The Power of Three
If the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, then The Sweet Water Warblers are no exception. Comprised of Michigan songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, the folk trio’s organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation leaves listeners breathless.
The Sweet Water Warblers came together in 2014, for a single performance at the Hoxeyville Music Festival upon request by the promoter. From the beginning, there was a unique connection between the three artists, a bond forged by a mutual passion for social change and expansion of the soul through music. Each of the ladies’ brought with them a regarded solo career within the Americana and roots worlds, and with them individual perspectives on traditional music. Whether it was the gospel and soul-laced melodies uncovered in Davis’ music, the Appalachian folk and country-leaning ballads belted out by Erlewine, or the versatile country soul and bluegrass roots of Lou’s band it was clear from the beginning that the culmination of their talents would be unparalleled.
With three-part vocal harmonies that are sublime, the singing sirens and multi-instrumentalists saw the release of their first EP, With You, in 2017. The repertoire swinging from gospel and bluegrass to soul and even joyful interpretations of pop, AmericanaUK called it, “top drawer roots music.”
The Warblers released their first full studio album, The Dream That Holds This Child, in May of 2020. Produced by Dan Knobler (Lake Street Dive, Caroline Spence), the album serves to empower and uplift spirits, and offer refuge, solidarity and support through its focus on modern femininity. “Our sound is a place of refuge. Its roots are deep, and its arms are stretched open wide,” says Lou. “This is the gospel of creating beauty from pain.”
“We recognize an imbalance in the imagery and symbolism of the divine,” adds Davis. “When we sing gospel, we sing from a source deep within us that honors and elevates the feminine as much as the masculine.” The artists’ statements come with disclaimer — not to mistake the album’s nurturing tenderness for weakness. These songs bloomed from the deep darkness of the earth and were sung awake through relentless storm. As Erlewine puts it, “We are here, very much, on purpose.”
Listen to single “Turn to stone” Here
RACHAEL DAVIS has a broad and faithful fanbase, Rachael Davis (Nashville, TN) has concluded the Sunday morning gospel hour at the Wheatland Folk Festival in Remus, MI every year since she was a small child. Raised in a rich musical environment, Davis moved to Boston at age 21 to pursue her artistic career. Seven short months after acquainting herself with the local music community, Davis was presented the Boston Music Award for Best New Singer-Songwriter. Davis attributes her influences from the jazz stylings of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful, contemporary vocals of Patty Griffin – and much more in between.
MAY ERLEWINE (Traverse City, MI) has the sort of soul-baring voice that beckons the Alan Lomaxes of the world to abandon the ivory tower for the back roads of rural America. One of the most prolific and passionate songwriters of her generation, Erlewine’s music has been featured in Rolling Stone and Prairie Home Companion. Her words have held solace for weary hearts, her songs’ timeless lyricism making their way into everything from church choirs to living rooms throughout the country.
LINDSAY LOU (Nashville, TN) is a household name in bluegrass. Best known as the lead vocalist and songwriter for her band, The Flatbellys, she has appeared at festivals worldwide including Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado, Celtic Connections in Scotland and Woodford Folk Festival in Australia. She was nominated in 2015 as one of NPR’s best live sessions (Mountain Stage), in 2016 as the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Best Vocalist, and was featured in Rolling Stone’s “One of the 10 Best Acts at Delfest” 2019 recap. Lou is a regular guest on stage with bands like Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, and the California Honeydrops.