Album Notes

Catchy lyrics with a sophisticated side. Melodies that showcase two voices blended with tightly-woven harmonies. This is the essence of Sweet Bitters’ self-titled, full-length debut album. The 12-song CD moves seamlessly between acoustic, indie folk-pop and folk-rock, spanning sounds reminiscent of 60’s pop and jazz-inflected piano pop to jangly, guitar-driven folk and thoroughly modern folk variations sprinkled with a true sense of wit. The intelligent, heartfelt lyrics speak to listeners who savor the harmony-driven vocal arrangements and a musical approach that ranges from simple, hook-driven melodies to more complex progressions and vocal stylings.

Sweet Bitters is a duo, made up of the Brooklyn, NY-based Sharon Goldman and Nina Schmir. Both singer-songwriters in their own right, Sharon previously released two full-length solo albums (Semi Broken Heart, 2004, and Shake the Stars, 2006). The two met while performing around the NYC indie singer/songwriter circuit and in 2007 were inspired to combine their talents, creating a harmony-infused sound that brings to mind groups such as the Roches, the Indigo Girls, Girlyman and Fleetwood Mac.

The duo’s debut CD features a full-band ensemble, including guitarist Thad Debrock (Spring Awakening, Duncan Sheik); bassist Rob Calder (Ari Hest, The Break and Repair Method) and drummer Andrew Frawley (Ben Jelen, Telling on Trixie). Other special guests include François Lê Xuân from the Parisian-based Emilie Satt Project and violinist Maya Rossi (Diamond J and the Rough).

As for the name, Sweet Bitters represents the yin and yang -- adding a taste of this, plus a hint of that. After all, a song can have a simple, upbeat melody yet be infused with lyrics that are both serious and complex. The right blend is also essential – even the simplest melody and lyrics can blossom with an intense musical part or intriguing harmonies.