The Lovell Sisters Echo the Dixie Chicks
Listen to the Lovell Sisters, and you may hear an echo of Dixie Chicks-style harmony and a bluegrass, folksy feel from the new female trio. When comparing the two bands, similarities are shocking enough to earn a double take. But the Lovell Sisters hold their own, proving that the family-band feel can be brushed up with tight sibling harmonies, deeply woven melody, beautiful lyrics and interestingly enough, no one claiming lead vocals. Yes, you hear each sister's vocal abilities, delicate yet strong -- not your typical belting female country voice.
Based in Calhoun, Ga., Jessica (23), Megan (19) and Rebecca (18) blend the mandolin, fiddle, Dobro and vocal harmonies to shape their distinctive sound. Growing up, they listened to a wide variety of genres, but acoustic music is what prompted them to form a musical trio. The newest album, Time to Grow, contains five original songs -- two of which were nationally recognized. The title track was a finalist at the 2009 International Writing Competition and "Distance" won grand prize in the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest's country category. Labeled as Americana, it's encouraging that all three are open-minded to exploring new avenues. Megan's interest in the electric guitar could certainly spice things up in the future. The Lovell Sisters are in midst of a nationwide tour, so it'd be interesting to catch a peek of these blossoming, confident young women.
When I first listened, "Time to Grow" drew special attention. The violin swoons with repetitive theme throughout, a yearning melody catchy enough to hum. But more importantly, the words are an ode to young spirits with freedom to roam without attachments and the desire for self-discovery. Now one of my new theme songs, the upbeat rhythm makes my foot tap and tempts me to hop on the next getaway train ... which could be a bad thing? Although "Time to Grow" shifted down my list of favorites as I heard the whole album, it's definitely an appropriate pick for album title. Watch out Dixie Chicks. These girls are ready to grow.
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DCXROCK says:
Sorry, but no band even comes close to the Chicks!
Redmaz says:
Since you’ve checked them out, what is your opinion of The Lovell Sisters?
solongsowrong says:
At this point in time, I’m more in love with their harmonies and instrumental abilities, than I am with some of their song selections, but there is no doubt that these young ladies are maturing into a talent to be respected.
Megan especially, impresses me as an outstanding Dobro player, but then, she is greatly influenced by the master himself, Jerry Douglas.
Personally, having listened to both the Chicks and the Lovell Sisters, I would say at this point in their young career, they are miles ahead of what the Chicks were at that point in their life. But I doubt if the Chicks have to “watch out” for these ladies. Highly unlikely their music is going to take them in the Mainstream direction, where the Chicks recieved most of their recognition and record sales. These girls are Roots artists, and in the Americana format, fans listen because it’s the music that appeals to them, and pitting one artist against another, isn’t part of the attraction. There’s plenty of room for everyone.
Debbie W. says:
I like them for sure, but I REALLY miss the Dixie Chicks!
I will forever love them!!
opryman says:
excuse me but what did you say?
they are miles ahead of what the dixie chicks where at that point in their life ? are you sane? before the sophomore album dixie chicks already won two grammy’s, where nominated for entertainer of the year , had already 4 albums under their belt, sold millions of copies of wide open spaces. won 5 cma’s!.
what was to come with fly (the ahem.. sophomore album)
2 grammy s including country album of the year.
first country group to be nominated album of the year.
4 cma’s awards including
entertainer of the year at the cma’s!.
so you re saying this album is better than fly ?
solongsowrong says:
I’m talking age. At that age the Chicks were into gimmicks and not necessarily singing the music that got them that record deal. I already aknowledged their recognition and record sales. I’m sane enough not to compare anything else… that’s all a matter of taste, and what came with their fame. Any more questions?
opryman says:
gimmicks? wow so you re saying they where a fad totally relying on tricks and have nothing to do with musical talent whatsoever.
look tothe the picture above think for a second a look who took a cue !!
any more questions ?
Ham says:
The instrumental prowess is clear but the element of sass that the DCX brought to the table was the reason for their success. These girls need to hang with Those Darlins for a while and get more fun in the picture.
Dan Poltrictzky says:
Well, i like older dixie Chicks songs, but i’m keeping an open mind on the Lovell Sisters. Maybe it’s time for a new girl trio in Nashville.
solongsowrong says:
What does the above picture got to do with anything? To bring the point to a head….How old where the Chicks when they had their success, Opryman? Your trying to make an argument where the only one exists is in your mind.
Dan says:
HAHA. Watch out Dixie Chicks?? I don’t think so! Dixie Chicks are probably the most talented group the country music has seen. Now every year Rascal Flatts wins because they shunned the Chicks. The Lovell Sisters may be talented, but Not “Dixie Chicks” Talented…. That article Cracked Me Up!
Susan says:
I think one had to hear the pre-Natalie Chicks to really appreciate how talented Emily and Martie are.
They played true cowboy/bluegrass and rocked out.
Even with Blue Night Express when they were just kids.
If the Chicks don’t get busy and put out another CD soon, the Lovell Sisters will be the female trio to beat.
I hope the Chicks will lose some of the pop/rock and go back to letting Emily and Martie do what they do best.
Randy says:
Susan is correct, Emily and Martie are the talent and soul of the Dixie Chicks.
I’ve seen the The Lovell Sisters lives several times and they can out play and out harmonize any other group.
Redmaz says:
The preservation of Americana/Roots Music is in good hands with The Lovell Sisters. When it’s all said and done, it all comes back to the music, and these girls deliver the goods.
Mike in Macon says:
The Lovell Sisters made their debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry last Saturday, 18 July 2009. Their performance of “Time to Grow” sounded just like the record. Their delightful personalities and friendly stage presence, added to their vocal and instrumental talents, have earned them a loyal, growing following. They are young and full of potential, constantly improving their chops and expanding their repertoire of well-composed originals and cover material from Johnny Cash to Jimi Hendrix. Of late, Rebecca has added a Merle Travis style of finger picking guitar to her talents, and Megan is apparently expanding her trade tools to a growing variety of electric stringed instruments. Not to be outdone by the teens, Jessica’s mastery of the violin serves her fiddling skills perfectly in the Sisters’ pursuit of varied styles and influences.
The Lovell Sisters could become the best family act in acoustic music since the Carter Family. I look forward to following them for a long time to come.
Byron Chism says:
The Lovell Sisters are buiding a ground swell that will be the acoustic/harmony/family storm of our time. What you have seen so far are only the first few waves.
Not to take anything away from any other artits but these girls are intelligent, grounded, charming, focused, extremely talented and incredibly dedicated. They also know who they are as artists.
To know them is to love them and thats exactly what you will see happen with millions.
nancy weaver says:
Being from Calhoun, Georgia we are very proud that the Lovells are the Real Deal and have been working on their career for years. Their harmony is unmatchable. I think we will be hearing more and more nationwide of these talented girls that are very deserving of the fame to come.
The Bluegrass Blog » Bluegrass gals on The Opry: News at the speed of bluegrass! says:
[...] had a nice feature about The Lovells on their blog earlier this week, comparing them favorably to The Dixie Chicks. No pressure [...]