Fri 8/13 @ 8PM
In the ’00s, northeast Ohio singer/guitarist/songwriter Tracy Marie was everywhere: playing driving rock & roll, playing gutsy blues, doing acoustic performances that accentuated her songs. And she’s written hundreds of them, showcasing them on six albums. She also founded Breastfest more than 20 years ago, an annual benefit where female-fronted acts raise money to help breast cancer patients.
She’s performed less in recent year because she’s been dealing with Morquio Syndrome, a genetic skeletal condition that limits movement and causes pain. Still, even if she’s not out in the clubs as often, she’s never stopped writing and recording, as well as advocating for disability rights.
Last year, when the rest of us were also forced to curtail our activities, she recorded a new album called A Dark Place, with Cleveland-based producer Jim Wirt at Superior Sound. It was official released on June 18; she’ll play a CD release concert at the Beachland Ballroom on Friday August 13. Meganne Stepka opens.
The 11-song album is dark and intense, ranging from urgent, driving hard rockers like the title Tunes and “Soul Lost,” to weary, grunge-influenced tunes with Alice in Chains overtones such as “Lonely Girl” and “Hold On Tight.” “Black Rays” encapsulates both, breaking free of the swamp to become a raging uptempo number.
The album’s final tune “One Fine Day” has an ethereal, fragile quality that makes a nice coda. Tying everything together is Tracy Marie’s supple, robust voice with its bluesy undertones and its ability to turn on a dime, even verge on scatting in “Pictures.”
Get more information and find out how to get the album at TracyMarie.com.