Outrageous onstage, brilliant on her recordings, New England singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler is a raconteur, philosopher, and comedienne who combines strong poetry, striking imagery, complex yet memorable melodies, an absolutely exquisite voice, and hilariously keen insights into the human condition. Legendary as a songwriter ("Addicted," performed by Dan Seals, and Suzy Bogguss' version of "Aces" were top country hits), Cherylıs lyrics walk a fine line between delicate poignancy and razor-sharp wit. Her most recent album was last yearıs compilation Different Stripe (Rounder), which offers a career-spanning range of her best-loved songs, from "Northern Girl" to "Sylvia Hotel." Still, as anyone who has caught one of her live shows knows, you have to see Cheryl in person to fully appreciate her genius for steering an entire audience from roof-raising mirth to heart-wrenching empathy and back again, often in the course of a single song.