Album Notes

RETTA GUEST CHOATE
Acoustic Vocals/Guitar
Biography


Born Retta Guest in Farmington, Maine, Retta's first singing performances took place from a child-sized rocking chair in the kitchen of the Guest household. Retta's first public performance was at age 4 when her sister took her to school for 'show and tell'. The Guest family included Mom and Dad and 8 kids who spent many hours singing around the kitchen table or the piano. But it really all started when brother Ray brought home a guitar and started learning Elvis tunes! As Retta got a little older she and sister Terri and brother Greg learned a collection of folk tunes singing in 3-part harmony with Greg on an acoustic guitar. Greg taught Retta to play acoustic guitar as well, and a trio was born.

Unlike many of the rural Maine kids she grew up with, Retta did not move away to the city after she finished school, but stayed in Maine due to her great love of the state, as depicted in her original tune, ME, from the Milkglass Flame CD.

Retta began performing music professionally while in college, staying mostly with acoustic pop and modern folk music. She has played in local clubs and other area venues. Retta's past recorded efforts have been an EP released on an independent label, a video recorded in Nashville after winning a talent contest, and a promotional video. At some point along the way she married, hence the name 'Choate'.

Milkglass Flame is Retta's first full length album released on her own label. Milkglass Flame includes nine tunes written by Retta, and five cover songs. The CD includes "Evil Villains", a haunting tune about the events of 9/11, which will ring an emotional chord with any American. Also featured is "ME", a song about her love for the state of Maine, and a "Beatlesque" version of Rocky Racoon which is popular with audiences and those searching the Internet for new indie music. An emotionally moving and beautifully written work of acoustic pop and folk rock, Milkglass Flame is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/choate, Bull Moose Music Centers, AppleITunes and broadjam.com.

Retta's amazing backup musicians and band include Chris Derbyshire, producer, keyboard and synthesizer; Catherine Lynch, violin; John Hurd, electric guitar; and Jeff Small, bass guitar.

Retta has recorded a second CD entitled "Daddy's Mill". The single, "Daddy's Mill" recalls childhood trips to her dad's dowel/lumber mill, Maine Dowel Corp. in Farmington, Maine. As kids, Retta and her siblings would accompany their dad to the mill on weekends for an adventure. The album has a lively edge and rock/blues tones. Look for the release of Daddy's Mill in the winter of 2008. Her cup of musical ideas runneth over.

Check out this site in the near future for a schedule of gig dates. Watch for Daddy's Mill on this site!