Although this is her debut release, Ina May has opened shows for artists like Taj Mahal and Mose Allison, and performed in venues all over the US, in Europe, and in the UK. Along the way she's written and sung with Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), Wayne Kramer (MC5), and Oscar-nominated composer Mark Shaiman. Moon Over 97th Street is produced and co-written by Daniel A. Weiss, the associate conductor of the hit musical 'Rent' on Broadway. Moon combines the soulfulness of R&B with the catchy hooks of pop and the storytelling of the best folk. 'Just when I expected another boring New York City singer-songwriter with the same ethereal voice and the same soft-spoken songs about the same old thing, along came Ina May Wool. She has a bit of a growl to her voice, earnest and varied songs, and an almost country feel to her music. 'Down on Tenth Street' is a portrait song about a young woman who has thrown her life away on the streets of New York City. Wool puts an original spin on the concept of girl power in 'J'ai Gagne (I Won),' which follows a woman through a life of relationships and decisions. The jubilation gives way to melancholy in 'Janis,' an ode to Janis Joplin that really captures the tortured existence that ended in tragedy. 'Hotwired & Hungry' is an ode to young love in the city, a beautiful song about foolishness and looking back on teenage lust, on that one person you'll never forget. Wool switches gears for 'Don't Wanna Wait,' very contemporary pop, upbeat and happy. Wool sings her own background vocals, adding several layers of expression. Her voice turns gentle and fragile in 'Leopard,' accepting that two very different people can choose to lay aside differences and love each other: 'And I am I am I as I can be / And you are you straight through / And the sum of the parts / Can be difficult some of the time.' It is a beautiful song that begs for understanding. Wool has a slightly different perspective on relationships and why they continue in 'January Thaw' -- she sings about arguments and making up with a smile in her voice. The record closes with 'Tenth Street Farewell,' a jaunty instrumental interpretation of 'Down on Tenth Street' that brings to mind a sidewalk caf in Paris. The upbeat musical ending to the record leaves the listener with an impression of positive energy -- even though many of the songs on Moon Over 97th Street deal with melancholy themes and tragedy. Moon Over 97th Street is a very strong folk-pop recording -- Wool's quirky observations and sweet voice should serve her well in the coming years.' [ by Rachel Jagt, in Rambles online magazine ] 'Wool writes excellent songs and sings with passion.' - David Johnson, The Boston Globe 'Wool sings so close to the emotional waterfall that she compels undivided attention. Whether her nervy alto will go over the edge becomes the stuff of high drama. Wool's dedication to the song, as manifest in her years working on her craft at Jack Hardy's weekly songwriting circles in Greenwich Village, coupled with Weiss' studio expertise and musical skills, has resulted in a debut of such focused intimacy that it will stun listeners well into the coming millennium.' Mitch Ritter, Dirty Linen Magazine 'I try very hard to provide balanced reviews, reviews which point out the positive but also suggest areas where improvement may be possible. For a couple of reasons, it may not be possible to write such a review of Ina May Wool's new release. For one thing, 'Moon Over 97th Street' is just too good. This is a very impressive debut album by an artist who is sure to stand the test of time....
Wool's lyrics are tightly written and poetic, yet mostly they manage to maintain a colloquial, conversational feel that gives the sense of a story being told casually. These are lyrics that can easily stand on their own as poems.' Bob MacKenzie, Soundbytes 'A crystal-clear voice and worldly storytelling abilities. One of the most complete and enjoyable releases I've reviewed in a while, 'Moon' is well-crafted folk with strong pop sensibilities.' Lisa Fairbanks, Rhythm and Ne
