Carrie Akre is one of the most beloved musicians in Seattle.  Her career spans almost 20 years and includes some heady experiences with two of Seattle's seminal bands - Hammerbox and Goodness.  Hammerbox was started in 1989 when Carrie answered an ad in The Rocket, the now defunct alternative Seattle newspaper.  Bassist James Atkins and drummer Dave Bosch posted the ad and quickly realized they had found something special in this talented vocalist whose voice had an incredible range from soulful ballads to full-on rock growl. 

Hammerbox rode the grunge wave right into a record deal with a major label (A&M Records).  They toured extensively, but when sales of their second album didn't meet the label's expectations they were let go.  The pressure of getting signed as they did can be a double-edged sword and in Hammerbox's case resulted in the band members going their separate ways.  But Carrie's music career was just getting started and in a short time she helped form the band Goodness.  

Goodness had a great ride which included releasing three critically-acclaimed albums and touring all over the world in support of acts such as Pearl Jam, Oasis and Cheap Trick.  But as all good things all too often come to an end, Goodness parted ways.  Carrie rebounded (again) and collaborated with Pearl Jam's Mike McCready in forming the project band The Rockfords.  And then, in 2000, Carrie released her first solo album, "Home".  Two years later she released her second solo record, "Invitation".  (Check out the track "Hope" on that album to hear Carrie's awesome duet with another Seattle - and Underground – favorite, Rachel Flotard of Visqueen.). 

It took five years for Carrie to get back into the studio, but it was well worth the wait.  Her latest release, "Last the Evening" (Loveless Records) is a beautiful collection of heart-felt songs which are written and performed with a refreshing breath of honesty and intention.  As for her voice -  John Richards, host of The Morning Show on KEXP, told me that "Carrie's voice only gets better…you can't name another person in Seattle like Carrie, there's no other voice like hers."  Carrie's career has had it's ups and downs, but hearing the songs on her new record, and knowing that there's lots more where that came from,  I imagine we'll get to enjoy her music for many years to come – and it just keeps getting better.