Sherry (Minter) Lawson, singer/songwriter: Press

A self-described "60s hippie", Sherry Lawson captures the spirit of folk's golden age on her charming and melodic debut, On a Planet Where it Rains. Lawson, who hosts an open mic at the Cup and Saucer each Sunday night, seizes this forum for herself, displaying impressive vocal range and lyrical skills. On the album's most political song, Lawson addresses a "Union Man, " singing, "Now you're rich and it's true for you/Guilty of the things they used to do." However, most of the themes on Planet are either personal, dealing with lost romance and fallen friends, or spiritual, as on the album-ending medley "The Law of One/Your Mouth is a Prayer." Musically, Lawson can rock out Sheryl Crow-style, as she does with help from producer/guitarist Steve Phillips on "You Get What You Settle For," but she can also cop a sultry, jazzy coo, add a little county twang to a country hoedown, or mute herself to a hesitant near-whisper on her softer material. Yet what really sets her apart is her ear for melody - many singer/songwriters have enough talent to wow the coffeehouse crowd, but Lawson has the hooks to leave them singing her tunes later.

Sherry Lawson's CD On a Planet Where it Rains is the type of album that gives meaning to having a CD player in your car. Plan on a nice long country drive & pretty soon you'll be singing along.

Sherry Lawson's, On a Planet Where it Rains raises the bar for all performing songwriters. The songs are expertly crafted and masterfully produced, with lyrics and melodies that linger long after the song ends. The opening tracks On a Planet Where it Rains, and I Want my Heart Back showcase captivating melodies and counter-point harmonies that announce a sophisticated marriage of lyrical and musical content which continues throughout the remaining tunes on the CD. The songs cover a wide range of styles from the sensitive pop-folk ballads of These Hands and I'm Over You to the jazz influenced Cocoon and Lunar Blues. The listener is treated to a diverse musical journey with stops along the way for the up-tempo romp of You Get What You Settle For and the Cajun influenced Beauty of the South. This is a recording that warrants repeated listening and is bound to become a favorite in anyone's music collection.

Sherry's music is original, soothing and food for the soul.

I have to tell you, my dad who doesn't listen to anything but bluegrass/country music even liked it. Union Man is what caught his attention. He got beat up pretty badly 30+ years ago when he was a trucker and he crossed the picket line for a strike.

This collection of twelve original songs shows off her songwriting talent well. Her soulful vocals tie this album together, yet there is a delightful mix of styles from the somber Cocoon to the Cajun Beauty of the South to the straight ahead rock nroll of You Get What you Settle For. The production is just enough to support the songs, with very nice guitar work by Rick Mareske and Steve Phillips. This is a great album to put on after a stressful week to help your spirit heal.

Sherry's engaging personality shined on 6-17-00 during her live performance at Cafe Acoustic. Her songs capture you like long lost friends who return to let us know we are not alone on this human journey.