Lara Herscovitch: reviews

“…The abundance of singer-songwriters on the scene today requires a musician to really shine to rise above the crowd, and Herscovitch does that from the first line of the first song…”

"...Herscovitch now is as a matter of course what Baez was then on her best day... it is more than Folk. It is Jazz and World and a handful of other genres (even comedy, as in a Smothers' Brother-type take on being stopped for speeding - Mr. Officer), all melded into a smoothly flowing musical stew... Juror Number 13 is among the best folk releases of this year and possibly many years past."

“Herscovitch masterfully creates a proud batch of
poignant songs, each one possessing its own unique charm. Smart lyrics and a noticeable whimsy mark Herscovitch as someone who embraces the serious as much as the humorous side of folk music.”

"...refreshing talent... Pure, crisp, refreshing, singer songwriter Lara Herscovitch is a welcome alternative... this one-time would-be lawyer's voice is arresting, warm and engaging; the guitar picking rates at least four out of five jalapenos... the perfect soundtrack for transforming a lazy, hazy sun-soaked day into a luscious, full-body, all-senses experience."

"Herscovitch is doing a fine job of building up a rabid fanbase (myself dutifully included)... Her vocals continue to amaze me as she pops and weaves her way in and out of Spanish and English lyrics..."

"...fourteen delicious tracks... tell you just what life is about... unique... whether she's singing in English or Spanish you can feel the emotion floating not only out of the singer, but out of the characters she is describing..." -Indie-Music.com

"rich, vibrant... soulful edge..."

"...intelligently written... wonderful voice and delectable six string picking shine... Fresh and invigorating, Lara brings unique talents to the singer/songwriter world."

"...Herscovitch's voice is great. It's crystal clear and soothing... Lovely... immediately charming and the lyrics, well, funny, smart, clever, etc. Great... an interesting and unique folk-pop album that I think will please many a music fan."

"...Herscovitch is fast becoming one of Connecticut's finest musical exports. Wielding her warm voice, humorous wit and keen intelligence..."

"...perfect wordcrafting..."

"Herscovitch accomplishes versatility in folk music through a terrific set of story-telling devices that goes beyond... through Herscovitch's lens we get to look at American culture, which she sometimes criticizes and sometimes defends, and its players emerge tragic fools, unsung heroes, and troubled souls whose stories we want to hear..."

"...Herscovitch was one hell of a find..."

"Lara may have realized for the masses yet another musical genre.. that of social-songwriter (socially-conscious songwriter)... deservedly earns the title of Best New Artist of 2003."

"Lara’s a remarkable performer... already she's carved out a special niche... with her captivating blend of folk, pop and Latin music…"

"If the name isn't currently sounding off any mental bells, it will. Her lyrics are pure, her sound original and her music is strong enough to soften even the hardest of critics... Always friendly and ever ready to establish a bond between performer and listener... Herscovitch's songs are earthy, and socially conscious. Whether inspired by a quote penned by poet Henry David Thoreau, national disregard for the American environment or a love of Latin American culture, Herscovitch's songs are moving and full of meaning. Often unfamiliar with her work at first, those who hear, see, or speak with her will not soon forget her name.”

"Herscovitch has a rich and melodic voice that would be done a disservice to compare to better-known commercial artists... original and memorable in its own right... charm that's hard to resist."

"...pure musical poetry... Herscovitch has a strong body of work, comparable to a Joni Mitchell sound, not bad company to be regarded in... A songbird musical style, along with great instrumentals and compositions, shines through in her work."

"Her voice is elegant whether singing in English or Spanish... a breath of fresh air in the acoustic world."

"An emerging artist with a growing following, [Herscovitch] combines Latin influences with North American folk-pop sensibility… funny and catchy… personal and reflective… Herscovitch has high ideals for her music… I appreciated Herscovitch’s honesty… clever and personal in an engaging way… expressive voice and lovely guitar work… Herscovitch is going in the right direction."

"There is a comforting warm meal of folk rock with a considerate choice of instrumentation... Herscovitch constructs beautiful and rustic songs… sparkling vocal and guitar textures that fall outside of the folk paradigm."

"Building on the Latin blends of her last disc, 'Sin Tierra', Herscovitch is polished and cool, and swings convincingly from moody to upbeat, in English and Spanish."

"If there was just one word for this album [There] it would be captivating. She’s extraordinarily talented and does so much good that it motivates you to get off your duff and start helping out. Connecticut is a lucky state to have such a wonderful and warm musician and philanthropist in their midst."

"From the first track, it is perfectly clear that this disc is the product of musicians who care deeply about their craft... Herscovitch mixes folk with elements of jazz and Latin rhythms, sung in both English and Spanish, and annoints them with her often sultry vocals that approximate those of Natalie Merchant's... outstanding accompaniment... Herscovitch proves herself to be a prolific force in the singer-songwriter game…”

"...as mutli-faceted as her life - a melodic blend of folk, pop, and Latin styles with smart, snappy bilingual lyrics that range in theme from personal relationships to global issues."

"…her voice remains a constant plus, clear and smooth like expensive liquor."

"Nothing is forced with this sincere performer, and the sound that results is peaceful and pure... Even the songs that describe “only” love, seem somehow deeper and more intellectual because of Lara’s incredible objectivity, honesty and imaginative storytelling. Her voice and instrument are beautiful and are guided by her accomplished songwriting."

"She is not just a pretty face, the more you listen, the more you will like what she does."

"Sin Terra [Editor's Pick]... the Latin answer to the burning question of 'What sounds good today?' Lara’s voice is superb and beautifully sets a course across both Spanish and English lyrics."

"Lara Herscovitch is above and beyond the pack."