"I heard Linda sing for the very first time tonight at a coffee house. I had no idea who she was, but the minute she took the stage I was enthralled.
Her voice is versatile, with shades of folk, jazz, and even classical. She sings with such passion that I felt the raw, human emotion behind every word. I felt connected to moments in my past, dreamed about the future, and absorbed the present with heightened sensitivity.
I bought both her CDs on the spot, and I'm listening to "Breathe" right now. It makes me want to laugh, cry, dance, and shout out loud to the world, all at the same time."
Amanda O'Leary (Jan 31, 2010)
CD "Breathe"
"It’s the facets of a gem that catch the light and ‘Breathe’, Linda Connell Studley’s second CD, does the same. Dulcet ballads are punctuated with more up-tempo offerings and, in both, Studley captures different aspects of the heart with well-crafted lyrics. Fast or slow, the music will strike just the right chord with listeners. More contemporary than her first CD, ‘Breathe’ offers a musical scope that reflects Studley’s years of song writing experience. The sometimes haunting, sometimes playful songs are a departure from her original CD. Her Celtic roots shone in ‘ New Traditions’ and while her newest work takes her skill and expresses it in the truest folk fashion, fans will still recognize the same rich vocals and instrumentation they’re used to. Like her previous work, much is added by the talents of musicians who have the uncanny ability to hit just the right tone to compliment her music. Guitarist Ian Smith coaxes his guitar to make magic once again, Rick Slack weaves a solid foundation on stand up bass and Greg Wandling keeps it all together with percussion that doesn’t need to overshadow the whole. The harmony in ‘Fly with Angels’ just has to be Barb Munro’s – the perfect counterpoint to Studley’s vocals. While Studley says she doesn’t have the technical knack they do, she does know exactly what she wants and has orchestrated a no-nonsense down-to-earth sound with this CD. ‘Breathe’ is a sweet surprise and a gem well worth adding to any collection."
CD "New Traditions"
"...The eastern part of Canada is steeped in traditional and folk music and although she’s wandered from rock and roll to country Studley continues to revisit her roots. This CD is the embodiment of the old style folk music you might have heard at folk gatherings about 30 years ago. Her musical style is so much like the good stuff, I had to check the liner notes to be sure that Studley hadn’t stolen the lyrics from obscure English music. This is a collection of songs that encompasses themes such as treachery, death, fairies and magical events on the borders of reality. The presentation style is very minimalist. Studley herself does vocals, flute and bodhran (Irish drum) while other musicians accompany her on guitar, pennywhistle and mandolin. Studley needs nothing else to part the veil separating the “real” world from the fantasy one. Studley likens her music to Loreena McKennitt’s work, but although the material is similar, McKennitt’s music is much more produced with a plethora of instruments. I’m reminded more of some of Stan Rogers’ tunes…stripped down with a compelling voice and no pretensions. You could always imagine Rogers playing in a bar somewhere; his style was minimalist and felt very “eastern Canada”. Summary: Here’s hoping Studley comes to a town near you. The music will only be better in person."
"If you want a versatile performer with an amazing voice and incredible song writing skills, look no further than Linda Connell Studley. Her original tunes echo with the bardic heritage of traditional folk/celtic music. Love, magic, revenge, longing, courage, hope - all these emotions swell in her memorable lyrics."