No Depression magazine on Ghost Tattoo
On ‘Ghost Tattoo,’ Kristen Grainger & True North Go Beyond Skin Deep Sometimes the most gentle approach accentuates the power in a lyric. Kristen Grainger
Bluegrass Today on Ghost Tattoo
The honesty and good intent encompassing the whole of Kristen Grainger & True North’s Ghost Tattoo, an album that elevates them into a rarified position where endearing
Take Effect on Ghost Tattoo
Listen to Ghost Tattoo A very impressive ensemble here, Kristen Grainger brings her strong vocal prowess as multi-instrumentalists Dan Wetzel, Martin Stevens and Josh Adkins
CD Hotlist on Ghost Tattoo
These days, when acoustic music doesn’t fit cleanly into a folk or bluegrass or old-time category, it tends to get designated as “Americana.” It’s as
Americana UK on Ghost Tattoo
Hailing from across the state of Oregon, Kristen Grainger & True North define their music as ‘Pacific Northwest Americana’, which, given the diverse subject matter
Tom May on Ghost Tattoo
“‘Ghost Tattoo” features some of the very brightest, most intelligent music being performed today – in an evocative synthesis of folk and bluegrass that is
FATEA Records on Ghost Tattoo
Performing variously a duo and a quartet, both formats feature multi-instrumentalist Dan Wetzel and Grainger, former communications director for Oregon Governor Kate Brown. On album
Green Man Review on Ghost Tattoo
One of the ways I distinguish what’s called Americana music from its relatives bluegrass and old-time is its tendency to lean more toward a cultural
Grainger’s voice soothes even as she sings of uncomfortable truths, as if to reassure that eventually, we’ll find our way toward becoming better people.
There’s no overt country accent but her voice permeates the music like a fog, an inseparable component of each track.
"Grainger’s lyrics are introspective, capturing bits of small town life in vignettes that are purposeful and infectious. True North is able to veer from its bluegrass influences to embrace country-pop balladry with open arms. What many groups lose in the fire of lightning-fast solos, True North exemplifies with style and artistry."
“Kristen Grainger’s singing is perfection. No gimmicks, nothing superfluous. Just amazing tone and killer songwriting. They [True North] are the perfect modern bluegrass band… Focusing around the terrific lead vocals of Kristen Grainger, the band shows what can happen when great songs meet great singers… This is a band making wonderful musical choices. They are going deeper than mere instrumental wind sprints and reworked standards. Highly recommended.”
“Kristen [Grainger]’s vocalizing exhibits the intensity of a singer with breathtaking ability comparable to Laurie Lewis… The band is emerging in the Northwest as one of the most endearing and passionate contributors to the Northwest’s acoustic folk repertoire. Their craftsmanship and focus squarely put the emphasis on original material, deliberative arrangements, graceful guitar, and gorgeous vocals.”
“The band sounds quite good, and [Kristen Grainger’s] singing is lovely.”
“True North’s Pluck proves that you don’t need a big label or large budget to produce a fine album with first class sound. If you like your folk or bluegrass with a mellifluous edge, give True North’s Pluck a listen.”
“By far the strongest point of this band is the songwriting of members Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel, putting up four more great tunes this CD. ‘Til I Have You is a great opening song, tasty and very easy on the ears. Next is an excellent rendition of KD Lang’s Luck In My Eyes, right on and cool. Desiree McRae is a cooking bluegrass tune with guest Keith Arneson on the 5-string, drivin’ right along. What a neat groove the band finds on Friday Night, soooo cookin’… a perfect ending for a fine CD… Pluck is a hot CD with an excellent mix of bluegrass and near-bluegrass tunes with excellent recording values.”
“Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel share in the lead vocals and are especially effective on “’Til I Have You” and “Friday Night.” In all, “Pluck” is a pleasant assortment of contemporary bluegrass that should expand the musical reputation of True North.”