At only 15, Darcie Miner has more singing voice than could be expected if you’d ever have the chance to meet and speak with her in person. Still a bit shy and still a true teen whose hair color can be different from week to week, Miner puts all of that aside when she throws her guitar over her shoulder and grabs the lead microphone. With the help of her management company, Rogue Stork Entertainment, and a father whose conversations start and end with his daughter’s career, Miner has produced Down To Earth,a debut independent effort released this spring. While it is no small accomplishment to have a professional recording at her age, it is even more impressive that she has gathered one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished grass roots band to play on this record. Moreover, there is nothing to apologize about with respect to her age or lack of years in the business. This record could proudly be the fourth or fifth release of any 30-something recording artist who is well seasoned in the biz.

Many folks who have seen Miner performing at the many venues that she frequents may not expect to find a recording presentation as thoroughly produced as Down to Earth is. There is a full and varying band treatment throughout the entire CD that adds more credibility to the recording from a marketing standpoint. And that band is, for the most part, The Badlees. Accordingly, "the blue jean" in this music is apparent from the first track.

As "He Said" kicks off this record, there is a whirling, high-energy guitar riff that sets the pace for the song. Bret Alexander used a boiling Texas guitar sound to bring this point across — an ironically appropriate tone to start off this CD for someone so petite in stature. I was also very impressed with Miner’s willingness to use studio delays and loops — many traditionalists won’t get on that wagon and many of them are very poor because of it. "He Said" is not a sell-out song. Rather, it is very timely and marketable because it speaks of emotional disappointment in a song that holds its own in a pop music arena. Keeping in line with the radio friendly sensibility of this album, the next song, "Victim," brings forth a very delicate accordion usage that creates a warm bed upon which to sing over. In this song, Miner’s choice of words is very mature and heartfelt.

At seven songs, this album has adequate balance and manages to showcase Miner’s various voices. "Benjamin," the third track, displays a very dark side of Miner’s perspective. There is a hollow, almost chanting feel to the song as it describes a Holden Caulfield-type character who remains a consummate outsider. And while I am not crazy about the song in relation to the others on the album, I respect the fact that it nonetheless achieves its purpose in a very clear and efficient manner.

The forth and fifth songs on the album really begin to represent what I think is a better than average shot at having a healthy career writing and singing music for a living. "My Angel" is written and performed like a vintage 10,000 Maniacs cut. It is light, yet powerful. The chorus and melodies have a satisfying resolution. There is a jabbing staccato guitar that I found to be extremely pleasing. Bob Scott’s use of the organ on this track brings "My Angel" to the point of being ready for prime time radio.

And if "My Angel" best represents Miner’s ability to deliver an easily digestible song, "No.17" represents her diversity. With a unique introduction in an almost Celtic vein, this cut boasts mesmerizing mandolin and dobro sounds that separate this song’s texture from the others on the album. This song should encourage Darcie to keep pushing the envelope — "No. 17" is a winner.

The last song on this album is a true testament to Miner’s courage. "Goodbye" speaks to the little details in someone that you only appreciate when they are not around. By delving deeply into powerful emotions like Miner did with this track she was able to bring forth great artwork in music.

Down to Earth is a clever bed of acoustic instruments and powerful lyrics, but, by far, the class on this record is Miner’s voice. While her song-crafting talents are strong, it is Miner’s voice that will put her in the winner’s circle. One could not start off a catalog of songs better than with this first edition of recordings. Two thumbs up!