Artist of the Week- Inara George

All Rise! Rise and take notice of this week’s Artist of the Week: Inara George. I fell in love with Inara in February 2005, when I saw her perform at a little music shop in Montclair, Ca. She played an all acoustic set that included a cover of Nico’s “Fairest of the Seasons.” It was the first time I actually felt connected to an artist. She met everyone after the show and even signed her playlist for me. So I will admit that I am writing this with a tad bit of bias!

Inara started out with a small band named Lode, who released the album, “Legs & Arms” in 1996 on the Geffen label. The track “What’s Obvious” featured vocals by Bryony Atkinson, who Inara later teamed up with to form the group Merrick. Merrick released two albums: “Merrick” and “Drive Around A Lot….” Inara teamed up with producer Mike Andrews and released her debut solo album “All Rise”, in 2005. As you can see, it took awhile for her to get noticed.

With the release of “All Rise,” Inara gained interest due to her rendition of Joe Jackson’s “Fools in Love.” The song was completely re-worked as a ballad, and featured some Inara’s soft vocals. The song quickly gained in popularity and was even featured on the hit ABC show “Grey’s Anatomy.” By this time I was just beginning to discover this amazing singer! All Rise is a masterpiece! The album goes through peaks and valleys, going from down-tempo to up-tempo tracks. There is not just one song to single out because the entire album is excellent. Inara hit the road and I quickly followed.

On stage, Inara is definitely in control. Before Mike Andrews left to work on his solo project, “Hand on String” he toured with Inara. Their chemistry was undeniable. They would feed off one another and the show was electric. Inara began to perform new material, and I believe I was in the audience at the Tangier when she performed “Oh My Love” for the first time. She hit the road and performed with Idlewild, Rogue Wave and Sia. Her live shows are what set her apart. Her voice sounds better live than on the actual record. She tries to connect with the audience, and even sometimes does movie trivia. Whether it is on stage or in the studio, Inara has great versatility in her voice. Her voice can sound vulnerable, yet at the same time can be very powerful. Since her musical styles vary, her voice can compliment any type of genre.

Then came her big break: she hooked up with Greg Kurstin to form the super-group The Bird & the Bee. When I initially met our resident editor, Sara, we shared a love for music. When she asked what bands I liked, I immediately discovered that we both loved two bands: Inara and the Dresden Dolls. Music often brings people together and I feel this common bond help break the ice between Sara & I. Their debut album “The Bird & The Bee” was an instant classic. Again, every song is groovy! They brought back the 70’s, with a mix of funk and jazz, while having a contemporary sound. Songs like “Again & Again,” featured a great pop sound with a acoustic guitars. Inara’s voice sours over the track, sounding almost heavenly at times. Other songs like “Preparedeness” had a very electronic sound, but again, Inara’s vocals stole the show.

Inara went back to the studio to record her sophomore solo album, “An Invitation.” This album was a stark contrast to her first. In fact, it was a stark contrast to music. Inara, with the help of Van Dyke Parks, released an album of tracks that sounded like a musical. Drums were replaced by harps and violins and flutes. It was a critical success. As a fan, this album was definitely hit or miss. Upon hearing it for the first time you either loved it or hated it!

With the success of their first album, The Bird & The Bee released their second album, “Ray Guns Are Not The Future” which was another hit. This time, the band got a little more media attention. They played on Ellen and Jimmy Kimmel. The album’s first single, “Love Letter to Japan,” has an infectious pop sound, and it definitely put Inara on the map! “You’re A Cad” makes you feel like you have been transported back the roaring 20’s. It’s playful lyrics compliment the playfulness of the song.

Recently, Inara released “An Accidental Experiment” digitally. This is an album of all the tracks from “An Invitation” which were re-worked into a more conventional rock/indie sound. My only beef is that it is only available digitally. I do not know this to be true, but I believe Mike Andrews produced the record, and I know that is his voice in the track, “I Can’t Say No.” This is a definite must have for any fan of Inara’s! While this album is different from All Rise, Inara re-captures the essence of what made her first album so good. The tracks have been nicely re-worked, and are all excellent. The track “Accidental,” which she’s been performing for years, it re-worked almost masterfully.

Why do I love Inara so much? That’s easy! I have had the privilege of meeting Inara several times. Each time she has been generous with her time and made me feel like we had a connection, even if for a moment. I can remember her greeting people as they walked into the club, or her taking time to take pictures with me. Not only does Inara connect with her audience through her music and live shows, but she shows a genuine interest in her fans before/after her shows. I had the good fortune of meeting Jackson Browne backstage after an Inara show. As I talked to him, all he could do was gaze fondly at Inara while she talked to other fans. The look he gave her was that of pure love; it was as if no one else in the world existed but them two. He turned to my friend and I and said one word to us: “Enchanting.” Who am I to disagree with Jackson Browne?

This week, your mission is to follow the links to this amazing singer/songwriter and discover a great talent! More importantly, go see her live and help support a talented singer. If you have the chance to meet her, tell her Mailo from ETS sends his regards!

Top 5 Songs

1. A Day

2. Oh My Love

3. Mistress

4. Fools In Love

5. Pull Things

Top 5 Bird & The Bee Songs

1. Preparedness

2. Man

3. Birthday

4. How Deep Is Your Love

5. Spark