For all the success of the Indigo Girls, duo Emily Sailers and Amy Ray are clear that they also have solo musical voices and visions.
One need look no further than the duo’s latest album “Despite Our Differences.” While the title isn’t biographical it could arguably apply to the work of the long-time friends that have different talents that meld together as the award-winning Indigo Girls’ music.
“In my head I’m more of a rock singer,” said Ray. “Emily could play anything. … She has a lot of facets, ways she can go with her guitar playing and her voice. … When I write for Indigo Girls, it’s more harmony based and a little more pop based. It’s a different process.”
Certainly that’s a process that is golden as evidenced right from the start when the duo’s self-titled debut album won a Grammy, platinum certification and a host of fans that are still loyal to the duo even when it dips in and out of the public spotlight.
“We have been working together for 25 years,” said Sailers of her musical partner who became her friend in grade school. “I think there are so many records released — thousands and thousands — that it’s become an even harder business. We are really fortunate to [play music] as our day job.”
While “Despite Our Differences” has received critical acclaim as the duo’s freshest sounding album ever, Ray’s latest work is also winning rave reviews.
“With Ray’s latest album, however, I no longer yearn for [Ray’s] voice to be paired,” wrote Christine Van Dusen for Paste Magazine. “When I hear Ray’s whisper-sweet soprano on the verses of “Stand and Deliver” and “She’s Got to Be,” I almost forget there was ever an Emily Sailers.”
But Ray doesn’t forget. She makes it clear that her collaboration with Sailers is still fresh and creative. Indigo Girls is significant part of the creative puzzle for both women.
“This is an Indigo Girls tour,” said Ray of the upcoming show. “She will sometimes play a song alone and then I will play a song alone. …But it all goes back to Indigo Girls.”
IF YOU GO
Indigo Girls with Missy Higgins
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Venue: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
Tickets: $30 advance, $35 day of show
Info.: 410-547-SEAT; wwww.ticketmaster.com
