Rusted Root (Submitted photo)

Raised with classical voice training, Liz Berlin has sung with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Opera. But that was just the beginning of what she refers to as a long and twisted musical path through pop, metal, rock and folk before landing in the world beat of Rusted Root.

"I heard nothing but classical until I moved to Pittsburgh at about 9," said Berlin, reminiscing how hearing "Saturday Night Fever" led to '80s Top 40 acts like Journey and Def Leppard. "And then I found my dad's guitar and I started playing with it and discovering artists like Suzanne Vega and Janis Joplin."

But the journey was well worth it for the Rusted Root vocalist and percussionist. Berlin found a career she hadn't quite known she wanted until friend (and future Rusted Root frontman) Michael Glabicki said four magic words: "I'm starting a band."

Suddenly Berlin's seemingly unfocused educational path made sense -- her African drumming and art and women's studies all were germane. "I didn't have to figure out what I wanted to do (with my life)," she says, "because I was already doing it."

Starting in 1990, Rusted Root hit it big just two years later with debut album "Cruel Sun," and 1994 major-label follow-up "When I Woke." While later albums' sales didn't come close to the triple-platinum "When I Woke," constant touring and devoted fans kept the momentum going until after 2002's "Welcome to My Party," its most recent studio album.

Its more poplike sound did not resonate with the band's fans. Since then, Rusted Root has re-released "Cruel Sun," as well as a live album and a greatest-hits CD. And a new album is in the works that should appease old and new fans.

The break in recording left time for side projects and solo albums such as Berlin's recent CD, "AudioBioGraphical."

Fittingly, the album is a journey through her musical life, ranging from Rusted Root-esque tunes to ghosts from her classical past.

Stacy Nick / Fort Collins (Colo.) Coloradoan