Album Notes

Darlyne Cain is an international artist. Poignant and eclectic, her extremely soulful lyrics are written around refreshing acoustic sounds only intensified by her incredible alto voice. Compared to Carole King, Edie Brickell and Ricky Lee Jones, Darlyne has performed her songs in front of audiences around the world. A native of Camden, SC and a graduate from the school of music at Winthrop College, Darlyne has used the world to cultivate the fields of her writing. Some of her credits include the famed Berlin Independence Day Festival, the Appalachian String Band Festival, Nashville's NEA Extravaganza, SXSW 2003 and 2NMC 2003 (Critic's pick by the Nashville Rage). Darlyne's other CD credits include "Leavin' Here" (1999) and her own self-titled "Darlyne Cain" (2000). "The Next Step", produced by Davina Lee Sprinkle, blends Darlyne's writings and samplings of different cultures through jazzy, pop chord progressions encircled by well-crafted melodies and supported by some of Nashville's most gifted players: international artist Duane Jarvis (Lucinda Williams) on guitar, Dennis Wage (keyboards), Craig Wright (drums), Dave Francis (bass) and Jim Roberts (percussion). "The Next Step" can be heard regionally in North and South Carolina via WNCW and WSGE.

"In a season that's being marked by unusual, diverse artists doing original, genre-stretching material, Darlyne Cain's new CD "The Next Step" proves quite prophetic and welcome. The disc spotlights Cain's compositions, which range from probing to provocative and poignant to ironic, while also highlighting a strong, alternately elegant and energetic voice. "
---Ron Wynn, Nashville City Paper