The Secret Emchy Society A Secret No More

Cindy Emch (or “Emchy” for short) dubs her latest project the Secret Emchy Society but it quickly becomes clear this isn’t some stealth like set-up but a genuinely lively effort instead. A singer, songwriter, author, poet, radio host and advocate, she formed this loose collective with a revolving group of like-minded musicians that includes, at its core, Emch on vocals, guitar and accordion, Hans Winfold on bass and Eric “Scratch” Ingerson on drums. The band’s first offering, The Stars Fall Shooting Into Twangsville marks Emch’s official solo debut after years of lending her efforts to others. While friend and mentor Carolyn Mark shares lead vocals on “Had Enough,” it was left to Emch to write all the material, either in whole or with occasional input. The songs that resulted reflect a distinct outlook on life both past and present, doing so with a celebratory stance that’s both emphatic and assertive. The album echoes a variety of vintage styles, from rowdy honky tonk to vulnerable ballads, with broad swaths of zydeco, country and cabaret tossed in for good measure. By her own admission, Emch enjoys celebrating the joys of drink and life on the open road, but what really resonates are the enthusiastic efforts of an eager and energetic performer.