Material:Angela Easterling is a singer/songwriter who stirs together an unusual mix of gospel, country and folk. Alternating on guitar and keyboard, this performer fits somewhere between the Indigo Girls and Tori Amos. Lyrically simplistic, with an underlying angst and sadness, her songs reveal basic insights into relationships and spirituality.

The song, "Beloved", is perhaps the strongest in the set, bringing forth the passion behind her lyrics. She is also proficient at country, which she displays in her cover of Merle Haggard's "Bottle Let Me Down" and her own ballad, "Cowboy".

Musicianship:Easterling plays most skillfully at the keys, with grace and fluidity. On guitar, she executes her upbeat melodies with simplicity and ease. Vocally, most of her songs have an ethereal, haunting quality, but her real vocal power lies in the songs that are in the lower range, showing off a raw strength. There is a grittiness and a kind of "hard-knocks" element in her vocals, almost reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, when she sings her most serious songs, especially "Night Stain".

Performance:Easterling's energy brightens the room from the very start of the show. With her shiny cowboy boots and smile, she invites you in. As she eases into the set, she begins to joke. Her humor and frankness draws you in further, creating a light-hearted atmosphere. When you leave, you feel like a close friend who came to hear a few tunes.

Summary:Overall, Angela Easterling is a performer who could warm up any room. Her lyrics and melodies would especially appeal to young female audiences. However, her inner strength has not yet been fully accessed. If she continues to concentrate on her vocal prowess, Easterling could become and act to be reckoned with.

- Heather Gandsey, Music Connection