SARAH STEFANSON
broken like a starfish
(Independent)
On the one-to-ten: 7
It's always interesting when people involved in the music business expand beyond the pigeon holes of genre induced music. Anytime a songwriter/performer dares meld various musical forms into something which creates headaches for reviewers in detailing what style of music it is, they have achieved the creation of a musical treat.
So let me introduce you to Saskatoon artist Sarah Stefanson. Not a household name you say - well maybe not yet - but she should still garner your ear.
Stefanson's roots are no doubt in the folk vein - her resume includes regular appearances at coffee houses and smaller festivals - where the intimacy of her voice and acoustic guitar can be best appreciated. But, broken like a starfish has an alternative feel to it as well, with lyrics that go beyond most definitions of pure folk. The independent release is fresh in its approach, and professional in its sound. If it fit more easily into a musical style it could find ready radio play for some of her efforts. Still, the lack of a label is also this work's most compelling feature.
May 29, 1999
