MERCHANT, NATALIE

From the soulful march, "San Andreas Fault," that opens her solo debut, it is obvious she has found a freedom in going solo. It's evident in her less restrictive vocals and in a tighter, more expansive musical sound. Her lyrics, no surprise, remain somber. But in finally recording a song as throbbingly funky as "Carnival," Merchant offers a glimpse of what she always had lurking inside when she flailed about onstage with the Maniacs. And "River," a tribute to the late River Phoenix, gives her a chance to belt a lyric out--a pleasant, surprising change from her usual folkie whisper. TIGERLILY also includes some simple piano tracks that recall the earliest Maniacs records. The piano-voice duet has always been Merchant's forté, and her sweet, rich voice cuts through the heartbreaking loss of "Beloved Wife" and the unrequited love of "The Letter." And then, just when you think the piano is her sweetest ally, a captivating fiddle joins her and her piano for the winsome "Cowboy Romance."

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