Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI
Thursday, May 16, 2002

CD Review
By Nataswha Kassulke

The first time I heard Katy Tessman, a Twin Cities contemporary folk singer-songwriter, the crowd was rowdy. People were more interested in discussing why they were glad to be done with work for the day, rather than paying attention to the stage.

But as Tessman kicked in her vocals and clever slice-of-life lyrics, the bar grew silent and she captured the crowd's attention.

Her voice was equal parts angelic passion and powerhouse, and I promised myself to give her a plug the next time she came through Madison -- which will be Saturday.

It's been a while. And in the meantime, I've had the pleasure of listening to her latest CD.

Tessman's voice is wonderfully captured on Fall, mostly recorded in Madison at Wakefield Mines Studios and produced in concert with Tessman, drummer and percussionist Dave Stanoch and Jay Moran (of the Prom Committee, Emmettville, and the O'Bros).

The 11-song CD, which was released last fall, opens with the wave-like sounds of "Wash It Away" and a warm urban folk beat. It's the kind of song that is easy to get your arms around and should translate well into a coffee shop scene

"Bright Chair" is a rich and moving song supported by the sweet orchestral cello sounds of guest instrumentalist Mary Gaines (of the Moon Gypsies). Other local guests on the CD included bassist Richard Davis, drummer Clyde Stubblefield, bassist Phil Lyons, Percussionist Pauli Ryan, violinist Randy Sabien and UW-Madison alum percussionist Wally Ingram.

The CD title track has a Natalie Merchant Carnival quality, while "Make You Stare" has a gentle Celtic lilting style. Even more catchy is "Dip, Dip and Swing," a song that Tessman dedicates to her father, who introduced her to the beauty and mystery of the Boundary Waters. Anyone who has camped with dad will appreciate the stories of heightened senses that come with carrying a pack out of the canoe on a clear lake.

Electric guitar whines in and out on the funky "Odd Timing." The most memorable song, though, is "Caribou." No, it isn't about the popular east side neighborhood tavern. But it is about spending your childhood in northern Minnesota and exploring the woods.

Acoustic guitar and energetic vocals are the background to Tessman's rhythm approach. The result is a CD that feels pure, poetic and as smooth as paddling on a still and beautiful North Woods lake.

Tessman will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Mother Fool's Coffeehouse, 1101 Williamson St. She'll be joined by Stanoch, a UW-Madison alum, on drums and percussion. Admission is $5. Meisha Herron will open. Call 259-1301.

Photography by Jon Duder.