Local singer/songwriter Audra Mae played a highly impressive set Tuesday night at the Silver Lake Lounge. Simply put, the girl has heavenly pipes. The bio on the myspace describes her voice as a cross between Patsy Cline and Janis Joplin, which is no light praise, but it really is the best description. Having caught a good show a couple years ago, with just her and a guitar, it was fun to see the difference that time and a full band of excellent musicians can make.

Audra Mae's songs are a mix of country, folk and pop, with a little blues thrown in, especially on the last track of her live set, which was reminiscent of Janis Joplin's classic "I Need A Man To Love", complete with all the groans and chest-thumping wails. (See photo above.) In the other songs, however, and in the tracks on the myspace, her sound is more akin to Neko Case or the aforementioned Patsy Cline. They can go from straight old-school country to a radio-friendly pop chorus with natural ease.

"Turn Around" has a really lovely chorus that sticks in your head, and the melody of the verses in "Dum Dee Do I" might make you swoon a little. Something about it rings of "Over The Rainbow" the way only Garland could do it. Audra herself was confident and funny onstage, tomboyish in jeans and cowboy boots, and looking every bit in her early 20s, but sounding far more seasoned. Her backup singer Kevin Kadish, who she reprimanded for apparently leaving the band soon, was also impressive, singing tight harmonies with Audra on "Turn Around" and others.

There doesn't seem to be an album available yet, so spend time at her myspace for now, and keep an eye out for future shows. It's always fun to find a local artist with real talent, and LAist consistently recommends Audra Mae.

Photos by Josh Gilpatrick for LAist