The Facts
Artist	Blue Lit Souls
Album	Blue Lit Souls
Musicians	Amy Bauer - Drums, Percussion Kathy Kowalchik - Vocals, Mandolin Jim Quinn - Percussion Kris Spilker - Vocals, Accordion Mark Swezy - Bass Jim White - Guitar, Didgeridoo Craig Smith - Guest Guitarist
Mixing & Production By	Lou Carlozo
Sound Engineer	Gary at Gunther Murphy's
Recorded At	Gunther Murphy's, Chicago
Track Listing	1). Saint Francis 2). Schoolgirl 3). Stand In Line 4). Amazing Grace
Record Label	Self-Released
Available At	Blue Lit Souls
Reviewed By	Eric J. Olsen
The Opinion
A lot of bands claim to be influenced by various ethnic rhythms and other World music. Most of the time, that amounts to an intro containing an instrument not normally associated with American music. That is not the case with Blue Lit Souls. They do use a didgeridoo, but they do so much more than just atypical iunstruments. They truly combine American and World music to create a sound that is completely unique, not to mention entrancing. Blue Lit Souls is a six-piece consisting of Amy Bauer on drums and percussion, Kathy Kowalchik on vocals and mandolin, Jim Quinn on percussion, Kris Spilker on vocals and accordion, Jim White on guitar and the aforementioned didgeridoo, and Mark Swezy on bass. They also had Craig Smith come in as a guest guitarist for the live recording. Of course, seven people is more than most bands have, but when you listen to "Blue Lit Souls," it sounds like there are more people. The sound they achieve sounds more like an orchestra than a band. Albeit an orchestra like none you've ever heard. In addition to ethereal music, Blue Lit Souls provide haunting vocal melodies. Kathy provides the lead on the first two tracks and Kris provides lead on the second two. Both of them have amazing voices, but when they sing together, the harmonies that they create are out of this world. The sound of the album is very good, especially since it was recorded live. Unlike some live albums, Blue Lit Souls retain a lot of energy of their live show. "Blue Lit Souls" is an EP that introduces the listener to a band that is sure to provide a lot of amazing music in the future. With their original music, well-written lyrics, and spectacular vocal harmonies, Blue Lit Souls provide the listener with something that they've never heard before, and something that they can't get enough of.
Nutshell Review
A live album that nicely captures the unique sound, rhythms, and harmonies of Blue Lit Souls.
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