Imagine the songwriting inspiration of Joni Mitchell, steeped in the soulful sensibility of Donny Hathaway, played by the cream of the world’s musicians and sung with the voice of an angel…one whose very life experience pours out of every song. This is the magic that is contained in Songs From the Concrete…the powerful new debut ep by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chrissi Poland.

While her searing and soulful voice is her primary instrument, Chrissi is the consummate musician and is adept at piano, guitar and drums. She is currently performing music from the new ep at many of NYC’s hottest venues including Le Poisson Rouge, The Living Room, The Rockwood Music Hall, City Winery and The Metropolitan Room. On May 13, 2010 she will be performing live at the Canal Room to celebrate the official release of Songs From the Concrete.

The “concrete” in this case references New York City but is also a metaphor for the toughness of the music business and its trials and tribulations. Throughout her seven years navigating this concrete city she has performed live and in the studio with several acclaimed artists including Sting, Elvis Costello, Clint Black and Moby. She has also recorded numerous projects for stage, screen and television while further honing her songwriting and solo performance skills. The result is this impressive recording…one of singular grace and uncompromising honesty.

She was born and raised in a small town along the coast of Massachusetts, an influence that is just as strong a presence in her songwriting as her years as a working musician in New York. Hearing the call of music early on, Chrissi chose to attend Berklee School of Music to develop her craft and as a graduate has been asked to return to teach vocal and performance master classes.

In addition to her solo career, she currently tours the world singing with legendary Stax artist Sam Moore (formerly of Sam & Dave) and appears on the acclaimed 2008 album release Last Night. She is also embarking on a three month tour starting in June 2010 with Scissor Sisters (Polydor/Universal Records) throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

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