Album Notes

The Philadelphia-based Nora Whittaker Band relates authentic experiences through soul, pop and jazz-influenced original songs. Nora has performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic States, NYC, Austin, Texas, Massachusetts, Chicago and beyond since 2002. Frequented venues include edgy hotspots like The Grape Street (PA), The Tin Angel (PA), Triumph Brewing Co. (NJ/PA), The Bitter End (TX) and Dogfish Head Brewing Co. (DE), as well as acclaimed "all-ages" listening rooms like The Point (PA) and Club Passim (MA).

Nora has shared the stage with such talents as: Amos Lee (Blue Note Records), Mutlu, The Burndown Allstars, The Love Syndicate and McGowan (on-tour with Ben Lee 2003-2004). Her music infiltrates college radio stations, community stations like 88.5 wxpn, 88.1 Bethlehem, PA's "The Blend", and NPR's "Car Talk". Her vocals are featured on the 2005 Burndown Studios compilation album. Nora recently sang backup on the Coke Zero commercial featuring G-Love of G-Love and Special Sauce.

Drummer Dan Quill and Bassist Ben Cleal joined Nora in 2003 to form The Nora Whittaker band. Both have played throughout the Philly area since their teenage years - playing at places like John & Peters and The Conduit.

Imaginary Friends:
Produced by Grammy award winning Glenn Barratt of Morningstar Studios.
Also features guest musicians Jef Lee Johnson (lead guitar, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Late Show with David Letterman), John Murray (lead guitar, local Philly gospel guitarist and choir leader); Sean Whittaker and Kate Brennan on backup vocals

"Nora Whittaker...combines confessional '70s Joni Mitchell intimacy with soulful '70s Aretha Franklin attitude.
--Matt Smitt, Princeton Packet ( www.pacpub.com), Philly Metro

"She's got a big voice, plays keyboards and has written some very strong songs....I hear influences such as Laura Nyro in her songs and the delivery of Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin in her vocals....She's a strong-willed woman who takes no guff, yet she has a tender side."
- Richard Kammins, Hartford Courant, Connecticut May 19th 2005

"...songs that are well crafted, a natural performer with excellent stage presence; the ability to play her instrument (keyboard); and wonderful vocals. "
--Ray Naylor, Open Mike Monitor Online (Featured Open Mike Performer Dec. 2003)

"Nora infuses her songs with passion, humor, and grace. Whether touching on the embittered fervor of a heated break-up, or highlighting the haunting turmoil of pitfalls of ambition, Nora speaks to her audience with candor and honesty, all the while peppering her stories with contagious laughter and thoughtful insights. And while you are listening to her brassy, soulful belt, you may suddenly realize that other people's secrets may be your own as well."
--Kate Brennan, Freelance Writer, Philadelphia, PA