New York songwriter Tina Ross is making up time – writing, recording (she’s just finished her debut album), performing, and she also hosts and produces the monthly online series ‘Inside the Song‘ for The Folk Project of New Jersey. Why the need for such a high speed approach to music making and the music community? Well a large part of the story is that Ross has had a couple of major knock-backs along the way – after being accidentally hit in the throat, she could not talk for more than five minutes without her voice frying. Singing was out of the question. She worked through this successfully with doctors, physical therapists, and vocal coaches. And after Ross injured her hands as a chiropractor, she searched for a way to adjust her guitar playing to the limitations of this disability. Open tunings became an essential part of Ross’s music, opening sonic landscapes that she would not have imagined without that adaptation.
It would be glib to just say “it’s all been worth it”, but on the other hand she is a singer of sophisticated folk song, and her guitar sound dances lightly below her vocals. In other words it sounds pretty darn good. ‘While I’m Here‘ celebrates perseverance through life – “burdens we bear must be burdens we share – that’s how we’re sure to get by” she sings, and it sounds about right. The song is the title track of Tina Ross’ new album which will be released on February 17th, 2023.
