Concert Preview:
Kathleen Edwards

The sounds that Kathleen Edwards produces are typical of folk/rock musicians like Brandi Carlile and KT Tunstall, but there is a quality to her voice that sets her apart from all the rest. She sings honestly, allowing the flawless and pure notes to reach the listener easily. Sometimes the notes are rough, as if she is whispering a secret that is only for you to hear. She sings in an almost listless and melancholy way, her haunting soprano voice hinting at pessimism, but the usually energetic drums, piano, and strings make everything feel OK.

You can hear this phenomenon for yourself this Thursday, September 27 at the Majestic Theatre here in Madison, so don’t just take my word for it. Edwards will be there to sing you into a soothing trance.

Even though Edwards was born in Ottawa, Ontario, she is carving a spot for herself within the folk and Americana genres here in the States. Her more recent songs have been listed on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts of folk and rock and with a tour underway, her music will only be heard by more and more people.

Edwards is veteran within the world of music, as she has been playing music since she was only five years old. Specifically, the classical violin. It was her first love, and lessons lasted for twelve whole years before she picked up a guitar for the very first time. But her traditional string roots still manage to find their way into her new music. Her first album, Failer, includes many violin melodies, and Edwards wrote them all. Even the tracks on 2012’s Voyageur, her fourth album and co-produced by then-boyfriend Justin Vernon, include hints and whispers of background violins. And since she has been playing that particular instrument since the tender age of five, you know that the violin in her recent folk music is full of talent, beautiful, and complementary to her voice.

Like I said, Voyageur is her fourth studio album, and is probably her best work as it comes with a tweaked sound and a great new place for motivation: divorce. The entire album tracks the relationship she once had with her former husband, and she asks the listener to go along on the rollercoaster of a voyage and share in her emotions. The song that is probably most evident of this inspiration is the poignant “House Full of Empty Rooms,” in which she says “You don’t talk to me, not the way that you used to / Maybe I don’t listen in a way that makes you think I do.” If Edwards’ music hasn’t captured you yet, Voyageur will most certainly do that.

If you enjoy the sounds of Nora Jones or Regina Spektor, then the music of Kathleen Edwards is perfect for you, and it would be a good idea for you to check out her show Thursday at the Majestic. Even if you’re not familiar with this type of music, seeing Edwards live will make you a fan, really. So check it out.