Marcy Baruch Biography

"If you ask me what I did yesterday," she laughs, "I probably won't remember unless I can find my calendar! If I hear an even remotely familiar song, however, dozens of little memories start popping back, such as where I was, who I was with, what my thoughts were about my life and the world around me…. So much of my own story has been able to remain somewhat palpable, primarily because of the music that has been a part of its sensory and emotional context along the way." From the time she was a child growing up outside of Philadelphia, Baruch's musical leanings were strong and varied. Writing poetry, stories and songs as a small and unconfident 3rd grader lead to more than a decade of musical theater and choral involvement. These experiences along with studies of piano and voice during her pre-teen years, grew into a love for the learning of theory, ear-training and composition which carried her through her classical and operatic music major beginnings in college. While rooted in a more classical discipline, her desire for a relevant expression in her songwriting allowed Baruch's equally strong love of pop, folk and country to surface in her songwriting. The result has been a unique and brilliant synthesis of the best of many worlds. Fiercely observant, tenderly compassionate and often humorous, this storytelling songwriter delivers striking, catchy and well-crafted, adult-pop songs.

Marcy's first album entitled "Hathaway Smiles" was released in 1998, her second album "Clearly" released October of 2001. Music Connection Magazine referenced Baruch's style with that of Shawn Colvin and Dar Williams. Landing a spot on FEMMUSIC's Top Ten list of the best independent songwriters across the country in 2001, Editor-In-Chief Alex Teitz heard a bit of Martina McBride in Baruch's powerful, rich voice. Ultimately, it seems no one can quite put a finger on the uniqueness of her sound, including nationally renowned producer Steve Avedis who has worked with everyone from Tony Bennett to Kenny Rogers to N' Sync. Of Baruch, he exclaims, "You've got to hear this woman…. She has a heart and an emotional quality that portray themselves through her lyrics, but even more so in her delivery. Her voice drew me in right up front with its silky-smooth, sultry quality; She is like no one else I have ever heard."

Baruch's written content is just as expressive. Marcy's musical studies led her studies of literature which emphasized various cultural and historical perspectives in the human experience of the divine and greatly influenced some of her most articulate and moving expressions. These learnings and the freedom they made possible were largely responsible for much of the thematic underpinnings and passion in Baruch's writing. It is indeed her own quest for an intelligent authenticity that is so attractive to her listeners as it invites them into their own journeys. Whether love gone right or love gone wrong ("Never Know," "You"), the state of the world in all its insanity ("I Saw The Wrecking Ball," "Crazy"), the stirring of ones heart in a moment of deep gratitude and friendship ("Thank You"), these are just a few of the topics which Baruch explores with ease. Don't be fooled, however. While Baruch's lyrics are poignantly intentional, the delivery takes on a life all its own. Writes Allen Foster of Songwriter's Monthly, about "Clearly" in his Album of the Month review, "Marcy Baruch strides confidently through her kick-up-the-dirt songs with steel-toed vocals and a carefree, reckless zest for life. Marcy is more fun than spiked punch at a barn dance! Many show-stopping, breath-taking, goosebump raising moments. "

Baruch's live performances have all the ingredients of a well-delivered show. Depending upon the venue and the ambience she feels compelled to create, Baruch shifts seemlessly from solo to full band shows and everything in between. Manning both acoustic guitar and piano with conviction, she has performed in the Lillith Fair opening act auditions, Red Rocks Ampitheatre's 60th anniversary celebration, and with acts such as Sonia Dada, Nashville's Lynette Vantreese and Seattle's Willow. Most recently, she performed with Warren Zanes in the legendary listening room, The Point, outside of Philadelphia. Recognized for her brilliant harmonizing ability, she has added harmonies to the recordings and live shows of many other nationally performing songwriters including Dakota Blonde, Celeste Krenz, Caroline Aiken, Ireland's Mireade, as well as some Colorado well-knowns, Andy Ard, Melanie Susuras, Matthew Kerner, Jim Remington and Kate Gleason. She also produced Songwriter Kate Gleason's CD, "Return to Me." With her creative partner, bassist Scott Surine, the arrangements of her songs evolve into just the right blend of tenderness and mercy in one moment, followed by raucous punch and edginess in the next. Instrumental accents and harmonies are always a must in a Baruch show. Whether geared for a 300 person CD Release Concert, a 10,000 person concert or a standing-room-only packed coffeehouse, Baruch's shows feel tailor-made.

While she enjoys performing in Colorado, she has found that her true love resides in touring. Much of her fan base can be found throughout the United States and as far away as Italy and Denmark. Wherever her listeners reside, the feedback is the same: Marcy's songs and performances strike that rare balance between being highly marketable and appreciatively authentic. She is a rare and brave artist whose gift should be shared with everyone who has the opportunity to listen.