Lucy Kaplansky, a self-decsribed "Jewish girl from Chicago who loved country gospel," is the kind of performer that keeps the Iron Horse's heart beating. If the Horse plays a part nurturing each new generation of singer/songwriters, Lucy is one of the blessed handful who keeps giving back and feeding the process anew. She's been making records since 1994, was one third of
Cry, Cry, Cry, with
Richard Shindell and
Dar Williams, and has a big section for
Emmylou and Gram in her record collection. Kaplansky performs originals and well chosen covers including some by her father, an 82-year-old mathematician who's been writing songs since he was 20. Lucy performs lullabies on
"Down at the Sea Hotel," a brand new children's CD/storybook with performances by
John Gorka, Greg Brown, Eliza Gilkyson and other
Red House Records artists.
Over the Hills, her newest album, is a mix of original songs and covers, and was produced by Lucy's long-time producer,
Ben Wittman. Lucy and her husband have a daughter Molly, adopted from China. Lucy plays the Iron Horse TONIGHT at 7. Doors and dinner from 5:30.