Albums by Eden Miner and Elizabeth Shepherd

EDEN MINER Eden Miner (selfreleased) When Eden Miner moved to Santa Fe as a child in 1987, she began studying piano with Gillian McHugh. The influence of these classical studies is evident many years later in the singer-songwriter’s strong, recently released debut EP. But the piano is just one of many voices filling out the six varied songs on the album, which run the gamut from country and folk to atmospheric dark pop. After writing the music and lyrics, Miner turned to local producer John Kurzweg, who rounded out the pieces with enough instrumentation to give each song a rich full-band sound. The second track, “To Fly,” may be the most characteristic and replayable, with its driving, staccato piano, eerie strings, fuzzy bass, and insistent vocals from Miner. “Easy Days,” on the other hand — a song that is deceptively melancholy, given its title — offers the best showcase of Miner’s ability on keys and her ear for subtle vocal harmony. “I grew up in a family of musicians and singers. My dad was a folk singer and guitar player, and he taught all of his seven children his favorite songs so we could sing in harmony with him,” Miner told Pasatiempo . Surprisingly, much of her favorite music comes from nonsingers. Her list of influences includes Chopin and Miles Davis, along with legendary vocalists Bonnie Raitt and Ella Fitzgerald — a range that helps explain the eclecticism behind her compositions. — Loren Bienvenu

ELIZABETH SHEPHERD The Signal (Linus Entertainment) Today women dominate the category of jazz musicians who are equally proficient at vocals and piano. Joining the ranks of contemporary greats that include Eliane Elias, Patricia Barber, and Diana Krall is Montreal’s Elizabeth Shepherd. This is her sixth album and the first to feature all original compositions. Her domain sashays among pop, R& B, and jazz, while her topical references include war, India’s cotton industry, motherhood, and rape and forced marriage in Africa. “Willow,” the opener, features fine, funkadelic Rhodes piano, with Shepherd’s cool, clear vocals accentuated by Lionel Loueke’s guitar and Roman Tomé’s poppy drums. It segues into “What’s Happening,” her lusciously double-tracked singing giving way to a celebratory, summery vibe that recalls Flora Purim. Bassist Scott Kemp underlines Shepherd’s syncopated Rhodes work. The title track opens with a rap — “Don’t you love those stories about people who arrange to meet, let’s say, like in five years’ time somewhere” — and you get the feeling you’re in a club audience. The first half’s vocals (shared with Alex Samaras) and rubato bass proceed with a repetitive, suspenseful, singlekey piano note, after which Shepherd heads into ballad territory. Among the other highlights are the stormy “Lion’s Den” and “I Gave,” a simmering song about Mother Teresa’s doubts and sorrows that features kalimba and tuned-bottles percussion. The Signal is fascinating and powerful. — Paul Weideman