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Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards

Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards

Propelled by inspired fiddle and cello playing, warm vocals, and arresting original songs, Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards have emerged
as one of the most intriguing, versatile, and refreshing groups in the bountiful New England post-folk scene.

Laura Cortese has a vision for her band's sound: bold and elegant, schooled in the lyrical rituals of folk music and backed by grooves that
alternately inspire Cajun two-stepping and rock-n-roll hip swagger. It's appropriate then that the trio, featuring Cortese, call themselves
Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards.

Valerie Thompson and Mariel Vandersteel bring their own multi-genered credentials to the mix.
Thompson has shared the stage with acclaimed jazz pianist Fred Hersch, indie-rock icon Amanda Palmer, multimedia artist Christopher Janney,
and CMH Records' Vitamin String Quartet (including a guest appearance on Gossip Girl.)
Vandersteel came of age musically nurtured by the Bay Area's rich revivalist traditional music scene. She attended Berklee College of Music
and studied hardingfele in Norway, that country's national instrument. In 2009 she released a solo album, Hickory. She was invited as part of
a select group of 20 young musicians to Savannah Music Festival's Acoustic Music Seminar to study with Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussein
and Mike Marshall.

Cortese's mix of modern and traditional styles creates an explosive sound that favors melody and rhythm over overtly technical performances.
The momentum in songs like "Blow the Candle Out" propels the listener to a giddy plane where dancing is mandatory.
John Wenzel~The Denver Post