Laurie McClain

“Laurie McClain is the best surprise we've had in our five years of presenting folk concerts. We have a lot of talented musicians come through here, but very few gifted ones. Laurie McClain has that special gift to touch people's hearts with her songs." - Tom Schrader

"Laurie is a true artist. She opens hearts and sings from a place of depth and love. She held my tough NYC audience with her masterful storytelling, strong lyrics and vulnerable voice, moving them to tears and laughter. If she is performing anywhere near you, run to see her. You will not be disappointed; you will be transformed." - KATHRYN - KATHRYN'S HOUSE CONCERT SERIES, NYC

"By the time I finished listening to Ascend for the first time I knew it would be on my top 10 list for the year. Laurie's songs just reach in and grab you. This collection in particular takes you on a the kind of emotional ride worth standing in line for. The presentation and performance of these well crafted songs makes you feel as if you have a front row seat to a private concert with a performer you have known your whole life. I love this record!"

- Matt Watroba, Sing Out! Radio Magazine

"Laurie's Voice is like my favorite moisturizer; it sinks in quickly and starts to heal. Her songs go deep and they stay with you." -SUZY BOGGUSS - Suzy Bogguss

"Laurie's Voice is like my favorite moisturizer; it sinks in quickly and starts to heal. Her songs go deep and they stay with you." -SUZY BOGGUSS - Suzy Bogguss

"Would you like to take a first class trip into the mind of a very talented, very sensitive and truly sweet girl? Well, get your hands on a copy of ASCEND, the new CD by Laurie McClain. It's like a breath of the proverbial fresh air and will very much touch your emotions in a most valuable way... best thing I've heard in a long while."

Sincerely, Steve - Steve Forbert

"Laurie McClain is my favorite songwriter in the whole world." - Donna Stjerna (Still on the Hill)

"Laurie McClain has got to be from another planet. I've never met anyone -- except maybe Richie Havens -- who is so open-hearted & full of love for humanity, yet who appears to experience life on a different plane than everybody else. The world is a harsh place for souls like these, and music seems to be their tool for making sense of it. Laurie's music is as innocent as it is informed by experience, as playful as it is rooted, and as detail-oriented as it is grand in scope. Lucky for the rest of us, she's translated her Earthly experience onto record, and called it Ascend. "


- DEVON SPROULE, Americana singer/songwriter

"Kate Wolf's classic California folk music is lovingly and soulfully praised and preserved in this fabulous tribute record. It's a fantastic job, and we think it will itself become a folk classic, it's that good."
- Frank Goodman

"The music of the late California writer Kate Wolf has been interpreted by many musicians. This new release from singer/songwriter Laurie McClain may just turn out to be one of the best and most enduring efforts. McClain's gentle and not-too-polished voice and thoughtful style allow her to put her own stamp on Wolf's material while showing respect and affection for the writer's words and intent. There's not a throwaway cut on the disc; each is clearly a work of love and respect."
- Kerry Dexter

"A thoroughly professional recording, warm, rich... authentic, yet unique enough to be her own... Fresh instrumentation and arrangements work to make The Trumpet Vine a valid tribute to Kate's music that should be welcomed."
- Vic Heyman

"An incredible performance with Kate's songs. Kate was a dear friend of ours and did several radio programs for us over the years. Sometimes it is very jolting to hear someone do another songwriter's songs. You first reaction is to compare the performer to the songwriter... We must be honest with you, we were moved in a way that was not expected. Thank you so much for a wonderful cd."
- Roz & Howard Larman

"Laurie's voice has a raw, genuine classic folk resonance that pulls you into every song."
- Singer magazine

“Every single track is top class. The delivery, the backing, the lyrics and the feeling are impressive on each and every song. Her beautiful voice brings the inspired lyrics and music to life and gives us a gift in this century. If Wolf's music sees a revival of interest, McClain is to blame.”
- Rambles

"Laurie turns each venue into her living room and each listener into a new friend with her disarming humor and passionate performance. Her songs explore the themes of identity, growth, friendship and love in a way that always honors the fundamental mysteries of the human journey... She is a gem of uniqueness and authenticity."
- Nashville, TN:

from: http://steveforbert.com/sf/news_laurie_ascend.html:

Hello, there!

Would you like to take a first class trip into the mind of a very talented,
very sensitive and truly sweet girl?

Well, get your hands on a copy of ASCEND, the new CD by Laurie McClain.
(Visit her web site to have a listen or order the CD)

It's like a breath of the proverbial fresh air and will very much touch
your emotions in a most valuable way (if you're up for that sort of thing).

Track four, "Some Forgotten Dare", is worth the price of "a ticket" many times
over! Other favorites: "Rosy Glasses" and ""Ask My Soul".

Sincerely, Steve

- STEVE FORBERT