I'm always keeping an ear out for new artists and recently got a tip about this girl named Kathleen Edwards.  I went to her website (which is pretty excellent itself) and listened to one song, "Goodnight, California".  I was hooked immediately.  Fortunately she had an show upcoming at the Belly Up.  I was still almost totally unfamiliar with her but decided to check her out.  Wow.  Kathleen is an outstanding performer.  She is engaging and full of confidence onstage.  I had to wonder if she's always been that way or was there a shy, awkward period at the beginning of her musical career.  If there was, it's long gone. 

For a long time I've had one main criterion for judging how good a show is:  is the band/artist feeling it or just going through the motions?  I don't care if it's my most favorite artist, if they're clearly just getting through yet another show then I am going to leave disappointed.  Well that was not a concern last night.  This woman feels the music, it's written all over her face.  She seems to live for playing in front of a crowd.  And speaking of playing, the girl has tons of skill.  Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica and fiddle - Kathleen is more than capable on all of them.  In fact some of her exploits on the electric guitar were downright dazzling. 

Her set was long and full of different sounds.  From the more folky/country end to some songs that were pure rock and roll, Kathleen's sound spans a handful of genres.  She's also a gifted singer.  And clever, and funny, and cute as a button.  I was smitten, I admit. 

She's got three albums out and I'm willing to bet every one is chock full of great songs.  I intend to find out for myself very soon.