Jessica Lea Mayfield

Yet another young, folk-inspired singer-songwriter, Jessica Lea Mayfield got her start when Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys listened to a copy of her debut album, White Lies.  Mayfield was fortunate that Auerbach liked what he heard, but was even luckier considering only 100 copies of that album were ever printed.  After a brief stint singing backup for the Keys, Mayfield was ready to record and release a bona fide album.  This time, a couple more copies were made.

Mayfield's style is somber and dark at times, but there is an obvious playfulness in her voice and a wry grin on her face.  Okay, I don't know about this last part, but I'd like to think so.  Many have likened her to fellow folk artist, Laura Marling, but Mayfield's music is much less sinister and serious.  There are playful whistles, nonsensical phonemes, and even cheesy synths in several of her tunes.  Actually, these songs should be perfect for the radio.  I won't go there, though.  Radio, Radio.


Albums:  Tell Me (2011), With Blasphemy So Heartfelt (2008)

Tracks:  Our Hearts Are Wrong, Grown Man, Blue Skies Again, Kiss Me Again, Bible Days