BIO: In A Nutshell...
 Tracy's multi-flavored original music has been heard on MTV and on hundreds of radio and TV stations on four continents. 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 honors as INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR in the 2008 Madison Area Music Awards, and she has been nominated five times previously 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. She has opened several shows for Willy Porter and has also opened for The Wailin' Jennys, Holly Near, L.J. Booth, Ellis Paul, Peter Mulvey, Nathan Rogers, and others.
 Often seen performing alongside Tracy is Randy Green, owner of Randy's Recording in Cottage Grove, WI. In addition to 22 years in the studio, Randy has performed with numerous
acts since the mid '60s. His roles as Tracy's producer, co-writer and supporting artist have helped define her sound since her debut as a singer/songwriter in 2000.
Tracy is also a part of a number of side projects (Sticky Fingers, 3 of Cups, Likely Stories, Alchemy Ensemble, Elixir Chamber Trio, and more) and enjoys performing with others as sideperson using 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."
- A&R Select
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.
 "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. Upon each listen more subtle sounds
and styles unfold...Tracy Jane Comer is a musical force... "
- Kweevak’s
Tracks, 2004
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 Willy Porter, Holly Near, Peter Mulvey,
The Wailin' Jennys, Ellis Paul, L.J. Booth, Mary McCaslin, Cathy Barton, Ed
Trickett and others. 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 ACOUSTIS 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.
She 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. Comer is currently working with A&R Select, the hottest indie
A&R firm in Hollywood, CA.
Recordings:
Tracy has released three CDs and two live concert DVDs, plus a CD with side project
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 trio or full 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 standing collaborative projects including 3 of Cups
(with Rachel Nelson of Minnesota),
Sticky Fingers (with Michael Bryant and Damon Bourne of Madison), and Likely Stories (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,
the 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 and many things in between…even a touch of
blues and jazz. 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.
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