It is best filed under 'Good'.

There are traces of folk, jazz, pop and, Americana - which is not surprising as she landed her first management deal and record contract with the help of fellow North Carolina resident (and musician) Ryan Adams.

These elements began to come together with her first two albums Bramble Rose and Tambourine.

They have now matured into a stylish and engaging blend for new album, Another Country.

And, again, that's not too surprising. For the songs were composed mainly while living in another country - France, in fact.

After intensive touring, she rented a flat with a piano in Paris's 10th arrondisment and planned to take time off.

It didn't work out like that. Merritt recalls: "Days were wonderful there. I wore the same clothes nearly everyday. I would take a coffee in the street, say hello to the good people in the little wine store across from my door.

"I cannot explain what happened except to say that there were never enough hours in the day to write, and there was always kindness at hand. I took pictures. I wrote stories. I played piano. I wrote songs."

The enthusiasm for life comes through in the music of Another Country. The songs are fresh and alluring. They perfectly encapsulate her uniquely satisfying stew of rock and roll, soul, and country and are judged to be her most personal to date.

She began her career playing small clubs until, in 1999, she released a 7-song EP with the Two Dollar Pistols, led by John Howie, Jr and featuring two original songs and five covers.

Debut album Bramble Rose was released to wide critical acclaim in 2002. It was selected by Time as one of the top-10 CDs of the year and lauded as 'the best release by a new artist, in any genre'.

While this first release was largely an alt-country affair, follow-up Tambourine took her in more of a rock/soul direction. The album was produced by famed roots rock producer George Drakoulias and featured backing by Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell (of the Heartbreakers) and Don Heffington (of Emmylou Harris's Hot Band and Lone Justice).

It was awarded a Country Album of the Year Grammy nomination as well as being nominated for three Americana Music Awards.

Tift Merritt is at Sheffield Memorial Hall on Wednesday (July 2). Tickets are £14.50 from 0114 2 789 789.

Stephen Stills is at Sheffield City Hall on Saturday, October 18.

All tickets are £30 and available on 01142 789 789



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