Album Notes

NEW INDIE-COUNTRY CD IS BOTH CLASSIC AND FRESH

Brooksie Wells never set out to become a country star - but that may be exactly what happens if she's not careful. This Virginian singer/songwriter's new self-released CD features twelve original songs telling vivid stories of real-life triumphs and heartaches in the classic country music tradition. At once highly personal and widely universal, the stories told on "Been There" have either happened to you personally, or they've happened to someone you know well. Every listener will find familiar touchstones here.

Delivered with a subtle touch of Southern twang, Wells tells honest tales of real life in plain everyday language. Even so, the life stories are anything but simple and the heartaches are nothing if not genuine. "These are country songs for people who've been around the block a few times," explains Wells. "While the songs may be set in the country, they're told with urban sensibilities in mind. My songs are about living life on life's terms - about struggles, relationships, the power of friendship, redemption and hope."

A stellar cast of backup players gives "Been There" a lilt and polish reminiscent of the country masters, hearkening back to the days before the tag "Contemporary Country" became a buzzword for Pop/Rock music with a southern accent. The down-home fiddle of Rickie Simpkins (Lee Ann Womack), the sweet mandolin of Lisa Kay Howard, and the liquid guitar leads of Jeff Severson combine to set "Been There" solidly in the country genre. Add the slick sass of Larry Williams' keyboards (Al Jarreau), the funky backbeat of "Fast Eddie" Galvin's blues harp (B. B. King), and the sultry sax of Dontez Harris, and more than a few of Wells' songs will have any cowgirl's boots kicking up dust on the roadhouse dance floor.

A seasoned performer in both the acoustic folk and singer/songwriter genres, and in original children's music, Brooksie Wells steps out in a new musical direction with "Been There". Why a country record at this juncture? "I have a lot of stories to tell," she says. "Country music tells stories, and I've always wanted to make a country record. At this point in my life, it's time to put more focus on myself and what I want to do," says this mother of two teens.

When asked about the CD's title, Brooksie Wells explains, "I've dedicated this project to all the wonderful women friends who have been there for me through thick and thin over the years. That, plus the sense that when it comes to many of life's greatest struggles and challenges, I've been there. Now it's time to write and sing about it."

Whether or not the star-maker machinery will kick in on Brooksie Wells' behalf and make her name a household word is an uncertainty every indie artist must contend with. But her listeners, in whatever number ultimately discover her, are certain to find plenty to relate to and treasure in her music.

For the country music lover looking to hear a fresh new voice, or the baby boomer seeking sing-along odes to real life penned by a true compatriot, Brooksie Wells' Been There offers honest, tell-it-like-it-is, music to hang your hat on.

Been There is available at www.BrooksieWells.com, www.CDBaby.com, and at all Brooksie Wells' live performances.