Tami Neilson — Don’t Be Afraid

Is Tami Neilson real? Take a listen to the Canadian-raised, New Zealand-based roots singer/songwriter’s new album, Don’t Be Afraid, and you’ll wonder as well. She’s quite a discovery for those of us who are just catching up with her successful career (if you want to know what you’ve been missing, check out her previous album—a country collection titled Dynamite). And it is thrilling to know that yes, indeed, she’s real (and the real deal). There’s her vocal instrument, as versatile as the sun and the moon, there’s her ability to phrase a lyric perfectly while packing each note with guts and glory, and then there’s her innate sense of taste. Mostly, there’s her committment to the idea that a song is a necessity in order to convey an idea that needs to be heard. She’s got fire in her vocal chops and even when they are just smoldering embers, she is an original that will leave you breathless.

Essential Downloads: “Don’t Be Afraid,” “So Far Away,” “Only Tears.”

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.