SHIMMERING Folk AMERICANA
Portland, Oregon's Kelly Brightwell sounds like Neko Case meets Patty Griffin, or Jonatha Brooke with a dash of Karin Bergquist (Over the Rhine).
According to producer Rob Stroup, "Kelly writes songs that are evolved, with themes that are literary, meditative, and explore parallels between our lives and nature. She sings with the smoothness of Sarah McLachlan, but with a bit more Americana grit and charm."
Her songs have received critical acclaim by the Tucson Folk Festival, the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and the Just Plain Folks Music Awards, among others.
A 2014 review of her album “Hearts and Home” in Americana UK Magazine draws comparisons to Shawn Colvin and praises Kelly’s “inimitable vocal style”.
Since her last album release, a group of seasoned players have joined Kelly to support her live performances: Michael Henchman (bass and backing vocals), Jeffrey Koch (electric guitar), and Jean-Pierre Garau (keyboards). But Kelly also performs her work in solo or duo format for listening rooms and house concerts.
In addition to her solo endeavors, Kelly is half of Brightwell & Moran (aka Radio Stranger), a duo project with co-writer Woody Moran. They are the Global Winners of the 2022 Talent is Timeless Songwriting Contest, and will travel to Abbey Road to record a new version of their winning tune Bare Boards. They are currently releasing songs from their 3rd EP "Land of Plenty", recorded with Dean Baskerville (Pink Martini, Sheryl Crow).