Judy Banker hit the Michigan songwriting scene with the release of her debut CD, "Without You" in 2014. A collection of original songs, "Without You" digs unflinchingly into the experience of human relationships, love and loss and living on without people we have loved. Judy has written a new collection of songs for her second full-length CD, “Devils Never Cry”, which also includes a killer burn-it-up cover of Gillian Welch's "Tear My Stillhouse Down". Judy's songwriting style is unvarnished and personal drawing on close harmonies and a high lonesome sound that reaches out and pulls you in. An early review of the album says "the lyrics flow over you and resonate deep within your mind and soul, carrying you on a journey to the places deep within yourself that only honest music can unlock" (SeMiBluegrass, May 2016). Live performances combine Judy's original songs with inspired covers of Gillian Welch tunes and Hazel Dickens' populist anthems as well as vintage Dolly Parton, Gram Parsons, John Prine, and Iris Dement. Judy is frequently joined by Dave Roof on upright bass and harmonies,Tony Pace on dobro and electric guitar, and Emily Slomovits on fiddle. Along with her own songwriting and recording, Judy continues to perform regularly with treasured Michigan songwriter and playwright, Jay Stielstra (reverbnation.com/jaystielstra), her music partner since 2008. She also is a member of the Bill Edwards Trio (edwardsongs.com) and just returned from a trip to Nashville to record background vocals on Bill's soon-to-be-released CD. Here’s what people are saying about Judy’s songwriting and sound: Ann Arbor singer/songwriter, Judy Banker, writes songs rooted in vintage country style. Torch songs rife with intrepid melodic lines that twist and turn in delightful, unexpected ways, yet stay true to the genre. Her voice, tangy and bright as fall cider, brings to life articulate, arresting songs of lost love and the perfidy of human nature. Reminiscent of Loretta Lynn and Rose Maddox, Judy Banker's music remains contemporary, rich in everything the modern listener appreciates about old-time country music. Maggie Ferguson, host of WXOU's The Old Front Porch Radio Show and Live! From the Living Room Acoustic Showcase The lyrics sound effortless and conversational and then you realize as you’re listening that your eyes are hot and something warm is running down your face. You’ll want to listen to this album many times…you’ll surely feel more alive. Johnny Williams, owner of Johnny's Speakeasy, Ann Arbor Judy Banker's sweet Americana Folk album "Without You" nearly makes a listener wish for a breakup or fresh-risen memories of a lost love. Trish Lewis, host of WUCX-FM's Eclectic Chair Judy Banker...a monster singer/songwriter talent… Classic folk-style guitar…remarkably rich and nuanced. With a flexible voice that moves from a sultry tenor to a crystal clear soprano depending on the mood of the song, melodies flow seemingly effortlessly from her as she sings. It’s also great to see how much fun Banker has on stage. Find an opportunity to go see her, you will love every minute of it. John Bayerl, SeMiBluegrass.com, November 2015