Abra Moore
Abra Moore | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 8, 1969 Puna, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Folk-influenced rock music; founding member of Poi Dog Pondering |
Abra Moore (born June 8, 1969) is an American singer-songwriter known for her folk-influenced rock style. She was a founding member of the Hawaiian band Poi Dog Pondering but chose to leave after the group moved to Texas in the late 1980s to embark on a solo career. Her 1997 album Strangest Places included the successful track "Four Leaf Clover", which appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 and gained considerable radio play throughout the Midwest, as well as exposure on music channels such as VH1 and MTV2.
Early life
Raised in Puna, Hawaii, Moore grew up in a creatively vibrant, jazz-inspired environment. Her brother, Matt Moore, is a noted jazz musician from Hawaii. She was named by her father after the protagonist in John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden.
Career
At age 19, Moore joined Poi Dog Pondering, relocating with them first to Los Angeles in 1988 and later to Austin, Texas, in 1992. She eventually left the band to concentrate on her solo work. Her first album, Sing, was released in 1995, followed by Strangest Places in 1997. The single "Four Leaf Clover" reached number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy nomination in 1998 for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Tracks such as "Trip on Love" and "Don't Feel Like Cryin'" were featured in the soundtracks of Cruel Intentions (1999) and Sliding Doors (1998), respectively.
While developing her subsequent album No Fear, Moore experienced changes in management and record labels that postponed its official release; promotional copies were distributed by J Records, but the album itself was never officially issued. Many of these songs were later revised and included on Everything Changed released by Koch Records in 2004. Her most recent album, On the Way, was released through Sarathan Records in June 2007.
Beyond her music career, Moore appeared in the 1991 film Slacker and has occasionally participated in other film projects alongside her recording endeavors.
Discography
Albums
- Sing (Bohemia Beat Records, 1995)
- Strangest Places (Arista Austin/Bohemia Beat Records, 1997) Peaked at No. 24 on Billboard Heatseekers
- No Fear (J Records, 2002; unreleased)
- Everything Changed (Koch Records, 2004)
- On the Way (Sarathan Records, 2007)
EPs
- Live from the Strangest Places (Arista Austin, 1998)
Singles
- "Four Leaf Clover" (1997); reached #63 on Billboard Hot 100, #27 on Billboard Alternative Songs, and #1 on Billboard Adult Alternative Songs
- "Strangest Places" (1997)
- "Don't Feel Like Cryin'" (1998); peaked at #17 on Billboard Adult Alternative Songs