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BIO: In A Nutshell...
Originally from the south but now based in Madison,WI, Tracy tours mainly in the midwest and south and has been called "North Carolina's gift to Wisconsin." Her guitar skills earned her a spot in the June 2009 issue of GUITAR PLAYER magazine, and she was named INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR in the 2008 Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs). She was also nominated five times previously in the MAMAs for BEST ACOUSTIC ARTIST (2004, 2005), BEST ACOUSTIC ALBUM (2004, 2005), and FOLK/AMERICANA ARTIST OF THE YEAR (2007). Tracy has received international songwriting awards and honors in rock/pop, adult contemporary, and folk genres, and is often noted for her intricate fingerstyle guitar work and other instrumental skills (5 instruments and counting), her lyrics, and her vocal style reminiscent of Judy Collins and Joni Mitchell.
Tracy is also a part of a number of bands and side projects (Wild Heart, Cornerstone, Sticky Fingers, 3 of Cups, Likely Stories, Alchemy Ensemble, Elixir Chamber Trio, and more) and enjoys supporting others on harmonies and/or various instruments (cello, piano, guitar, hammered dulcimer, fiddle, and more). (See the LINKS page for links to some of her side projects.) The Long Version..."It is the very inability of the critic toeasily hem her into a box that points to Tracy Comer's magnificent songwriting
abilities." Tracy Jane Comer's acoustic songwriting demands a cultivated palette to fully appreciate the burst of diverse flavors at play in her music. Her skills as an artist are readily apparent in the way she flawlessly weaves together her various influences into a whole that is seamless yet still puts on full display the distinct aspects of the various styles contributing to her sound.
Emotional Range: Comer's focus on exploring as many facets of human emotion as possible has much to do with the rich textures of her acoustic music. Of all art forms, music is that with which she has the most intimate relationship and therein lie her strongest creative talents, so it's only natural that her fascination with the human spirit should manifest via exciting songs. "I connect deeply with music and enjoy experiencing a wide range of emotions through it – elation, joy, pain, loneliness, sadness, angst, longing, love, empathy and more," Comer says. Value : As if music needed justification, Comer's certainly justifies its existence by its deep understanding of the heart and its profound expression of the things that make people tick on the purest levels. But Comer is quick to point out that, whatever style or subject matter, music is its own reason for existing, thanks to its inherent beauty, its effect on society and its very nature as something the human race requires for its psychological survival. Or, as Comer puts it: "Music has intrinsic value and positive impact on our world and is an important and innate human need." Interesting and Unique: Comer is drawn to forms of musical expression that are distinctive and original. It's what she likes to listen to, it's what she likes to write and perform – and such originality is what inspires her, regardless of genre. "I am inspired by many forms of music," she says. "I am drawn to music that is interesting and unique in some aspect – melody, harmonization and/or rhythm, and music that has a lot of dynamic interest (variable textures in sections, variations in loudness, dramatic build, etc.)." THE ARTIST AT WORK Comer has opened for Dar Williams, Willy Porter, Holly Near, Peter Mulvey, The Wailin' Jennys, Ellis Paul, L.J. Booth, Nathan Rogers, Mary McCaslin, and many other nationally touring acts. She has also performed as cellist with Holly Brook. Comer has been champ in a number of songwriting contests, some international in scope. She judged the folk category of the Midwest Song Contest in 2007. The MTV show Made has featured her music and she has received radio airplay around the world. Comer has been honored many times by the Madison Area Music Awards, most recently being named INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR in 2008. She previously received nominations for BEST ACOUSTIC ARTIST (2004, 2005), BEST ACOUSTIC ALBUM (2004, 2005), and FOLK/AMERICANA ARTIST OF THE YEAR (2007), and she was tapped to perform at the MAMAs with her full band in 2006. Tracy has a background in classical music and is often lauded for her guitar work. "Like Patty Larkin, I believe women CAN play guitar!" She also a skilled pianist and cellist (skills she has used in service to other musicians), and plays some fiddle and hammered dulcimer. She eschews genre pigeon-holing and writes music that defies categorization. Recordings: Tracy has released several CDs and two live concert DVDs, plus CDs with side projects Likely Stories and Sticky Fingers. She has also appeared as guest artist (cello, guitar, vocals, fiddle, hammered dulcimer) on recordings for other artists, and her music has also appeared on compilations published by Spiritone Records. Presentation: Tracy performs primarily in the midwest and southeast, as a soloist or as a duo (with supporting artist Randy Green on backing guitar/piano) or occasionally with full backing band. As a skilled multi-instrumentalist (guitar, piano, cello, dulcimer, fiddle and more), Tracy also enjoys doing collaborative shows with others and is part of several bands and collaborative projects including Wild Heart (Alt Country), 3 of Cups (jazz-folk, with Rachel Nelson of Minnesota), Sticky Fingers (folk trio with Michael Bryant and Damon Bourne of Madison), and Likely Stories (eclectic acoustic trio with Nancy Rost and Dave Schindele). She also is a member of classical chamber groups including Alchemy Ensemble and Elixir Chamber Trio. BACKGROUND Tracy was born and spent her youth in North Carolina (Wilmington and Raleigh). She is now based in Madison, WI where she lives with her husband, Allen. She studied music at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Peace College, East Carolina University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has an extensive musical background that includes collegiate study in classical piano, cello, theory, and musicology, private instruction in violin, voice, and guitar (classical and acoustic fingerstyle), plus involvement with folk, pop/rock, choral and theater music, jazz, and many things in between. Tracy has extensive experience accompanying for choirs, instrumentalists, vocalists, and musical theater and has also conducted and arranged for choirs, handbells, and instrumental ensembles. "This singer/songwriter is key to moving the whole darn genre forward. Her sound is mature and soaked with talent throughout…" - Smother.Net Ezine See the MUSIC page to listen to samples or see a list of published recordings. |
"Another excellent acoustic track...[Comer]
dances all over the strings with shimmering note flurries and dynamic
flair...." "...a strong vocalist and wonderful player on cello, piano, guitar, fiddle, and hammered dulcimer..." "Well it’s not going to be 'quietly there' for much longer for Tracy Jane Comer. This singer/songwriter is key to moving the whole darn genre forward. Her sound is mature and soaked with talent..." "Although her music is acoustic-based, the arrangements go much deeper, culling from classical, folk, jazz, pop and rock...Comer's work is diverse and dynamic. Tracy Jane Comer is a musical force..." "Tracy's voice is warm, rich...she's a polished performer...." "Comparisons to other adult contemporary artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter,Shawn Colvin, and Dar Williams are inevitable, though she displays more
range of style than any of them...." "...TracyJane Comer has more than a beautiful voice; she’s also a great
instrumentalist. She plays the guitar, cello and piano with great
skill..." "Comer's thoughtful, intelligent, and sometimes humorous songs, coupled with her clear, honest voice and heartfelt presentation, are a delight to the ears and offer a refreshing and satisfying musical alternative." "The voice, a combination of Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins, is perfect, and the guitar playing is so rhythmic and clear and musical...the lyrics [are] poignant, poetic, imaginative, expressive..." "I don't even know what words to use to describe your beautiful voice and music. I'm surprised the recording is not worn out! I have played it every day… Your music is mesmerizing."
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"Another excellent acoustic track...[Comer]
dances all over the strings with shimmering note flurries and dynamic
flair...." 
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