I don’t know if Toronto based singer songwriter Sarah Cripps is related to celebrated guitarist Colin Cripps, but if she is, talent runs in the family. If not she is a rising star of her own.
Her new Cd “Change,” which will officially be released on Feb. 4, is an addictive selection of 11 country/ folk / pop songs.
The Brighton born Cripps, barely into her 20s has been playing in public since she was nine, played her first show at the renown Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto at age 13 and has a resident gig at the Gladstone Hotel. Her debut CD shows her experience.
She has a big, resonant, blues tinged voice with a solid mid-range that is immediately appealing. She is reminiscent of Alannah Myles on slower tracks like “Can’t See Me Here.”
But on more upbeat tracks like “No One” and “Stole the Summer,” she joins the ranks of celebrated alt-country Canadian songstresses like Kathleen Edwards and Kim Stockwood.
Tracks like “Off the Love,” are up tempo highlights and “Kissed By the Sun wouldn’t be out of place on modern Top 40 country radio.
“ Not the One ” is hauntingly beautiful with sighing slide guitar and echoing voices.
”Change“ is a captivating listen all the way through.
Artist: Sarah Cripps
Genre: folk/ pop/ country
