Note:
A special thanks to my friend Daniel Sullivan for introducing me to Amy’s music. I also want to thank Eddie Block for his input with this article as well.

I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics to the Lovin’ Spoonful's 1966 hit, “Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind?” when I spoke with Amy Speace about her music last year. Clearly, Amy has spent a great deal of time pursuing careers in both acting and music. As a child, she first learned to play the piano, she was in the marching band, then she eventually picked up a guitar and started writing songs. Meanwhile, she was involved in drama -- both in high school and college. She even attended the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City at the same time my friend Daniel Sullivan was there. While she is still looking for acting gigs, her music career has taken off in ways she probably would have never imagined years ago.

In February of this year, I saw Amy perform at the Folk Alliance Festival here in Austin, TX. She performed both as a solo artist, as well as, with her group “The Tearjerks.”

Note:
The Tearjerks include:
James Mastro (guitar)
Rich Feridun (guitar)
Matt Lindsey (bass, backing vocals)
Jagoda (drums)
James Mastro also produced the CD, “Songs For Bright Street,” for Wildflower records.

While I had listened to her first solo CD, “Fable” (released in 2002 on Twangirl records), and a four song CD-sampler of her soon to be released “Songs For Bright Street,” this was my first time to hear her live. I was thoroughly impressed with her ability to perform in front of an audience. I saw her again during South-by-Southwest at the Bugle Boy in La Grange, TX. This time, Amy and her band added some more personal and humorous stories to the show. Her natural charisma definitely made a connection with the audience.

Amy has been noticed by some very important people in the Folk Music world. Most notably, she was picked up by Judy Collin’s label (Wildflower Records) earlier this year. She is also a finalist in the Grassy Hill singer/songwriter contest at the Kerrville Folk Festival later in May. Her latest CD was released nationwide on May 16th. I would have been satisfied writing just about “Fable,” however, I decided to wait until “Songs For Bright Street” was released to finish this article. Now I can write about both of her brilliantly crafted CD’s.

Fable is a more simple, back-to-basics, lean, stripped-down, folk CD. The first time I listened to it, I couldn’t help notice a Joni Mitchell influence to Amy’s music. Yet, there was definitely something more beneath the surface. Her soulfully, infectious vocals immediately grabbed my attention. Then, her vividly descriptive lyrics added even more to the mix. Whether her songs are somber, upbeat, reflective, humorous, or even risqué, they are well crafted and well received. I was most impressed with “Rosalie.” This song was written by Amy as an apology to her older sister. The sincere emotion of the song lends well to Amy’s incredible vocal range -- powerful stuff! “Idle Hands” is a catchy tune about the pitfalls of teenage relationships. “Arizona 160” is a song about a road trip Amy took with one of her girl friends. This song in particular reminds me of Joni Mithcell, yet it is totally original. Other songs such as “Fairytale” and “Two Ships” (along with “Arizona 160“) are a departure from the shorter songs on the CD. The depth of lyrics, and progressive folk style on these songs specifically show a tremendous growth in Amy’s songwriting ability.

“Songs For Bright Street” is a more progressive, polished, and professionally produced CD. The opening track, “Step Out Of The Shade,” has a catchy folk/pop feel to it and sets the tone for the rest of the disc. I detected influences of Sheryl Crow and Terri Hendrix on this one with extremely well-layered backing vocals. “Water Landing” is a more traditional folk ballad with a powerfully simple start that slowly builds to a well-textured, yet smooth middle before a subtly slow fade. Then, “Not The Heartless Kind,” jumps out and grabs you with a heavier guitar sound. The “overdrive” affects of the slide guitar are superb. The lyrics are reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “Rebels,” only Amy is not as wicked or heartless as Tom’s woman. This is one exceptionally powerful song!

Just when you think Amy has taken a turn to the harder side, she returns with a splendidly beautiful ballad, “Two.” Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, lends his vocals to this effort. Awesome stuff! Some of the other tracks which stand out are “The Real Thing,” “Make Me Lonely Again,” “Row, Row, Row,” “Dreaming,” and “Double Wide Trailer.” “The Real Thing” is a defiant, brutally honest, even downright naughty feminist anthem -- not for the weak of heart. “Make Me Lonely Again” is slower and more bluesy. If I close my eyes, I could imagine Jane Bond singing this one. Amy’s cover of Blondie’s (Deborah Harry and Chris Stein) “Dreamin’” is a real treat. It is nothing like the original. It has a country feel that reminds me of early Linda Ronstadt. The un-official duet of the CD is “Row, Row, Row.” Here, Cliff Eberhardt’s vocals complement yet another of Amy’s country/blues/folk efforts. If you’re looking for a humorous song on the CD, give “Double Wide Trailer” a listen. This is a tongue-in-cheek, southern rock, white trash classic. It reminds me of “Dixie Chicken Drinking Song” by Airport Noises.

In my opinion, there is something for everyone on this CD. Rarely, have I listened to such an incredibly powerful, yet sincere set of folk/country/blues/pop songs all on one disc. Perhaps, the Traveling Wilburys Volume One might compare. Anyway, I hope you will join me in wishing Amy the best of luck and continued success in the music business. She is definitely one to watch. I predict “brighter streets” ahead!