"Divided Heart" Kristin Hoffmann

a Review by Amy - Producer of Collected Sounds

Kristin Hoffmann has been playing piano since she was four years old and it shows.

She's classically trained in voice and piano as well has having learned the violin at the age of 3. Kristin was also signed to a record label at the age of 19 but it didn't pan out for her (through no fault of her own) and this is her first independent release.

She is part blues, part folk, part rock and all heart. She has a soulful emotional style that is immediately appealing.

Kristin's "Lay Down Your Light" has been called similar to Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love me" and I would have to agree. It's got the same heartfelt, moving music and her voice is even similar to Ms. Raitt's on this song.

Other songs I really like are "Mary" the opening track in which she gets to wail a little and "Divided Heart" which sounds like it could be on Adult Alternative Radio.

"Temple" is also a beautiful song. But I think "Don't Tell Me About It" might be my favorite. At least it is today, ask me again tomorrow.

She's also been compared to Tori Amos but I have to say I don't see that. She's not nearly as wacky. Kristin is much more straightforward. I would say maybe Chantal Kreviazuk before I'd agree with the Amos comparison.

This is a classy release.

Posted on April 18, 2003