Cory Chisel is one of my favorite new artists, and all it really took was one listen to his EP, Cabin Ghosts. His songs are solid and impeccably crafted, and to see them performed live is just mesmerizing. I first caught him a long way from his Appleton, Wis., home at The Living Room here in New York City, and a later live set at WFUV merged his songs and storytelling into some great radio.
Appleton, Wis., provides a lot of material for Cory Chisel: It's the childhood home of Harry Houdini, and it's surrounded by small towns, bigger lakes, paper mills and vast stretches of rural landscape. The singer-songwriter plays music inspired by the seemingly normal town, and talks about a music scene that takes a lot of pride in itself.
This duo session puts a spotlight on Chisel's worn, soulful voice -- and on fellow vocalist Adriel Harris -- but if you want a taste of what he can do with his band The Wandering Sons, check out this stop at CMJ 2008.
Originally recorded Sept. 8, 2008.
Listen to the previous Favorite Session, or see our full archive.
Copyright 2008 WFUV
