Evocative, nostalgic folk/country-influenced story songs sung with a voice described as "like hot-buttered rum on a stormy night." Nina Gerber's splendid production and a 'hit list' of West Coast acoustic musicians masterfully surround the songs.

10 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Gentle, COUNTRY: Country Folk



Details:
LATELY BLOOMING

Singer/songwriter Paula Joy Welter's independent debut CD, 'Morning Light,' is enthusiastically reviewed in SingOut, Dirty Linen, and Acoustic Guitar magazines (excerpts of reviews included, below). MusicHound's 'Folk: The Essential Album Guide' gives this distinctive CD a '4-bones' rating!

Produced by Nina Gerber, the songs showcase the musical talent of a 'Who's Who' of West Coast acoustic musicians. A second CD of original songs, written by Welter since 'Morning Light,' is targeted for release at the end of 2005.

Welter's songs share a woman's intimate secrets, lessons learned, and moments cherished both as a child and an adult. 'Joanna's Gift' re-enacts a true moment of kindness that happened in a Sacramento, CA market between two strangers. "Long Ago" pays nostalgic tribute to her favorite childhood books. "The Tumbleweed Waltz" chronicles the importance of attitude in life's ups and downs. "A Sky With No Blue" speaks about love lost with uncommon poignancy.

Beginning her songwriting adventures at the tender age of 40, Paula Joy Welter's songs have gained recognition at songwriting competitions such as Sierra Songwriters Festival, Tucson Folk Festival, and Napa Valley Music Festival's Emerging Songwriters Showcase. Welter's songs have also won numerous 'Best Song' open-mic competitions sponsored by Northern California Songwriters Association. Raised in La Crescenta, CA, Welter sang the 60's tunes of Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, James Taylor, and Peter, Paul & Mary -- to name a few of her influences.

QUOTES FROM REVIEWS OF 'MORNING LIGHT' CD:

MusicHound's 'FOLK: THE ESSENTIAL ALBUM GUIDE,' giving 'Morning Light' a 4-bones rating:
"This is an incredible effort for a debut recording and will make you reach for the repeat button for another listen."

DIRTY LINEN MAGAZINE, Dec '96/Jan '97 #67:
"Welter's bright, pastoral sound and memorable compositions make her a welcome addition to the crowded stable of contemporary singer-songwriters," also noting her songs as "lovely and unabashedly sentimental."

SINGOUT MAGAZINE'S Feb/Mar/Ap '96 issue:
"On this debut, Welter opens with the line 'With a voice as smooth as a steel guitar.' It would take a mighty fine steel-guitar player to produce a voice as smooth and pleasing as her's. Producer Nina Gerber takes this jewel of a voice and places it in a spectacular setting. Each song benefits from distinctive production. Gerber surrounds Welter with 13 talented musicians including Barbara Higbie, Laurie Lewis, Cary Black, Sally Van Meter and the producer herself. the songs are those of a woman who has lived and writes from experience. Most are personal, but many are universal."

ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE's'Hit List,' May '98 issue:
"Welter's voice is able to go down deep, grab the low notes, and bring them back to the surface"..."Welter's writing style is lyrically evocative and crisp."