By Peter Cronin
(c) 2006 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
With her background as a successful pop solo artist, Michelle Branch likens her participation in the new duo, The Wreckers, to a “chance to start over at a new school.” Sure enough, although their unique vocal chemistry may occasionally bring to mind some classic duos, The Wreckers (consisting of Branch and musical partner Jessica Harp) serve up a brand of Country Music that is anything but old school.
Stand Still, Look Pretty, their Maverick Records / Warner Bros. Records Nashville debut, released May 23, 2006, is an intriguing blend of singer-songwriter sensibilities and heartfelt Country roots, all served up with a 21st century sonic wallop. For Branch and Harp, who were both working on successful pop careers when they met, the evolution of The Wreckers was as organic as the music on their debut. With friends constantly telling them that one reminded them of the other, the two artists began their collaboration by e-mail, eventually bonding over their favorite indie releases. They finally met face-to-face in a Kansas City airport terminal, and Harp was soon on the road singing background vocals in Branch’s band. When post-show jam sessions started gelling into Country-inflected songs, the duo knew they were onto something, and Branch suddenly saw the answer to the nagging question, “What’s next?”
Heading to New York, The Wreckers hooked up with producer John Leventhal (Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Patty Larkin), who had worked with Branch on her last release, Hotel Paper, recording the bulk of what would become Stand Still, Look Pretty. Los Angeles producer John Shanks (Sheryl Crow, Pink) and Nashville hitmaker Paul Worley (Big & Rich, Martina McBride) also helped to flesh out The Wreckers’ sound. Although Branch and Harp contributed 10 of their own songs to their debut, the album’s leadoff single, “Leave the Pieces,” was written by Nashville tunesmiths Jennifer Hanson and Billy Austin.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Which song would you secretly like to cover?
JESSICA HARP: “There is a song that I love to cover and do often, so it’s not really a secret, and that is ‘Angel from Montgomery,’ written by John Prine and performed by Bonnie Raitt. It’s a beautiful song that I have loved since I was a kid when my Dad played it for me. It was one of Michelle’s favorites as well. Maybe another reason we were destined to end up together!”
What song do you wish you had written?
MICHELLE BRANCH: “Joan Osborne’s ‘What if God was One of Us.'”
Who is your dream duet partner?
MICHELLE: “Jessica Harp!”
JESSICA: “Besides Michelle, my dream duet partner would probably be Wynonna Judd. I have loved that woman and her voice for as long as I can remember, and she has definitely influenced me in many ways. Although if that ever really got to happen, I’d probably end up being to nervous to speak, let alone sing!
What CD is on your stereo??
JESSICA: “My favorite record at the moment is Miranda Lambert’s. I love her voice, and her songwriting reminds me of the way I write. She’s just a fabulous artist.”
MICHELLE: “Dwight Yoakam’s ‘Blame It on the Vain.'”
What do you sing in the shower?
JESSICA: “I don’t sing in the shower. I guess I figure because I sing pretty much the rest of the time, I should concentrate on getting my hair washed and my legs shaved when I’m in the shower!”
What book is on your nightstand?
MICHELLE: “Babies – A Week By Week Guide.”
source: CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association
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