Julie Miller Broken Things CD

Julie Miller is a rarity among singer-songwriters. Her songs are eminently cover-able and have widely been afforded such treatment. But they are also so personal that they seem to be rolling out of her heart when she sings them. BROKEN THINGS is the follow-up to BLUE PONY, Miller's stunning 1997 debut. Guests include Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and NRBQ's Joey Spampinato. The album was produced by Julie and her husband Buddy Miller (whose own CRUEL MOON was released nearly simultaneously).

As a singer, Miller can embrace a spiritual realm rich with introspection ("I Know Why the River Runs"). She can also kick things up with a sassy edge, as she does here on "I Need You." The set's one cover is a version of the traditional ballad "Two Soldiers." The narrow programming of radio in the '90s is no barometer of the important music being produced. Like Earle and Harris, Julie Miller simply makes good music. This is a stellar release.

Recorded between February & May 1999.

Personnel: Julie Miller (guitar, acoustic guitar); Buddy Miller (vocals, guitar, electric guitar, violin, melodica, harmonium); Steve Earle (vocals, mandolin); Teresa Williams, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Victoria Williams (vocals); Larry Campbell (acoustic guitar, bouzouki, mandolin); Ed Foote (hurdy-gurdy); John Catchings (cello); John Schreiner (accordion, piano); Phil Madeira (accordion, harmonium, organ); Rev. Brady Blade (drums); Steve Hindalong (percussion).

Recording information: Dogtown Studios (02/1999-05/1999).

Photographer: Grant Alden.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Emmylou Harris; Patty Griffin; Steve Earle; Victoria Williams.

Arrangers: Julie Miller; Buddy Miller.

Personnel: Julie Miller (vocals, acoustic guitar); Buddy Miller (vocals, acoustic, electric, baritone & mando- guitars, harmonium, bass); Steve Earle (vocals, mandolin); Emmylou Harris, Victoria Williams, Patty Griffin (vocals); Larry Campbell (acoustic guitar); John Catchings (cello); John Andrew Schreiner (accordion, piano); Phil Madeira (accordion, harmonium, Hammond B-3 organ); Ed Foote (hurdy gurdy); Alison Prestwood, Byron Bouse, Joey Spampinato (bass); Brady Blade (drums); Steve Bindalong (percussion).

Engineers include: Mark Olson, Cathy Schreiner, Gurf Morlix.

Entertainment Weekly (8/20-27/99, p.129) - "...Miller crafts an album of shivering emotional impact....the small-voiced Miller...turns music into beguiling seduction." - Rating: A
Dirty Linen (12/99-1/00, pp.85-6) - "...a record that needs to be listened to....the songs often cut with delicate and broken edges of desire and need that are well matched with her little girl voice....the songs are strong enough to be beautiful in a wide range of settings...