SECRET SISTERS

The Secret Sisters

2010-10-21

ARTIST BIO It took an impromptu Nashville audition by Laura – where Cobb and a few other music business representatives were looking to possibly craft a new singing group last fall – to bring their incredible talents into focus. “Lydia was delayed so I drove up by myself,” says Laura. “I didn’t think I had a chance.” The song she chose was by singer Brandi Carlile – “Same Old You.” “I didn’t know if I did well or not.” By the time she got home her phone was ringing off the hook with messages from representatives from the audition asking her back. Cobb remembers being blown away immediately. “We were looking for a whole different thing,” he admits. “But when I heard Laura I was just knocked out. I’d never heard anything like it, at least in person. There was something so innocent about her style in a ‘40s or ‘50s kind of way. So clear and classic. When she told us she had a sister, we all looked at each other in disbelief.” Lydia showed up later, and when the two were asked to sing together, all the music business representatives present realized the mission was a simple one: To capture this abundance of raw talent in its purest form. The Secret Sisters were born.

Review: When I first heard the singing on this cd, I immediately though of the old-time country music that was performed by Hank Williams, Sr. and Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, but sung by young Andrews Sisters. On reading the liner notes and credits, it became clear why their songs conjured up those visions: several of these songs were written by Hank Williams (“Why Don't You Love Me”, “House of Gold”) or Bill Monroe (“The One I Love Is Gone”). These two sisters are enchanting and very talented. Right out of the box we are treated to a lovely and tuneful melody that the two sisters wrote (“Tennessee Me”). Another down-home country cut that they co-wrote (“Waste The Day”) comes off as a perfectly polished gem that I could swear sounds as if it were recorded at the Historic Ryman Auditorium. I can see why record companies jumped at the chance to sign them. It is said that everything old is new again and The Secret Sisters bring back the twangy sounds of the 40’s and 50’s with vengeance. The Buck Owens' song, “My Heart Skips A Beat” sounds like it was recorded way back in the late 50's. I have to give T Bone Burnett credit for letting Dave Cobb do his thing with these talented sisters on this album. Sisters Lara & Lydia Rogers seem to have a knack for turning any song they choose to sing into a timeless classic. “Why Baby Why” is a good example, as are a couple of traditional songs: “Do You Love An Apple?” and “All About You”. These two sisters have been mentored by the legendary T Bone Burnett, and the backup musicians are excellent at adapting to the variety of music. Some cuts hark back to the 50's sock hop generation, and a good example is “I've Got A Feeling”. When I first heard that, I had to suppress an urge to slip off my shoes. This is a pair of talented sisters that you will be hearing more from. I recommend you get started now. --- Nick

Quick Links:

• Secret Sisters Website
• Facebook Page for Secret Sisters
• This sister act sounds eerily like a younger version of the Rogers sisters