Sweet Hello

8-13-04

Before Sweet Hello, there was Laura Doherty and guest Cat Edgerton. Two years ago Doherty was teaching the Women's Acoustic ensemble class at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Edgerton was her student; they didn't know then how well they'd harmonize.

Only when the two women sang fab four hits during Old Town's May 2002 Beatles Tribute concert did they discover something special. Doherty started inviting Edgerton to join her solo gigs; working out material for Doherty's planned second solo album, the women soon realized they made a better duo. Sweet Hello, a folk-pop with a roots flavor, was born.

"I was tired of being a (solo) singer-songwriter," Doherty said.

The duo's skills and experience complement each other even in simple things: "I count the song off," Doherty said, "Cat ends them."

In June, Sweet Hello self-released its debut full-length album, "Well of Wishes".

"Our record covers a million genres," Edgerton said. "You can hear everything form the Beatles to the Pretenders to the Indigo Girls."

The women credit their diversity to the Old Town connection. Now teaching the Women's Acoustic class together, the duo has a huge musical base to draw upon.

It helps give an intriguing depth to Sweet Hello's girl-next-door sound. As Edgerton demonstrates her prowess playing the mandolin like guitar, or Doherty a skilled guitar solo, the women sing sweet harmonies about being smitten, searching for romance or enjoying all that life has to offer.

That mix caught the ear of Fabian Guerra, talent buyer for the Beat Kitchen where Sweet Hello performs Friday.

"Right off the bat as soon I heard it I wanted to get them a show," Guerra said.

"We're just fun," Edgerton said. "If you go to one of our shows your foot is going to tap."

-Jenn Q. Goddu
- Chicago Tribune