myself fully ensconced in it!

Sarah describes her style as sundress rock and it fits.

I am sure there were some in the audience who attended the show to hear one or two of these young songwriter; I hope they walked away from the show as fans of all three of these marvelous women.

This review was originally published on Suze Reviews the Blues.