Sharon Dressen McKnight is a veteran folk singer out of central Indiana, and Factory Girl is her second effort, following on the heels of the wonderful My Backyard.  I really love her voice.  She is a singer in the mold of the great Joan Baez, but actually I like her voice even a bit better than Joan’s.  Sharon’s music wisely places her sweet, pure vocal tone in the front and center of each song…she knows her strengths and she plays to them.  Factory Girl features a nice mix of traditional music, songs from the likes of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, material from local writers, and Sharon herself contributes the lovely Downriver. 
     These tracks go down as smooth and sweet as iced tea on a hot day.  I really enjoy the laid-back vibe of the record and I love the organic instrumentation of acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, fiddle, acoustic bass and cello.  While novelty tunes like I’m A Little Cookie, are fun, it’s the more substantial songs about loss and longing that I most prefer. The harmonies throughout the record are a delight and the CD’s highlights are many.  From the nice bluesy piano of Life Hurts, to the mournful minor-key sadness of Banks Of The Lee, to the easygoing tempo of the country-flavored Forsaken Lover, to the excellent Fall Of Richmond & The Cuckoo with it’s superb, long intro and fine Michael Lewis cameo vocal…Factory Girl has many riches to discover.  
     The highlight of the CD, for me, is Grey Funnel Line.  I sat mesmerized as I listened.  It begins with a stark Native American flute and a cappella vocal.  Sharon’s voice shows it’s true beauty in this setting and the whole effect is really quite magical.  As the track slowly builds, harmony vocals sneak in, followed by a subtle, quiet cello.  I love music like this and you will too.
     You think only the big names can deliver the goods?  Sharon Dressen McKnight’s Factory Girl proves otherwise and the pleasure is all ours.
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