Sugarcane Jane's music inspires images of a southern past and gives vibrant proof of the present.  Songs like, “Home Nights” weave images of white cotton clothing blowing gently, in rhythm on a warm, balmy southern afternoon. Their sweet tunes trundle you down a dusty, country road in the back of an old truck. You’ll taste sweet blackberries and when the notes fade away, you’ll want more. Sugarcane Jane’s music is refreshingly real and lovingly sung by a duo who’s music resonates with the listener. Sugarcane Jane's magical couple, Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee create a sound unique in its earnestness. They seem to have struck a chord along the beaches of the Gulf Coast because beach goers love them. Crawford and Lee play routinely in Gulf Coast hot spots, sharing their love of music with anyone who will listen.

Music lovers may have heard of Crawford. He's performed with musicians like Roy Acuff and Neil Young. He is a consummate songwriter who, besides working diligently on the music of Sugarcane Jane, has carved out time to create his latest solo album titled "Five Is Red".

Some years back, Lee headed to a Nashville studio to produce her first solo ablum, "Redbird". It's there she first collaborated with Crawford and where Sugarcane Jane was born. The two, recognizing that their shared music styles formed something distinctly different, decided to share their discovery with the music world. That was eight years ago.

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with the pair. I asked Crawford what his biggest surprise was about the success of Sugarcane Jane. He told me, "I spent a lot of time aimlessly wandering trying to define who would love our music. Finding our niche demographic-right here at home, is the biggest surprise for me." About his partner, Savana Lee, Crawford describes her as "courageous" and "real". He went on to say that, "Savana completes the music. She's an unassuming bridge for people."

Lee says her biggest surprise about the success of the group is how quickly it took off. With Crawford's busy traveling schedule with Neil Young, they had little time to prepare for their opening show for Randy Travis. "It was an honest and not perfect performance. Regardless it was accepted." She says that Crawford is "amazingly gifted in every thing he touches." Lee also says she is astounded by the large collection of songs he has written that really connects with people.

So, what is Sugarcane Jane looking forward to in 2010? What is their New Year's wish? Lee says, "To continue following our dreams and sharing our music with an ever increasing audience."

Monica Bullock, The Islander