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
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
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
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
Americana Highways
Kristen Grainger & True North, Ghost Tattoo. Folk meets bluegrass on this latest album from the Oregon-based Kristen Grainger and her band True North, which includes
Twangville on Ghost Tattoo
Kristen Grainger & True North – Ghost Tattoo As a writer, I suppose it’s natural for me to have a soft spot for well-written lyrics.
American Blues Scene on Ghost Tattoo
Grainger and her band have staked out a low-key space that allows the listener to enjoy well-crafted lyrics and charming musical accompaniment. Bluegrass music is
Michael Doherty on Ghost Tattoo
Kristen Grainger & True North are based in Salem, Oregon, and on their new album, Ghost Tattoo, they deliver some excellent music that mixes folk
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.”