It?s so in vogue these days to bemoan the lack of talented female singer songwriters.
Submit The Roches as Exhibit A against that fallacy. When the sisterly trio first came on the scene in the 1970s, they immediately made a name for themselves with quirky storytelling, intricate harmonies and compelling, optimistic music. While musical fads have come and gone, The Roches played, took a hiatus, and now happily have returned to there musical roots.
“When we got back together to write new material, we realized that we were better musicians,” says Suzzy Roche. “It was fun to play together again and we quickly realized that we had a lot to say. Musically speaking, we share a language that goes back to early childhood.”
Not that Maggie, Terre and Suzzy were ever truly away. During their hiatus from The Roches ? after releasing 10 albums from 1979-95 ? they worked on individual musical projects and recordings. Now the trio has released its newest album, “Moonswept,” with 14 original tracks true to their signature style.
“Our ability to write and sing together goes back to our early childhood,” Suzzy said. “There is a childlike, whimsical quality to our songs, but there are many layers below that, too.”
This, of course, is what makes them so beloved.
“It?s their weird sense of humor that sets them apart,” wrote Debby Miller of Rolling Stone. “The Roches could lay back and work their way through a set of gorgeous vocal exercises ?which they belt out like Broadway divas; instead, they bravely give the oddest material a go. And somehow, they remain folk singers whose harmonizing never seems like an elevated Campfire Girls? outing.”
True to their Greenwich Village roots, the trio embraces tours and a variety of benefits as they spread their musical magic to a new generation of listeners.
“I still love the feeling of singing and playing with my sisters. It?s fun to get out on the road and meet the people who have listened to us for many years,” Suzzy said. “That?s a profound relationship and we always pick up new fans along the way.”
IF YOU GO
Performer: The Roches
Venue: Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis
When: 7 tonight
Details: $35; 410-547-SEAT
