I Muse Aloud

Merrie Amsterburg

Anyone knowing me even just a little knows I'm too often smitten by music. Often led by this huge urge to discover, to know, to fall into music as a divine art. Music as a way to express feelings rather than a way to make money. Music as a way to express a pensive mood rather than a joyfull experience where people meet at festive dance occasions. Music kept a little more introspective rather than shouting just to be heard. Less is more is probably a credo for my true heroes in music... Jane Siberry, Sandy Denny, June Tabor, Mary Coughlan, Patty Larkin... They're in it for the music, and in my opinion don't care about looks and images. (ofcourse they do, I'm not thàt silly, but it seems it doesn't hold pole position in their careers).

Jane Siberry... My (musical) heroin.


I honestly know of no wrong song, note, lyric in her own specific natural way she does her thing the last 30 years. I adore her legacy (hence my tattoo).
oh... by the way... this press photograph of this 50 year old woman... not exactly made to sell? No? Yes?

Sandy Denny... Died to young.


You should google her. She's just great. Just Sandy. Genuine. Just Sandy. Honest. In every word Sandy. In every note Denny. Sandy Denny died too young, age 30.

June Tabor... Mistress of old and new school folk.


Sweet sweet June. Anyone who has heard June Tabor won't forget her, whether that is a positive or a negative thing. She leaves impressions. On me a huge humbling one. In awe. Jaw dropping. Seen her live now about eight times. If she performs tomorrow I'll go. If she performs the day after, I'll go again.

Patty Larkin... A day in Boston is called 'Patty Larkin Appreciation Day'... Well done Patty!.


Beyond category, Patty does what she does. Her own thing, with a very own sound. Vocally raw and human. Love the angel(ic) motive through her work. A very distinctive guitarplayer, but not a show off.

It's through Patty Larkin I stumbled upon Merrie Amsterburg.

Merrie Amsterburg... Three albums, too less albums.


I've been listening to all three albums few last weeks, and I'm so smitten by her I came to realise she's a stayer.
Want to shout: MERRIE! MERRIE! MERRIE!...
But... will anyone listen?

Sure, I like Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant, Suzanne Vega, Dolly Parton, and so on, and so on, and so on... Sure I like those too. Me and my singing harem. They're part of my wardrobe.
But the hidden gems... wish I knew what's my part in the show 'How to help them get out there in the most spectacular way ever!'...

New harvest...

It wasn't the dog. Nor was it a new wind... It was simply the mailman who brought this new harvest into this home... Glad. Yep I am!

Jane Siberry / Issa

Jane Siberry, Canadian, singer-songwriter, independant artist, well... my favourite. Lately she wants to be known as Issa, but apart from the name few things have changed. First stumbled upon her music when she released 'When I was a boy' in 1993, and ever since became a dedicated fan. Met her in 2006 for an interview (which I probably should publish) and a few weeks later for a guided tour in my hometown, a photoshoot and dinner. Lately she's been finishing her new album, which she started while staying in Belgium in 2006. Interested?
Her official site
The Sheeba Store
Her myspace