Tristan Prettyman
The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ - June 6, 2004

All the way from San Diego, Tristan Prettyman came to the music Mecca of Asbury Park to entertain us with her bluesy acoustic vocals.

This soft-spoken, comical songstress is nothing short of brilliant, as was her performance. Prettyman is one of those artists who doesn't need much more than her guitar to steal the show. Her vocals were spot on--the same lush, sensual sounds we adore on her latest release, Love EP.Musically, she can maintain a swaying rhythm using the magic of her pretty little hands running over the strings of her guitar. Overall, her performance was coffeehouse acoustic rock meets national touring act deserving of all the attention she's been getting.

"Evaporated" is my favorite song, which she of course played and played well. "Void", another favorite that she performed painlessly, was amazing live because I could feel the emotions of her lyrics. She sang, "I am void, let's see you try to fill me/Mostly I'm just annoyed, with the situation that never fails to find me."

Opening up for buddy Matt Nathanson and recording pals G Love and Special Sauce, Prettyman told us a few tales about her musical friends in between songs.

Then, she took a swig of her beer and followed it up with a sip of hot tea. "So my strategy is a beer and then tea," she explained of her stage antics. Antics they weren't...like graceful gestures as the gal revealed to us that she was able to surf before the gig.

She also entertained us with "Shy that Way," a song she penned alongside Jason Mraz.

She entertained us with her version of Britney Spears "Toxic", a song I would have otherwise detested. But "Trizzy" rocked it and brought a depth to the song that the blonde bombshell can never convey.

"Thanks for supporting really bad stewardess outfits," Prettyman laughed. With what may have been a purposeful guitar riff mistake, she added, "Shit, I did it again…oops!"

Overall, it was wonderful to watch this acoustic-centered gal make her mark with intelligent songwriting, a laidback music vibe and an intriguing live stage existence.

It's always fun to meet a musician you've previously clicked with via the Internet, and its even better that Dan and I were able to meet one of our featured DiscoveringAritsts.com artists in person.

Check out www.tristanprettman.com for more.

Reviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com