This is a review, by Jessica Hirst, was published in the Eugene Weekly (12/18/2008).

http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2008/12/18/music2.html

Seattle singer-songwriter Tai Shan has been snagging good reviews with her soprano voice, emotional lyrics and intricate guitar compositions since she came on the music scene a few years ago. Now Tiny Planet, Shan’s first full-length solo album, offers a deeper view of a talented young musician. 

Shan’s thoughtful and sometimes raw lyrics are in line with the singer-songwriter tradition, but on certain tracks her breathy delivery and drawn-out vowels sound more new-agey than folky. Songs like “Tiny Planet” and “Flicker Like a Flame” evoke Sarah McLachlan at her most reflective. 

At times, Shan’s songs begin to sound a little too, well, meaningful, with high notes that make the cats prick up their ears. But at other times, her clear voice is the perfect vessel for well-crafted rhythms, melodies and lyrics. On “Let it Go Dear,” Shan’s voice deftly carries the sweetness, strength and clarity of a song that is fittingly about expressing your own truth. And the song “Crickets in the Dark” will make you want to dance outside on a summer night.

Tai Shan and Jesse Meade play at 10 pm Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Luckey’s. 21+. $2. — Jessica Hirst