Tift Merritt
Tift Merritt is an American singer/songwriter/guitar player whose style could be described as part alt-country and part blue-eyed soul. Her most recent release, Tambourine, was honored with a 2004 Country Album of the Year Grammy nomination.
She began her career playing small clubs in Chapel Hill and Raleigh North Carolina. In 1999 she released a 7-song EP with the Two Dollar Pistols, led by John Howie, Jr. The EP was very much a Country Music compiliation as it featured two original songs and five covers including Charley Pride's "I'm So Afraid of Losing You Again."
In 2002 Tift released her debut album titled Bramble Rose to wide critical acceptance. Her follow-on release, Tambourine, took her in more of a rock/soul direction. Backed by Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell as well as Don Heffington (of Hot Band, Lone Justice), the album was produced by famed roots-rock producer George Drakoulias whose credits include work with The Black Crowes and The Jayhawks among others.
Discography
- Two Dollar Pistols with Tift Merritt (EP) (1999)
- Bramble Rose (2002)
- Tambourine (2004)