Tia McGraff
Album: Crazy Beautiful
Label: Bandana
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.tiamcgraff.com/

Crazy Beautiful is the long awaited new release from esteemed singer songwriter, Tia McGraff. Co written with producer/musician/songwriter/husband, Tommy Parham, it features thirteen moving tracks.

Produced by Tommy Parham, and recorded in Austin, TX, Nashville, TN, and Southern Ontario Canada ,the CD features renowned Grammy Award musicians Cindy Cashdollar, Dave Sanger, (Asleep At The Wheel) ,Tommy Harden (Reba McEntire), Dave Labruyere ( John Mayer) with Juno and Grammy award winning engineers Nick Blagona (Sting, among others and Rick DeLellis. Together, they have produced a CD, which sounds unlike anything Tia has ever done before, whilst maintaining her trademark depth and emotion. The musicians and production add depth and perfectly complement her searching vocals; vocals which, for this collection, have reached places they never have before.

It is unusual to come across a CD on which all songs standout for different reasons. The beautiful title track, Crazy Beautiful, inspired by the story of skier Sarah Burke, is a message to us all about holding onto our dreams. Wing Walker, prompted by an episode of The Waltons, watched during an ice storm, is a stirring reminder that we all have insecurities and we all need to take risks in life.

Long Ride Home clearly comes from a very personal place, as does Mesa Gold. The latter started out in the style of John Denver (he and Tommy share Colorado in common) but took on a different sound. I have no doubt John would approve. Movin' The Smoke Away reminds us that we just gotta keep on going on, as the old saying goes. The One I've Waited For is a touching,yet not soppy, love song and Nineteen reflects on growing older and wondering where the time went. Be Still calls us to just stop and be in this often crazy world and The Fire moved me to tears; an eloquent exploration of the fact that just being makes us part of both the problem and the solution and how heroes can come in all shapes and sizes. Particularly relevant in the world of late.

Of course Baby's Got a Banjo has garnered worldwide radio play; unsurprising considering its catchy lyrics and fun, upbeat style, borrowed from the Louisiana Bayou.

All in all, a simply stunning collection of songs, which deserves a home in the collections of every lover of outstanding music. I think that with Crazy Beautiful, Tia McGraff has released the album of her career. I wonder what's next?

Helen Mitchell