On A Clear Day by Natalia Zukerman

" -Kelly McCartney, Velvet Park Magazine

BIO:

In the nature versus nurture scheme of Natalia Zukerman, you would have to conclude that both forces are in exquisite cahoots with one another.

Sure, her DNA is filled with musically brilliant genetic patterns.

Yeah, she started studying violin at age six adding guitar at eight.

Still, one without the other wouldn't have gotten her here.

Growing up in New York City surrounded by classical and jazz music provided the delicately perfect balance of elements that is now at play in Zukerman's own artistry. She has the studied chops of a classical musician which allow her to tread in the more adventurous footprints of a jazz player. You see, she takes risks, with a maturity and lucidity that is not so often found in the work of her folk music peers. And as a child of the urban landscape, Zukerman isn't afraid of calling it as she sees it; she just follows an eloquent approach to her authenticity that takes the edge off and sets her apart from the crowd. (Where the bluesy, country leanings came from, we're just not sure. But they're an awfully nice touch.)

Zukerman is an awesome guitarist, but don't get so caught up that you miss the intimacies of her songwriting and the slinky sultriness of her voice. This is a full-package deal. The initial evidence can be found in her 2001 debut release Mortal Child which was one of Performing Songwriter's Top 12 (DIY) Independent Releases. The collection covers acres of musical ground in order to encompass Zukerman's ambitious craftsmanship.

Her sophomore effort, On a Clear Day, saw light in November 2003 and avoids anything resembling a jinx. Having found her voice, Zukerman has settled into a righteous, genre-blending groove. With support from Allison Miller (Natalie Merchant, Betty), Julie Wolf (Ani DiFranco, Dar Williams), Jason Kriveloff (Topaz, Tortured Soul), and others, it would be hard to miss the mark. Yet, it is ultimately the thread of writing great songs that weave all of her disparate influences, inspirations, and experiences into a glorious, seamless tapestry. (If you really must have comparisons, try Patty Larkin, Shawn Colvin, and Ani DiFranco on for size.)

As a captivating and witty live performer, Zukerman has criss-crossed the continent building an earnest following and garnering some decidedly hefty acclaims. She showcased at the Nashville New Music Conference in 2001, the NEMO conference in Boston in 2002 and 2003, NXNE in Toronto in 2002 and 2003, LadyFest South in 2002, and CMJ in New York and the Dewey Beach Fest in Delaware in 2003.

In addition, Zukerman is an official performing member of Indiegrrl and her song Winter in California was a part of the Indiegrrl Compilation III. One of her most haunting compositions, Hole was chosen for the Amaze Me: Songs In The Key of Peace compilation which also contains tracks by twelve other independent women musicians including Ellis, Erika Luckett, Kris Delmhorst, Edie Carey, Tret Fure, and Holly Near.

To top it all off, she paints murals AND sings The Wheels on the Bus like nobody's business. Multi-faceted, multi-talented, Natalia Zukerman is one of a kind.

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