The Starlings have captured the ears of fans both in the Northwest and beyond. The anticipated 2008 release of their sophomore album, “Marveling the While” spent 14 weeks on the Roots Music Report Chart, and debuted at #8 on the Euro-Americana chart. “MTW” follows their successful 2006 release of debut album “Songbook.” Based out of Seattle, they’ve received accolades from notable sources as Maverick Magazine and Americana UK; appeared live on Seattle’s Audioasis (KEXP); spent eight weeks on John Richards’ (KEXP) “Top Ten Northwest Bands”; and shared prominent performances with the likes of Todd Snider, The Avett Brothers, Eilen, Jewell, The Everybodyfields, Shannon McNally, Michelle Malone and numerous regional artists. Featured in a 2-page spread in the March 2007 issue of Maverick Magazine (UK), The Starlings are bringing their blend of Americana country and folk music to an ever broader stage, garnering fans from all corners of the musical spectrum.

“Marveling the While” picks ups where “Songbook” leaves off – bringing us further down an aural path of lush production, soulful and sparkly vocals, and featuring guests appearances from Mike Grigoni (Willy Mason, Peter Rowan, Chris Stuart and Backcountry), Lauryn Shapter, and Chad Hinman (producer). With a title inspired by the literary works of John Steinbeck, “Marveling the While” explores themes of time and duality, opening with the powerful track, “Love and War”, the bitter sweetness of life in “Silver Thread,” a tribute to a gypsy mother in “Geraldine,” and the spooky, panoramic montage of “Honey Creek.” The Starlings raise the bar in this production, reaching a new pinnacle with their use of metaphor, harmonies, and dynamics.

“Songbook” covers a wide terrain of folk and Americana landscapes including the homage paid to elders in the opening track, “Hand to Mouth,” and the wanderer’s story in “Alaskan Fire.” Other stand-outs include the minor-key foot-stompers “Bones to Ashes” and “Rosie” as well as the elegantly-orchestrated “Sinner’s Glory,” and the old-time-flavored sweetness of “Acorn.”

Led by the magnetic harmonies and songwriting of Joy Mills and Tom Parker, the lyrics and vocals are all at once wistful and fierce, haunting and soothing. Their approach is contemporary and inventive, inspired by the classics of country, folk and Appalachia. Guitar, banjo, harmonica and mandolin give front porch flavors to the songs, while Aimee Zoe Tubbs and Jack Quick provide the solid and stylish foundation on drums and bass, respectively, as well as backing vocals. Elemental themes create The Starlings’ solid repertoire – from a pin-dropping ballad to a foot-stomping barnburner, their images linger – empty boxcars, twilight on the prairie, divining rods, river beds, the long drive home, and an underlying wonder at the mystery of it all.

Joy Mills hails from the hinterlands of Iowa, where an urge to write slow-burned its way, and finally surfaced, in her college years. Upon moving to Seattle in 1999, she began performing live, joined forces with partner Tom Parker, and produced her first solo LP, Rabblerouser. Mills and Parker have been steadily gaining attention around Seattle for their compelling harmonies and songwriting, which eventually led them to realize their next step up Mt. Fuji - bringing their work to a band format. Mills’ songwriting infuses a lyrical and lucid quality that digs deep and harvests a more elusive meaning - all the while showcasing the hooks and refrains that keep fans singing along. Mills also pursues her other passion of writing fiction, pulling inspirations for both forms from a variety of musical genres and a polite handful of her influences: Greg Brown, Patty Griffin, Neko Case, old-time dirges, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, the Short Story, and the irresistible act of Observation.

Tom Parker is the One Who Can when it comes to blending and arranging harmonies, and blowing on that harp. Reared in the Pacific Northwest by various chorus backgrounds, he moved around musically among folk, classical, jazz and grunge incarnations. With chameleon-like perception, his voice and harmonica playing add the richness and texture any musician could hope for in their cache. His songwriting is crafted from a diverse background with songs that unearth both the hard and soft edges of life. Tom brings to the group over fifteen years of versatility, style, and heart, and can also be seen in the country trio The Pennylifters.

Aimee Zoe Tubbs is a drummer, musician and teacher. In search of good music, strong coffee and clean air, her personal journey has taken her from Iowa City to Seattle, via Boston. An accomplished percussionist, singer and pianist, she also dabbles in bass and saxophone. She draws on diverse influences that range from Julie Andrews to the Throwing Muses, and has played in a variety of alt-flavored bands, including Seattle Joan Jett tribute band, Jett City. Aimee’s currently offering drum styles to Moe Provencher. She also teaches Band 101 for Rock School in Seattle.

Jack Quick plays a multitude of instruments, including banjo and slide guitar on “Songbook” and the upcoming Starlings CD, as well as bass (again, on both albums). He has been a sought-out musician in the Pacific NW for many years, recently being seen in the “whatever-grass” trio Spunk, and the Americana grooves of Chad Hinman & the Never Was.