
Northern Sky Reviews on Ghost Tattoo
Theres a touch of velvet ingrained in the songs on Ghost Tattoo, where each performance is treated to polished and uncluttered instrumentation with Kristen Graingers arresting

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 Norths 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 doesnt fit cleanly into a folk or bluegrass or old-time category, it tends to get designated as Americana. Its 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

Ink 19 on Ghost Tattoo
Kristen Grainger & True North are a pleasant Americana band from the Pacific Northwest. They are accomplished musicians with obvious experience on the bluegrass circuit.

Green Man Review on Ghost Tattoo
One of the ways I distinguish whats 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 its natural for me to have a soft spot for well-written lyrics.
Graingerâs voice soothes even as she sings of uncomfortable truths, as if to reassure that eventually, weâll find our way toward becoming better people.
Thereâs no overt country accent but her voice permeates the music like a fog, an inseparable component of each track.
"Graingerâs 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."
âKristen Graingerâs 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.â
âKristen [Grainger]âs 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 Northwestâs acoustic folk repertoire. Their craftsmanship and focus squarely put the emphasis on original material, deliberative arrangements, graceful guitar, and gorgeous vocals.â
âThe band sounds quite good, and [Kristen Graingerâs] singing is lovely.â
âTrue Northâs Pluck proves that you donât 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 Northâs Pluck a listen.â
âBy 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. âTil I Have You is a great opening song, tasty and very easy on the ears. Next is an excellent rendition of KD Langâs Luck In My Eyes, right on and cool. Desiree McRae is a cooking bluegrass tune with guest Keith Arneson on the 5-string, drivinâ right along. What a neat groove the band finds on Friday Night, soooo cookinâ⊠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.â
âKristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel share in the lead vocals and are especially effective on ââTil I Have Youâ and âFriday Night.â In all, âPluckâ is a pleasant assortment of contemporary bluegrass that should expand the musical reputation of True North.â