Named among the "Best of the Year" for 2006 by B-Side Records in Madison, WI!

Keys to the Castle - In recent years, Wisconsin recording artist Mare Edstrom has become known primarily as a ground-breaking blues vocalist and interpreter. Her previous two blues releases for the Spiritone label (Inside the Blues and Shake 'Em on Down) have been highly acclaimed in both the US and Europe. This newest effort, Keys to the Castle, takes a step away from the blues and places Mare into new and exciting stylistic territory.

Keys to the Castle pushes the boundaries of modern Americana and roots rock. This ten-song collection features Mare’s interpretations of songwriting masterpieces by the likes of Richard Thompson, John Hiatt, and Tom Waits. The album also introduces three original songs, including the title track, by producer/guitarist Kenn Fox.

Showcasing the best of the best in Midwest musicians, these full band arrangements highlight textural guitar, rootsy banjo and fiddle. Mare’s vocals have simply never been better, and fans will be quite surprised at her ability to venture into this new and different project with such ease. Other notable Midwest singer-songwriters Willy Porter, Tracy Jane Comer, and Tim Angsten lend support on background vocals.