Songbook by The Starlings

That simple beauty pervades the band’s stellar debut album, “Songbook,” and that easygoing camaraderie personifies the Starlings’ live performances, which find them equally at home playing barnburners and ballads and have made them favorites among Seattle’s twang community.” - Portland Tribune

"...a band buoyed by shimmering vocalist Joy Mills."

-Seattle P.I.

“...fresh and full of brio...(Joy) Mills, one of the best songwriters in the Northwest (or anywhere)...an excellent, vital record.” – Victory Review

"...expertly blends folk and country, displaying top-notch musicianship at every turn...a nice mix of front-porch foot stomping and back-room balladry." - Muses Muse

"Seattle roots-country outfit releases authentic, inventive debut...a classic sound — good playing by all in the service of first-rate songs." - CDReviews.com

"The nucleus of this folksy, bluegrass infused Americana combo is the duo of Joy Mills (guitar, mandolin) and Tom Parker (guitar, harmonica). The engaging Mills sounds a bit like Kelly Willis on a folk binge, while Parker`s plaintive, mellow voice warms the many harmonies with a most pleasing effect. The supporting players tastefully add Dobro, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, etc., keeping a lively feel throughout. Songbook offers 12 earnest and organic original tunes - most of which penned by Mills - and a straight version of the classic "Long Black Veil", on which the two duet. Capturing the ageless quality of The Carter Family, as in the two Parker penned duets, "Working Man Blues" and "Acorn", The Starlings clearly have a deep appreciation for the classics but are by no means a retro act. Simply a terrific one. - Miles Of Music

The Starlings have captured the ears of fans both in the Northwest and beyond following their 2006 release of debut album “Songbook”. Based out of Seattle, The Starlings have had a successful year: accolades from notable sources as Maverick Magazine and Americana UK; a live appearance on renowned radio station KEXP's Audioasis; eight weeks on John Richards’ (KEXP) “Top Ten Northwest Bands”; prominent performances shared with the likes of Todd Snider, The Avett Brothers, Michelle Malone, The Radio Nationals, The Paperboys and numerous NW artists. Featured in Maverick Magazine’s March 2007 issue, The Starlings are bringing their blend of country, Americana and roots music to an ever broader stage.

“Songbook” covers a wide terrain of folk and Americana landscapes including the homage paid to elders in the opening track, “Hand to Mouth,” and the wanderer’s story in “Alaskan Fire”. Other stand-outs include the minor-key foot-stompers “Bones to Ashes” and “Rosie,” as well as the elegantly-orchestrated “Sinner’s Glory,” and the old-time-flavored sweetness of “Acorn”.

Led by the magnetic harmonies and melodic songwriting of Joy Mills and Tom Parker, this murmuration combines lyrics and vocals that are all at once wistful and fierce, haunting and soothing. Tasteful lines of guitar, banjo, dobro and mandolin trace the ambiance of the songs. Lucid and elemental themes create The Starlings' solid repertoire, suffused with images of wanderlust, solitude, trains, death, love and an underlying wonder at the mystery of it all. Taking explorations of the deep roots and modern flavors of Americana roots, folk and country, they are hailed for their striking performances and engaging musicianship. With one eye to the keyhole of deeper meaning, they remain dynamic in nature and happy to take the road less traveled.

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