Edito de After the BeforeTS Baker released her solo debut cd, Through The Shadows, in 2003. "A perfect blend of country and folk music with enough of a jolt to send your heart skipping across stars...enough pop sensibility to rub elbows with Shawn Colvin on Top-40 radio." T.J. McGrath, (Dirty Linen Magazine) "The excellent vocals are complimented by the quality of the arrangements; this is one of the most well crafted self released albums we've heard..." Neil Pearson, Fish Records (U.K.) "Through the Shadows is a collection of 11 radio-friendly tunes that defy easy categorization. Serious, but poppy. Crisp, clean arrangements, with a variety of instruments...Lush vocals, tight harmonies and thoughtful lyrics." J.C. Lockwood (Merrimack River Current) "The album is really good!" - Bob Harris, BBC 2 radio Album Credits: TS Baker - vocals, acoustic guitar, reed (pump) organ & piano Steve Scully - drums & percussion John Troy - electric bass Rachael Davis - harmony vocals Craig Werth - harmony vocals Brett Hartenbach - electric lead guitar Bruce Derr - dobro Rick Watson - B3 Stan Moeller - acoustic guitar Marty Ballou - acoustic bass Kent Allyn - piano Woody Allen - acoustic lead guitar Kristen Miller - cello Joyce Andersen - violin String Arrangements by TS Baker Produced by TS Baker. Engineering & Production Assistance by Chris Magruder. Recorded and mixed at Thundering Sky Recording, South Berwick, ME (except for the B3 on track 1, which was recorded by Rick Watson at Beartraks, Valparaiso, IN). Mastered by Jeff Lipton at Peerless Mastering, Newtonville, MA. Graphics by Dawn Boyer Design, Berwick, ME, TS Baker & Stan Moeller. Photos by Kelli L.K. Haines, Berwick, ME. TS Baker Bio: Born and raised in Michigan, and now living in Maine, TS Baker's musical odyssey began with piano lessons at age six, moving to guitar lessons at age fourteen. She was awarded a vocal scholarship at the internationally renowned Berklee College of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. Named "Best Folk Artist" at The 2002 Spotlight Awards (by critics and readers of The Portsmouth Herald, in NH), TS has twice been named a "New Folk Finalist" (2002/2000) at the Kerrville Folk Festival, in TX (in their annual songwriting contest). In 1999, she was a Finalist in the Turner-South Network/Bluebird Cafe's t.v. Theme Song Contest, in Nashville, TN. She is a seasoned performer, but what first strikes the listener is "Baker's beautiful voice -- with great range and passion." (William Huffman, Editor, Jam Magazine) In addition to her "masterful songwriting...T.S. has an amazing ear for arranging, adding just enough to songs to sweeten, yet never detracting from the piece." (Steve Jerrett, Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange). TS has worn many hats working as a record producer and arranger (for Cosy Sheridan, The Scharff Brothers & others), a recording studio manager, and a music instructor. Throughout the 1990's, she was best-known as half of the award-winning duo Stan Moeller and T.S. Baker. Together, they released three critically acclaimed CDs (which Baker also produced), and were repeatedly named "Best Duo" in various regional readers' polls by audiences and critics alike. The two performed in many of the nation's premiere folk clubs and festivals, and opened for many name acts, including Donovan, Richie Havens, Roger McGuinn, Jesse Colin Young, Leo Kottke, Patty Larkin and many more. Quotes: Buddy Mondlock (songwriter & recording artist): "In T.S.'s work the care and craft of the songwriter is evident, but there is also an honesty and trueness of spirit that can't be simulated with mere technique." Roberta B. Schwartz (Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange): "With Through the Shadows, TS Baker has emerged as one of the best solo performers of the year...a rich tapestry of sounds and images, beautifully produced and executed." Neil Pearson (Fish Records, U.K.): "This is one of the most well crafted self released albums we've heard......'Through the Shadows' is a classic American singer/songwriter disc - melodically strong, lyrically intelligent contemporary folk music." J. Dennis Robinson (SeacoastNH.com): "Through the Shadows" is a jaw-dropping masterwork." Bob Harris (BBC 2 Radio, Music That Means Something): "I really like (Private War) a lot, and one of the reasons is the strings, and the way she uses them. It's a sort of a Beatles 'Day in the Life/'Judy in Disguise with glasses' type of flavor she creates, and the album is really good." Chuck Ginsberg (The Spotlight): "Damned little can beat a trifecta of talent, training and life experience, and T.S. Baker's debut, Through the Shadows, proves that with a vengeance...a magnificent effort, a harbinger of the national presence sure to follow as the night the day." J.C. Lockwood (Merrimack River Current): "Through the Shadows is a collection of 11 radio-friendly tunes that defy easy categorization. Serious, but poppy. Crisp, clean arrangements...Lush vocals, tight harmonies and thoughtful lyrics." David Kidman (www.netrhythms.co.uk): "It's a superbly strong début...TS writes what one might call real, intelligent songs that are accessible and don't try to make a virtue out of exclusivity; majoring on personal redemption, sure, but with a universality of scale that's most appealing. And it sounds really good too; the backings and arrangements are intelligent and well crafted...I think this release is destined to become a bit of a singer-songwriter folk-pop classic, in fact." Arts Editor (The Portsmouth Herald): "The description beautiful voice and insightful lyrics don't do (her) justice...T.S. Baker cooks." Bennie Green (FACE Magazine): "The songs are lyrically and musically stimulating, and the performances stellar. It's hard not to overuse superlatives...." Vic Heyman (Sing Out!): "Fine songs with a strong imagery that is a joy to absorb and reflect on...with each song coming through as a well-chiseled sculpture." Michael Rivers (Victory Review): "T.S. writes sweet arrangements that add class." The Internet Music Review Service: "I love Baker's voice ... a soothing blend of Suzanne Vega, Emily Saliers and Sheryl Crow." Northeast Performer: "T.S. Baker's clear, sweet voice is only the beginning. She plays a mean guitar, accordion and mandolin, too." Songwriter's Monthly: "Songs that drift toward the experimental edge..." Stephen Ide (The Patriot Ledger): "refreshing, well-crafted original songs." Laura Pope (New Hampshire Sunday News): "Baker's voice is dynamic, changing from whimsical to alluring." Internet Underground Review: "T.S. has one of the most beautiful voices I have heard in quite awhile." TS Baker uses Elixir Strings, made by W.L. GORE, Inc.