brown girls with guitars

Thanks to "Negroplease.com" for the link to this LA Times piece on strumming brown girls. From Memphis Minnie to Joan Armatrading to Tracy Chapman to India.Arie, sistas have a long tradition of commanding what used to be considered a "male instrument" (why you think all those male guitarists name their guitars after women?). I've been an admirer of India.Arie since her days playing in small cafes and outdoor venues in Atlanta. Eventhough my friend at starfishncoffee finds India's stuff a bit on the fluffy side at times (and she's right), I just like her (and she's hot!). She can sing about her hair all day if she wants.

I've also been checking for Corinne Bailey Rae. She's super cute but her cuteness doesn't cancel out her talent. Her debut album is quite an enjoyable listen, especially for those hot summer days with the top down (or in my case with the sunroof open). I've long been a fan of Morcheeba but haven't heard Skye Edwards's solo album yet so she's next on my queue.