Biography

"When we think of great harmonies in the contemporary roots music world, we think of bands like The Wailin’ Jennys or Red Molly. We can now add The Boxcar Lilies to the list." --Sheryl Hunter, The Recorder (Greenfield, MA)

Since they formed in 2009, Americana trio The Boxcar Lilies have been wowing audiences with their standout marriage of superb songwriting and spine-tingling, innovative harmonies. In a short time, they've garnered an exceptional amount of attention for their music and energetic stage presence, finding themselves playing renowned venues like The Iron Horse Music Hall (Northampton, MA) and Philadelphia’s Tin Angel, or opening for legendary songwriters like Bill Staines and Lucy Kaplansky.

Based in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, The Boxcar Lilies are Jenny Goodspeed, Stephanie Marshall, and Katie Clarke. Each an accomplished singer-songwriter in her own right, the three met through a local musician’s cooperative and discovered a shared passion for three-part harmony. They began playing together informally and in the summer of 2009, Goodspeed invited Marshall and Clarke to join her for the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist showcase. They knew then that they had something special and decided to make it official.

Over a few beers and a plate of nachos at a local tavern, The Boxcar Lilies were wed. Yes it was a shotgun wedding. They married their love (read: obsession) for great songwriting and sweet harmonies and set out to arrange originals and some of their favorite cover songs by the likes of Fred Eaglesmith, Neil Young, and Gillian Welch. They recorded their debut CD Heartwood the following summer with esteemed producer Dave Chalfant (Erin McKeown, The Nields).

Comprised of nine originals and a stellar version of Neil Young’s “Old Man”, Heartwood pays homage to a range of traditional genres including folk, bluegrass, and country, but it has a decidedly contemporary feel. The hallmark of the record is The Boxcar Lilies’ lush and intricate harmonies. Their singing voices, like their writing voices, are distinct and exceptional, but combine to make a delicious whole – a sound that is sometimes delicate, sometimes gritty, but always uniquely warm and welcoming.

"From the chugging bliss of “Green River Blues” to the dizzying banjo work of “Feels Like Home,” the Boxcar Lilies pack the album with reflective lyrics, masterful instrumentation and infectious harmonizing, their trademark quality." --Zak Jason, The Cape Cod Times