“Release the Butterfly' marks the arrival of an exceptionally accomplished new artist. Clark's voice is clear, warm, sweet and soulful. Her treatments of standards like 'Round Midnight' and 'Summertime' are reverent without being imitative. 'The River' and 'Let it Rain' establish her credentials as an exceptionally strong songwriter in her own right. Her vocals, emotionally rich and evocative, are nicely offset by the hauntingly spare instrumentation on this record. This is music for soft lights and cool nights -- one from, and straight to, the heart.”
-- Peyton Mays, Sidewalk.com
"Release the Butterfly" is Carrie's debut CD and since it's release she has released an EP, "Reverie" and most recently her third CD, "Seems So Civilized."
For her third CD, "Seems So Civilized," Carrie and her backing band, the Lonesome Lovers, joined forces with Toronto Producer, Darryl Neudorf (Neko Case, Kinnie Starr, The Sadies, The New Pornographers. “Seems So Civilized” is musical juxtaposition of strength and fragility winding through an Americana set combining country, blues and cabaret music. With 10 songs penned by Clark, 1 penned by Clark and the Lonesome Lovers and a cover of Nick Drake’s song “Saturday Sun”, “Seems So Civilized” is a true reflection not only in the growth Carrie has made as a songwriter and musician since her first release in 1999 but also in the growth she has made since the addition of the Lonesome Lovers.
Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers, joined forces with Toronto Producer, Darryl Neudorf (Neko Case, Kinnie Starr, The Sadies, The New Pornographers) for her third independent release, “Seems So Civilized.” A musical juxtaposition of strength and fragility winding through an Americana set combining country, blues and cabaret music, “Seems So Civilized” is a true reflection in the growth Carrie has made as a songwriter and musician since her first CD, “Release the Butterfly.”
Carrie has been a fixture in Seattle's music scene for the last ten years. With the addition of her band mates, Dayna Smith on bass, Greg Fulton on guitar and a rotating cast of drummers and side musicians, Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers perform regularly along the west coast and tour nationally. Their live shows have been described as captivating and engaging by fans and media alike. Carrie’s winsome voice travels from power to tenderness in one breath while charming audiences with songs about one night stands, love lust divas and dark lullabies. They have performed in venues such as Seattle’s Showbox, and Tractor Tavern as well as stages in San Francisco, Austin, Albuquerque, Nashville, LA and Phoenix sharing the stage with bands such as Jared Clifton (Radio Nationals), David Garza, Halou, Al Stewart (“Year of the Cat”) Two Loons for Tea and Laura Veirs.
Oregon grown and brought up on Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Crystal Gayle records, Carrie is self taught on piano and guitar. Her self taught nature towards songwriting complemented by Fulton and Smith’s scholastic musical backgrounds has created a musical experience weaving dark melody lines and driving country rhythms. “I am a generally happy person, but songwriting seems to bring out the dark side of my emotions. You have to have both, so in order to stay happy, the darker side of me is given to the songs I write.” “Seems So Civilized,” is receiving national and international radio play including stations feature interviews on NPR radio programs and highlights in local and national media publications.
Who are the Lonesome Lovers? The first Lonesome Lover to join up with Carrie was bassist and backing vocalist, Dayna Smith. When not holding down the lonesome low-end, she is busy in the NW music scene performing and recording with her own project, The Fast Pretty Way. She also performs with psychedelic country band, Half Light and tripno-soul act, Chewy.
The next Lonesome Lover to join in was guitarist (or anything stringed) and backing vocalist, Greg Fulton whose recording credits includes albums with NW Singer-Songwriter Jill Cohn and The Jazz Police. He has performed in a variety of ensembles including Java Town Swing, Show Brazil and the Seattle Symphony. He can also be heard (barely) on various movie sound tracks and in the pit at the 5th Ave Theatre.
Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers are currently performing locally in Oregon and Washington, performing nationally and planning a European tour for the spring. Check www.carrieclark.com for tour dates.
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