Laura McGhee @ CMW 2007

Background/Composition: This 23-year-old violinist and her back-up troupe made the trip from Scotland specifically for CMW.

Grade: 73

Comment: McGhee and her band seemed to be involved in a bit of a genre disagreement — she a little more celtic, and them, a little more rock 'n' roll — but the audience let it slide. For most of the men in the crowd, the songs were just filler between bantering sessions, where they got to hear her tell stories in that delightful Scottish brogue.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: McGhee is an accomplished violinist and also knows her way around an acoustic guitar. Her choice of instruments and her lyrical content did tend at times to bring her a little too close to Dixie Chicks territory.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: S
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: G
Composition: S
Songs: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Good looks and a Scottish accent can only get you so far. McGhee's material could definitely use some work, and someone needs to tell her that we're sick of hearing anti-war songs.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: S
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Really, is there anything sexier than an attractive Scottish woman playing the fiddle? If only she could sing with that accent.