I don't sing all that well or perform, but these folks sure can. These are some of my favorite vocal artists of the past few years. They can really write a lyric too which is why they are here. Check out their music but also check out their great words and images.
Select link or image for lyrics and other information.
Grey Eye Glances Martin Sexton Paul Thorn


Formed in New Jersey early in the early 90s around vocalist/guitarist Jennifer Nobel, keyboard player/vocalist Dwayne Keith and bassist Eric O'Dell.


The band's name, "Grey Eye Glances," comes from a poem by Edgar Allan Poe called To One In Paradi.

...And all my days are trances,
And all my nightly dreams,
Are where thy grey eye glances,
And where thy footstep gleams,
In what ethereal dances,
By what eternal streams.


These guys are just flat out great writers and performers. It is said sometimes that it takes 10 years to become and overnight sensation. I'd say they are overdue. The crystalline vocals, pop-world beat-folk arrangements and top notch lyrics are a cut above. Maybe I would ask for a bit more vocal passion and musical edge. Don't overlook this great band.
Grey Eye Glances
Photo: Matthew Aaron/Dirty Pictures
I first heard Martin locally on WMNF 'the best little radio station on planet earth'.



They played Hallelujah, the live version from his Live Wide Open CD. After hearing Angeline from that record I was sold.

The song Beast is among the catchiest I've heard in some time. Fun and soulful music from a guy with a passion for performing.

"Martin Sexton is ripe with ... raw, expansive talent. His voice comes in a hundred impossible shades. His songs are sweet and spirited and soulful. His repertoire is like a cross-country tour of the American musical vernacular." Boston Globe
Martin Sexton
Paul is this guy whose music is tricky to describe. Thom Jurek had this to say on AMG about Paul's recent CD, Mission Temple Fireworks Stand:

"...his debut for Virgins Back Porch Records is a wild, woolly, roots-drenched voyage into the dark, conflicted, yearning heart of America."

A good way of saying he touches down into all of us. A great CD and an excellent writer IMHO.

Me? It would be easy to dismiss Paul's music as 'good ole boy' at a casual exposure. I believe he is one of the best southern folk/blues songwriters on the scene today. A superb storyteller, he is very connected to reality of what he is writing and singing. It is honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious. Add to that a healthy dash of cayenne pepper and a big dollop of irreverent reverence for tongue and cheek and you have Paul Thorn. I suspect he loves a great 'bad' pun as much as I do. -Scott
Paul Thorn
Hugh Blumenfeld
The Waifs
Photo by Peter J. Crowley

Hugh is the man. A witty, smart, and highly gifted songwriter. He wields a sharp pen at injustice in lacrimae laramie and Southern Baptist, and tugs at your nostalgia in Shoot the Moon. His brand of social satire and delivery are infectious.

I find his CDs endlessly entertaining and thought provoking. Hugh starts with his head, then his heart, while his conscious must then grab the pen and write it down. In the cut of the similar cloth as a Harry Chapin, Shawn Phillips, or James Taylor. Hugh's life has taken a turn away from music recently so I don't know if he is going to continue to write and record, however you should check out his current offerings. Hugh Blumenfeld
Photo by Simon Cowling
Originally the sister duo of Vicki and Donna Simpson were known as Colours. The pair hooked up with Josh Cunningham during a stop in August 1992. A year later, they changed their name to The Waifs. They tour constantly in their homeland of Australia and were recently here in Tampa for WMNF's Tropical Heatwave music festival in 2003. They are currently on tour with Bob Dylan. The Waifs