Kristen Hall
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, singer-songwriter Kristen Hall's low-key performances belie the depth and conviction of her songwriting, and mark her out as a very intimate and personal narrator. Alternating between a confessional, cathartic timbre and a more strident, defiant tone, Hall's expert employment of musical craft has animated her songs, which generally serve her audience with universal lessons about love and life. Always writing from first-hand experience, she began her career with 1990's Real Life Stuff. Earning rave reviews in her home-town and abroad with its poignant ballads and lovelorn lyrics, it saw BMG Records step in to offer her a publishing contract. Following its release Hall embarked on her first full-scale US tour in the company of fellow Atlantans Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, formerly of the Indigo Girls. Her second album, Fact & Fiction, was then released via Ray's own label, Daemon Records. Its domestic success and continued good reviews for Hall's touring work led to High Street Records stepping in to sign the artist in 1993, taking the opportunity to remaster and reissue the collection in the process. Her first studio album proper for her new label was Be Careful What You Wish For. This added a greater range of moods to the expected synthesis of voice and acoustic guitar with the introduction of piano (particularly evident on "Open Arms") and electric guitar (courtesy of rocker Bob Dillon). Other guests included Matthew Sweet and Saliers, the latter having also appeared on Hall's first two albums. Produced by Linda Ronstadt/Peter Gabriel veteran Jerry Marotta, who also played percussion throughout, its positive critical reception helped confirm the artist's growing international status.
Listen to Kristen Hall
at Finetune.
Top Tracks
- Out In the Country
- Too Long Running
- Thru Cryin'
Related Artists
Fans