Suzie Brown

Suzie Brown (a Harvard graduate hailing from Philadelphia) wasn't being subtle when she titled her debut LP. Moonlighting as a singer-songwriter while practicing cardiology, Brown chose to immerse herself completely in pulling heartstrings ― the artistic way. Recalling Patsy Cline, Brown shines when she invokes the Nashville sound of the late '50s/early '60s. Her occasional forays into a more upbeat, contemporary style of country are much less satisfying. Brown's deeper vocals ― more compelling when relaxed than when strained ― suit the mellow country-blues prominent on most of the material. Under the careful watch of producer Barrie Maguire (Amos Lee, Natalie Merchant), the record's musical arrangements are at just the right measure. The set-up is clean and crisp, leaving room for Brown's bluesy drawl to take centre stage.