Linda Stout

I had been been e-mailing a friend back and forth this week about how great a guitar player and songwriter Swati is. Unbelieveable virtuosity. She is so good. And I got lucky enough to meet her in Ithaca last night at her gig. She is a rock genius. I might even be lucky enough to share some gigs with her. Anything, just to see her play live again would be enough. The first time I heard her, recorded, even, it took my breath away. My friend, a musician and critic, said she was the first new artist in about 10 years to make his blood boil. She has one great song, "Small Gods,' up so far at www.SwatiLive.com, or find two songs posted at www.myspace.com/swatilive.