Shimmering Americana with smart lyrics and an introspective soul.

The long awaited second album from singer/songwriter Kelly Brightwell is a collection of songs from along the way -- from lover to wife to mother and back to herself again. Her sophomore effort finds the artist letting go of ghosts and expectations, reworking old stories and finding timeless truths. The album was recorded at 8 Ball Studio in Portland, OR and produced by local indie luminary Rob Stroup. Members of Rob's band, The Blame, contributed their considerable talents to the project, lending it a distinctive, rootsy feel. The result is a well worn-in sound that is at once classic and fresh, cozy and intriguing.

Moody acoustic guitar work, lush flowing vocals, and literate lyrics that explore the overlap between the everyday and the sublime.

"wait for your spring" is a captivating piece of work from a musician starting to make her mark.

From alt-pop anthems and intimate acoustic tracks, to dance mixes and driving ballads, Kelly Brightwell's songwriting is unique and compelling. She conjures up concealed connections, finds the flowering in first heartbreak, gleans the grace bestowed by gravity, and harnesses the turbo force of girlhood dreams. Her literate, poetic lyrics and clear voice shine through on every track. Bare bones arrangements are interspersed with songs that use live percussion looping and digital programming.

Kelly won Honorable Mention in the 2004 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival with her songs Knee Deep and Daffodils, and the tune Rockets was featured on NPR's All Songs Considered. Songs from “wait for your spring” have been played on Internet radio station radioioAcoustic, Midwest radio stations KFAI, KUMD, WORT, WRNC and WOJB, as well as on other acoustic music radio programs around the US and overseas.

REVIEWS:

"Kelly crafts achingly beautiful songs and delivers them with simple grace." --Green Note House Concerts

"Kelly, you've got it! Her music is delivered with warmth and compassion, guided from her inner soul...highly recommended!" --Larry Ravenswood, D.E.M.O.

"The [former] Minnesotan's smooth, evocative contemporary folk recalls Jonatha Brooke, but she's definitely her own woman." --The Isthmus - Madison, WI

"…haunting... never ceases to be mesmerizing... amazing lyrical prowess…" --Reader Weekly - Duluth, MN

"Deeper than your standard java-fueled folk!" --Minnesota Monthly Magazine

"…clear acoustic guitar and lush, flowing vocals…" --The Onion's A.V. Guide