"Discover
the Greatest Undiscovered Rock band in America!"
"Absolutely the most stunning Female Rock Vocal you will ever hear!"
MP3.com
“God is a woman and she sings for Big Sky!"
ROD UNDERHILL, 1sound.com
With
countless Twin Cities bands vying for attention, it seems that every possible
novelty will be tested. Amongst the throng of attention grabbers, though, there
are still innovators - and that’s what makes a band like Big Sky so compelling.
While "Standing on This Earth" isn’t the next White Album, most
of the discs tracks manage to blend a wide range of pop and world music influences
into a diverse mix of songs, from the Spin Doctorish, retro-vibe of Miss Innocence
and the country twang of River in the Pines to the ethereal enchantment of In
the Valley.
What gives this album it’s brightest moments is the band’s incorporation
of Khoomei (Siberian throat-singing), which guitarist Steve Sklar studied in
the Tuvan region of Siberia. The ancient technique allows a single voice to
simultaneously produce two distinct pitches; the mesmerizing effect is put to
it’s most striking use on the innovative Siberia. Johnna Morrow’s
near-angelic vocals swoon an soar gracefully above it.
As a whole, "Standing on This Earth" is a wonderfully fresh synthesis
of musical styles. At it’s best, it hints at something even more unique
to come.
STEVE RESKE, REVUE MAGAZINE
CD
Review: Big Sky, "Standing on This Earth"
Big Sky have consistently been at the top of the charts at both MP3.com and
AMP3.com. After listening to "Standing On This Earth," it's not hard
to understand why the serious music connoisseur would want all of the Big Sky
music they can get their hands on. Vocalist Johnna Morrow's voice soars above
a progressive rock sound that incorporates elements not unfamiliar to early
Dire Straits fans–epic songs that have detailed lyrical content and superb
musicianship. The CD's strongest tracks include the title track, with its majestic
musical sweep, and Siberia, which is the first recording I've ever heard that
incorporates Khoomei (throat singing) along with piano, guitar, violin, and
Morrow's own voice. Music this powerful requires pristine production, and "Standing
On This Earth" sounds as good as any major label release you are likely
to hear.
Recommended for fans of big, sweeping rock.
DOUG CORNELL, SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM
Into the Sun –Johnna Morrow performs some strong vocal gymnastics on this song that reminded me of a young Grace Slick (before the corporate rock Starship era). I liked that the structure of this tune had variations in tempo and energy that added interest. Well done. It was Song of the Day on Monday, 8 Feb.
DMZ REVIEWS
JIM MEYER, MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
Big
Sky: A song-oriented Art-Rock and World-Music band...very adventurous pop arrangements.
In the world of spacier sounds, there’s a cool CD to focus your telescope
on. Jazz-and Jam band turned World-Folk-Rockers Big Sky has released its painstakingly
produced debut, Standing on This Earth featuring Tuvan-style throat-singing
by guitarist and Siberian scholar Steve Sklar.
JIM MEYER, MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
Phenomenal...Unbelievable!
EUAN KERR, NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO