This eponymous debut is one of the most interesting c.d.'s to be released in a long time. Hope Waits sounds like 2 parts Maria Muldaur, 2 parts Bonnie Raitt, .5 parts Madeleine Peyroux and 1.5 parts Sheila Jordan. Her music is similarly multi-inspired, being an interesting mix of jazz, rhythm & blues, and blues (both Chicago electric and "Muscle Shoals-variety").

The best thing about this c.d. is the production. With Hope Waits front and center throughout, the c.d. has a variety of musical colorations. Whether horns, accordion, capriorgan, tack piano, or a plethora of guitars, the c.d. never fails to fascinate. Kudos to the three producers: Douglas Grossman, Peter Malick (tripling as songwriter and guitarist) and Ducky Carlisle (also the mixer).

And it has a lot of creative musical touches. Consider "You Crossed the Line," with its whistles and Carlisle's "doo wops" portending restraint throughout the blues shuffle. Or consider Jerome Kern's staple, "Yesterdays," sounding like a Parisian opium den of the 1930's. Or consider the fuzz guitar on Dylan's "Ring Them Bells," sounding like a cracked one. Or consider Marty Ballou (string bass) and Ms. Wait's duet on the Arlen standard, "Come Rain or Shine," which sounds like a competition to see who can bend the most notes in a blues mode. Or consider the set ender, "Ignatius," which is a hymn sung over Malick's Frisellish chords.

Bottom line: the whole thing is quicky. But quirky is good! I hereby commission all hitherto unknown artists (and a few known ones, too) to get down and get quirky, by the powers invested in me (of which there is little, I know).

So far, 2008 to me has been hallmarked by the remarkable number of very good debut c.d.'s. Kelly Eisenhour's, Raya Yarbrough's and now Hope Waits' debuts have caused 2008 to be a year to be remembered for that reason alone. RC

With 1/3 Joan Osbourne, 1/3 Melody Gardot, and 1/3 Nora Jones, these CD is solid through and through.

Prior to buying this CD I only heard Get Behind the Mule. So beyond that song I wasn't sure what to expect. So what a wonderful surprise to listen to this CD and hear several amazing songs. The first song I'll Be Satisfied brings you right into the listening experience right away. Some of the sound is an older big band music but only in certain spots. Her singing really stands out and doesn't get drowned out by the music. She has one of the best voices I've heard in awhile. I would describe her as a more folksy Melody Gardot. However this is not folk music. Her sound isn't anything like Nora Jones or Bonnie Rait, but her style may be described as a little bit of those two singers. The only one I could compare her sound to might be Susan Tedeschi.
I really enjoyed the first 9 songs, the last couple songs were a little slower than the rest but as a whole this is an outstanding CD. Hope is definitely going on my list of must see singers.

Excellent first CD, sounds like a cross between Norah Jones/Maira Muldaur and Diana Krall, moreso then Bonnie Raitt, in my opinion anyway. Someone gave me this CD and said it was Tom Waits daughter. No it isn't, as stated on the other reviews listed here. Non the less, she does cover Get Behind The Mule, and does an awesome job. Great Jazzy Bluesy album. I really "Hope" I don't "Waits" too long for her next album. OK, sorry, that was dumb..

Hope Waits debut CD is awsome! Hang on and ride it out.. and ride it out again.. I have played it several times since getting and love it all, and I know you will too!!! Can't wait for more to come from this artist!!