DANDELION - In Stores April 2010
Fans can purchase Dandelion online Now!
Becky Schlegel strides quietly, confidently forward – an artist whose talents continue to astound. Her musical strengths remain songs of unusual beauty and depth, and a voice that is heartbreakingly delicate; clear as a star-filled sky and unerringly true. On DANDELION, Schlegel's upcoming CD, she puts forth what might well be her most “commercial country” effort to date, and does so without sacrificing an ounce of artistic integrity or her bluegrass heritage.
“This was a warm, welcoming project for many reasons,” Schlegel says. “We took a more relaxed, spontaneous approach on DANDELION [co-produced by Schlegel and Brian Fesler] and let the songs be free to end up where they were destined to be.” The result is a live-sounding record that is rich with natural nuance and magical tone.
The 13-song collection is filled with Schlegel originals and features an all-star cast of supporting players, including: Randy Kohrs (Resonator Guitar/Background Vocals); Richard Dworsky, Benny Weinbeck (Piano); Gordon Johnson (Bass); Marc Anderson, Phil Hey (Percussion/Drums); Michael Witcher (Resonator Guitar); Kenny Wilson (Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar); Brian Fesler (Banjo, Acoustic/Electric Guitars); Josh Williams (Mandolin/Background Vocals); Jeff Midkiff, Joe Cruz (mandolin) and Clint Hoover (Chromatic/Diatonic Harps).
The CD opens with the ephemeral “Anna,” a haunting and fully-formed vignette of the past that was inspired by Schlegel's late grandmother. Another highlight is the engaging “I Never Loved You Cowboy,” a mid-tempo tune inspired by a real-life teenaged breakup. “I tried so hard to act as if it didn’t matter at the time," Becky says. "But deep down I was heartbroken.” The disc’s first single is the lilting, “So Embarrassing,” which features the harmonies of Randy Kohrs. The tempo picks up with "Colorado Line," a long look back at a well-remembered goodbye - and what might have been. "When It Rains" tells the story of a trucker, a waitress, a truck stop layover - and the outer limits of loneliness. "Josh Williams' harmony vocal on this one gives me goose bumps," Becky states.
Becky has come a long way from the Kimball, South Dakota farm of her youth. She began her musical career at the age of five, and began performing (Vocals/Keyboards) in her mother’s band, The Country Benders, when she was in the 8th grade. Following high school, Schlegel performed in the Mountain Music Show in the Black Hills of South Dakota seven nights a week, and even recorded and produced two projects of her own to sell after shows. She moved to Minnesota in 1993 to pursue her education, and jumped headfirst into the vibrant Twin Cities music scene, forming her first band in 1997.
Becky's won numerous awards, including Minnesota Music Academy's 2002 Bluegrass/Old-Time Artist of the Year and Best Bluegrass/Old-Time Recording for RED LEAF; MMA’s 2003 Bluegrass/Old-Time Artist of the Year, and MMA’s 2004 Bluegrass Group/Artist of the Year. She has also performed at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Songwriters’ Showcase in 2003, 2005 and 2008. Schlegel has appeared several times on NPR's A Prairie Home Companion and continues as a frequent guest on RFD-TV’s Midwest Country Theater.
Now in her 30s, Becky is not only a seasoned singer/songwriter, she is the married mother of three young sons as well. While soft-spoken, she has a lighter side that is quirky and fun. Her live shows, whether in large concert halls or in more intimate gatherings, are like sweet story-telling sessions that draw her audiences close. Schlegel's first love, however, is songwriting, and she and her family recently moved to Nashville to be at the heart of country music. "I love the energy," Becky says of her new hometown. "I'm settled in and ready to make my musical niche here."
For those who still believe that music should transport and transcend, Becky Schlegel and DANDELION await. |
