Katrina Carlson Here And Now CD

Katrina Carlson captured pop fans' hearts with her debut album, 2001's Apples for Eve, while her smash sophomore set, 2003's Untucked, helped send a quartet of singles into the U.S. charts. Since then, the singer experimented with an edgier sound, but returned to lusher pastures for her third set, Here and Now. "Break My Fall," however, is a sharp reminder of her journey into tougher lands, on a song underpinned at points by fiery rock guitar that singes classic rock territory. "The Secret" is nowhere near as hard, yet still has a pop/rock edge, but these two song's are the exception to the set's overwhelmingly soft and quiet rule. The album's lovely title track and first single is much more representative, a shimmering number filled with orchestral strings that swell languorously into the crystalline chorus. "Daisy in Chains," in contrast, is dappled with '60s sunshine pop, threatening to break from its shackles, and just about does during the anthemic chorus. In contrast, "No One Is to Blame" is deliberately edged with an '80s pop style, a reminder of its past. A Top Five hit for Howard Jones back in 1986, the British star joins Carlson for a cover that nearly bests the original smash. Its downbeat theme fits beautifully within this set, whose own themes revolve around fragile relationships, searches for love, and the need to hold it tight. For Carlson, love is a balm, and the only cure for her own insecurity. Obviously she's not alone in this attitude, giving her lyrics a universal appeal. The music, comforting and comfortable, soft as a summer breeze, and flecked with lush atmospheres and pop sweetness, provides the perfect foil for Carlson's own sweet tones and heartfelt deliveries. The album may be a tad too laid-back for the pop kids, but more mature fans will adore it. ~ Jo-Ann Greene

With the mind of a diplomat and the musicality of a modern pop diva, Katrina Carlson is an artist with true mass appeal. Her stirring, vibrant songs embody universal themes of love and strength that are central to humanity. The critics love her albums, and so do Carlson’s growing legions of dedicated fans. Carlson grew up in Paradise Valley, Ariz., the youngest of 11 children. By the age of 12 she was playing both piano and guitar, and composing songs to entertain her family. Her early talents for songwriting and performance set the stage for Carlson’s bright future. Initially, Carlson did not formally pursue a musical career. She attended Brown University, where she majored in international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. After graduation, Carlson found herself at a crossroads. Dealing with a recent family tragedy and feeling disillusioned by the political climate in Washington, D.C., she moved to New York for some “musical therapy.” Carlson earned admission into the Manhattan School of Music and Brooklyn College’s opera program. During this time, she expanded her creative repertoire and joined an Off-Broadway Cole Porter review amongst many other musical productions. Carlson also appeared in the 1999 indie romantic comedy Special Delivery, and contributed two songs to the film’s soundtrack. In September 2001, Carlson released her debut record, Apples for Eve, with songs co-written and produced by Emmy winner Ron Cohen. Soon after, Carlson’s music started to spread its way throughout American culture. Her music graced the soundtracks of television shows Dawson’s Creek, Lost and Passions, as well as the feature film Go Tigers!. As a result of these successes, Carlson was selected as a 2002 finalist in the Rolling Stone/Jim Beam Emerging Artist series. Carlson’s second record, 2003’s Untucked, contained four hit singles that spent a remarkable 18 combined months on the Billboard and R&R Adult Contemporary charts. The romantic pop ballad “I Know You by Heart” is a powerful and moving duet featuring Benny Mardones -- best known for his 1980s hit single “Into the Night.â