Leaving Kansas is clearly the creation of an artist who has suffered and conquered the trials of life.

It is amazing what the trials of life can inspire in a musician. The sweet lyrics and rich sound of Holly Long’s voice truly reflect an inspiration to conquer life’s tragedies.  The victim of a heart infection and coma, Long has mastered the concept of life’s worth and integrated it into her third album, Leaving Kansas.  “Excess” reveals her insight with powerful words that anyone might utter, but few truly understand: “You’re dying from an excess of no living.”

Experienced in her career of songwriting and singing, as well as her expertise on the piano, Long has rightfully achieved acclaim and exposure for her work. Filled with the spirit of the blues, the melody of Long’s voice is well-suited as the backdrop to film and television.   Her experience in this corner of the music industry provides the exposure her career demands while still maintaining the privacy of the inspiration behind the lyrics. 

Long has a delectable voice, and certainly a powerful message to deliver.  Leaving Kansas is clearly the creation of an artist who has suffered and conquered the trials of life.  However inspiring her words may be, and how expert her fingers are upon the keys of a piano, Long’s music is much too desolate for mainstream listening, and is best suited to an audience of particular, acquired musical taste.  She would do well playing live in a smoky bar filled with broken hearts and empty wine glasses.  C+ |Amanda Pelle

RIYL: Paula Cole, Carole King, Stevie Wonder