Artist of the Week: Ingrid Michaelson

I should probably mention my preference for female singer-songwriters. It's not that I don't enjoy the male voice, but I grew up listening to artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Indigo Girls, and Liz Phair and have always enjoyed listening to songs and attending concerts of female rockers. (My first concert ever was the 1998 Lilith Fair)

Ingrid Michaelson has been in the music scene for some time now. The 29-year-old has been featured on Grey's Anatomy and One Tree Hill soundtracks as well as a popular Old Navy Commercial. "Youuuu take me the way I am."

Ingrid is a classically trained pianist and songwriter. Her voice is quirky but strong, and so are her lyrics. I didn't become a such a big fan of Ingrid's until I saw her play this summer at Towson's Recher Theater. I was blown away by her live performance; the music was stripped down to just a piano and guitar which highlighted her voice more so than her instrumental and heavily produced albums. She also has great stage presence and told cute stories to introduce her songs.

I'd recommend the album, "Girls and Boys" (2007). Every song on that album is beautifully written and produced, especially: "The Hat," "Corner of your Heart," and "Starting Now." My favorite tracks off her albums "Be Ok" (2008) and "Slow the Rain" (2005) are "Mosquito" and "The Chain."

Here's a live video of "The Chain." The video's a little blurry, but the sound is great. Pay attention to the rounds in the chorus...