Louisville, Kentucky’s Tender Mercy, the singer/songwriter project of Mark Kramer, delivers delicate, almost fragile, acoustic music that is almost too beautiful and honest to take in. Exploring various forms of insecurity and self-doubt, he lays his heart bare before audiences. But the thing that sets Kramer apart is the undercurrent of hopefulness that is present, even when his delivery is at its most morose.
2014 saw the release of his second effort, As Someone Else You Embrace The Moment In Us, which was recorded in February at The Scooter Room in Louisville. The stark and hypnotic compositions showcase an artist with a mature and powerful view of his artistic direction and are his most breath-taking to date.
Ghettoblaster recently caught up with Kramer to ask about some other 2014 releases that took his breath away.
Melanie De Biasio, No Deal
Redefining jazz vocals for the 21st Century.
London Grammar, If You Wait
Horrible band name…..incredible band.
Twin Limb, Demo/Soundcloud
My all time favorite Louisville band.
Mark Kozelek, Live at Biko
The Benji album is definitely a high-water mark for Sun Kil Moon but hearing those songs live makes them that much better.
Norma Wintstone, Dance Without Answers
Few artists can cover Madonna,Tom Waits and Kermit the Frog and make it sound convincing.
Lana Del Ray, Ultraviolence
Love her or hate her. I love her!
Broken Twin, May
Criminally overlooked artist from Denmark.
Cher Von, Gol
Total bliss.
Grouper, Ruins
Dane Waters, A Harp With Teeth That Is Drooling And Crying
Louisville’s answer to Jarboe. So magnificent.
(Listen to Tender Mercy here: http://tendermercy.bandcamp.com/.)