Kristie McCracken is one of Vancouver’s most promising young vocal talents. Kristie spends much of her time as Songwriter, Singer and Guitarist for local R&B/Pop group The Ponderosas, whose world music and reggae infused sound has gained them quite a following in the local Vancouver music scene, playing alongside artists including The Boom Booms, Daniel Wesley, Buckman Coe, and Dawn Pemberton. Kristie was a part of the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Program as a teenager and has gone on to study music at University of British Columbia. She volunteered for two years at Saint James Music Academy and is currently studying Music Therapy at Capilano University. She is also a member in Vancouver based reggae band Natural Flavas, and has performed alongside legends such as Ken Boothe, Leroy Sibbles, Barrington Levy, and Toots and the Maytals. Other internationally acclaimed artists Kristie has performed with include Shaggy, Easy Star All Stars, Kae Sun, Taj Weekes and Adowa, and Steele. This is a new beginning for Kristie McCracken. Her first full length solo album entitled "Let Go & Grow" showcases her vocal talent but also hints at the breadth of her songwriting - ranging from heavily latin influenced acoustic numbers like “Lullaby”, a song written to her brother while he struggled with addiction, to the neo-soul and even vintage soul sounds of “Retrograde” and “Where Are You”. The album is produced by Patrick Watson Quine of Watson Unlimited Music, and features a song co-written and produced by 3-time Grammy award winner Chin Injeti. It’s a strong first step into the market, sure to make an impression. All songs written by Kristie McCracken Except Track 7 written by Kristie McCracken & Chin Injeti All Tracks produced by Patrick "Dr. Watson" Quine for Watson Unlimited Music Except Track 7 produced by Chin Injeti Track 11 produced by Elphick Gordon Jr. (Delf) All Tracks recorded and mixed by Patrick "Dr. Watson" Quine at The Clinic Except Track 7 recorded by Chin Injeti Track 11 recorded and mixed by Kaj Falchner at Blue Light Studios Mastered by Andy Krehm at SilverBirch Productions Kristie McCracken - Voice, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion Patrick "Dr Watson" Quine - Bass, Synths, Keyboards, Electric Guitar, Drum Sequencing Chin Injeti - Synths, Keyboards, Drum Sequencing (Track 7) Elphick Gordon Jr. (Delf)- Synths, Keyboards, Drum Sequencing (Track11) Also Featuring : Allan Ollivierre - Keyboards (Track 8) Allison Gorman - Trumpet (Track 8) Chris Couto - Percussion (Tracks 4, 6) Dave Spidel - Acoustic Bass (Tracks 4, 6) Ian Weiss - Saxophone (Track 8) Jonah Ocean - Cello (Tracks 3, 5, 10) Kevin Tang – Trombone (Track 8) Michael Agranovich - Guitar (Track 8) Tyrone Barnes - Guitar (Tracks 5, 9, 10) Special Thanks : My family and friends. You are my tribe. Thank you for your unconditional love and support, for challenging me and inspiring me, and for teaching me kindness, patience, and perseverance. Each and every one of you has helped shape who I am today, and I am truly grateful. Finally, thank YOU for listening to my album and supporting me in my musical endeavors. I’ve put my heart and soul into this album and I hope you enjoy it.