So I was reading about this local singer-songwriter's webpage that characterized her music as "somewhere between the Dixie Chicks and Sarah McLachlan.” Uh huh. Tall order, I'd say.

But Blair Hansen is the real deal. She writes the lyrics (amazing) - the music (addictive pop/folk acoustic) - she plays the guitar (a natural who just finished her official 6th lesson) - and she's only 18. And did I mention that she kind of looks like Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks?

I listened to her songs on her website (www.blairhansen.com) - which I couldn't stop playing. Must buy CD. Must buy CD.

I went to see her play with her band at the Stork in Oakland a couple of weeks ago. Holy Cow! She is really that good. The kind of good that makes you stop in your tracks and say "This one's got it." A great live set balanced well with rock 'n roll, folk, and pop. It was like watching a young Melissa Etheridge before she broke big.

I bought a CD and it made the rounds with Delerium, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and Le Tigre. I have to say that this CD leaves me wanting more. Lucky enough, the young prodigy is almost finished with her second album.

She's also the feature artist on Sonicbids: www.sonicbids.com/default.asp