liz stahler

Maybe it's the recording process spanning coasts both East and West, but there's something extra special on Lights. Stahler has the magical combination of performance talent and writing talent. It would seem Stahler is just scratching the surface in Lights by the time the six tracks have cycled and are starting again. These songs simply do not get old. It's not realy fair to lump Stahler in with the roots crowd or the folk crowd. If anything, tracks on Lights are rooted in humanity and the humanity of this century. Instead of an artist striving to get some message across, Stahler seems your average girl who happens to be blessed with gold for a voice and a penchant for songwriting. While there are other musicians on this recording, the centerpiece is obviously Liz Stahler and her own musical endeavors. While she does play the requisite acoustic guitar in almost every track, the guitar is more like set-dressing for the actual song. While certainly a fine vehicle for the songwriting, the acoutic seems to get lost in the mix every so often. The main part of the show is Stahler's writing combined with the growly/clear tones of her voice. She sounds like a more genuine Sheryl Crow. Stahler can seemingly tell a story with one syllable. It's hard to pick a highlight on Turn the Lights Down; each song is the best while it's playing, which is something that not a lot of records can boast. Much can be learned from Stahler's natural sounding work on this record. This record should give local listeners pause to think how lucky they are to have Liz Stahler on their home team, even if she records stuff in Los Angeles. (self-released)
- C.D. Di Guardia - The Northeast Performer
- NorthEast Performer

I'm mad at this CD because I despise contemporary folk and roots-rock, but dammit, this is truly good stuff. Now I'm not hardcore anymore, or something. Oh well. Ms. Stahler has a rich and beautiful voice which she wraps around captivating melodies and well crafted songs. Her songwriting has an effect similar to that of Mazzy Starr. It's haunting, but also sweet and charming. This demo is truly impressive.
(L'Aretino) - The Noise
- The Noise

Now I know why people keep raving about Liz Stahler -- her CD is brilliant. Wisdom and thoughtfulness are exuded throughout this collection of professionally sounding tunes that each have a distinct sound. Her vocals are delicate yet rusty, while remaining simple in sound, and they sing of holding in feelings and missing loved ones. She sounds a little like Anna Nalick, but retains a closer comparison to Catie Curtis or Jonatha Brooke. In "3,000 Miles" she sings, "I almost started to cry/Cuz I could still feel you breathe/But I'm still 3,000 miles away/3 hours ahead in the day." Country-haters beware: "Bible Belt" and "Angelina" have a little Southern sound to them, but nothing that any Stephen Kellogg or Josh Kelley admirer can't look past. Songwriting shines throughout this album, and it's clear that Stahler will resonate in the music industry throughout the future.
Favorite Tracks: 3,000 Miles, Didn't You Know
Rating: 4 stars - discoveringartists.com