“The nine-song collection by the singer, songwriter and pianist is an intimate look into her passionate heart. The melodies insinuate themselves into the listener’s head after a single listen, and the emotional lyrics leave a lasting impression.” -East Bay Express, in print and online (full article here)
"PHASES is one of those records that pops up from left field and manages to inject the pulse with a flick of a switch. It is a simple operation of magically blending a sultry voice, mainly piano and songs bursting with sedate emotion. Letting this album run its course through your senses is akin to giving yourself some 'me' time."…"PHASES is really one of those albums hand crafted for moments when sad songs press the button of artistic marvel. The gorgeous dark and sultry voice of Claudia Combs Carty owns every inch of the canvas and carves a debut record rich in a single track groove to beguile a smitten listener." -Three Chords and the Truth UK (full review here)
“Claudia Combs Carty’s music rumbles into the depths of your soul, finding its way into the spaces where we yearn for comfort and understanding from others. Scraping bare her emotions and past relationships, Carty explores the feelings we can all relate to and have lived, and the blanket of moody melancholy that coats her music is perfect for rainy days and quiet nights. The real star of the show is her voice, deep and decadent, smooth and stirring, and totally unique. Her brand new album, “Phases,” is gloriously stunning from start to finish.” -Vents Magazine (full article and Q&A here)
“Accompanied by a sparse yet dramatic piano arrangement, Carty sings with a commanding sense of soul, pop and pure emotion. Her vocals are clearly the star of the show, but she also demonstrates a lyrical depth that shows her level of wisdom as a songwriter. Musically, there is something timeless to song that might be due in part to the stripped down combination of piano and vocals. It’s admirable how catchy this song is, and it shows a sense of strength and daring on the part of Carty to put her vocals front and center.” -Glide Magazine (full review here)
“I have been waiting to hear an artist continue the beautiful/painful tradition of Adele's 21 and Richard and Linda Thompson's Shoot Out the Lights. A songwriter with intelligence and artistry to spare, facing personal loss head on, eyes open, heart open. This is it. Claudia Combs Carty's album Phases is a stunning debut by a sensitive and mature musician and is my current pick for album of the year 2021. Open your ears and let this woman into your life. You might be very glad you did.” -Steve Pollitt WFHB Radio The Old Changing Way
"Claudia Combs Carty’s voice will stop you in your tracks, begging you not to just listen, but to hear her words, deep in your soul. With longing, yearning piano and melancholy guitar, her brand new single, 'Sing For Me,' compels repeat listens. A new album is forthcoming later this month, and Carty’s music is a comfort, a reminder that we’re not alone in the great big world." -Vents Magazine (full interview here)
“Gorgeous… Claudia Combs Carty’s stunning new album, ‘Phases’, shines.” -Skope Magazine (full interview here)
East Bay Express “Claudia Combs Carty: Songs of darkness and light”
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Photo by Colin Peck