Sugar Shack

Americana trio The Boxcar Lilies returned to the studio this past winter with their standout combination of spine-tingling, innovative harmonies and quality songwriting to record their second CD with esteemed producer Lorne Entress (Lori McKenna, Catie Curtis). They finished the album just as the ground began to thaw and maple sugaring season was in full swing so it seemed only fitting to choose Sugar Shack as the title track- a jazzy little gem with a sultry acoustic bass line and seamless three-part harmonies that captures the essence of this beloved Northern pastime. Based in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, The Boxcar Lilies are Jenny Goodspeed, Stephanie Marshall, and Katie Clarke - three singer-songwriters who met and discovered a shared passion for three-part harmony. At the time, Clarke was playing bluegrass with her own band, Marshall was recording contemporary country songs in Nashville, and Goodspeed was writing and performing in the vein of 70s era solo singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell. It didn't take long for them to realize their varied interests and influences added up to something special, and so over a few beers and a plate of nachos at a local tavern, The Boxcar Lilies were wed. They married their love (read: obsession) for great songwriting and sweet harmonies and have been bringing their uniquely warm sound and energetic stage presence to audiences across the East coast ever since. They recorded their debut CD Heartwood with producer Dave Chalfant (Erin McKeown, The Nields) which lead to musical milestones like being named Official Showcase Artists at the 2012 International Folk Alliance Conference, performing for SRO crowds at The Greater New Bedford Summerfest and opening for the world-famous bluegrass band The Seldom Scene at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA. On Sugar Shack, The Boxcar Lilies continue their contemporary take on a range of traditional genres including folk, bluegrass, country, and gospel. Not suprisingly, the hallmark of the album is the harmony arrangements. Their singing voices, like their writing voices, are distinct and exceptional, but combine to make a delicious whole- a sound that is sometimes delicate, sometimes gritty, but always warm and welcoming. 'At times their harmonizing fills you with warmth. At other times it bruises with heartache. But something stays consistent throughout each song by modern folk trio The Boxcar Lilies: crafty songwriting.' --Zak Jason, The Cape Cod Times.