From: WA, United States
Genre: Alternative/Alt. Rock, World/folk/pop
Rich with musical influences from around the globe, Seattle-based singer/songwriter Gayle Cloud's latest CD Many Waters is a compilation of eclectic pop, folk and sensual world beat songs. Fans say Gayle’s sound is reminiscent of Pink Martini, Zero 7, Portishead, Loreena McKennit and Kate Bush, describing her music as “strong, soulful and poetic.” Brian Ball of WomensRadio Network writes that: “The masterful production, artistry and songwriting of ‘Golden Wings’ is reason enough to pick up a copy of Many Waters,” and “Gayle’s ethereal and otherworldly vocals pierce the listener straight through the heart.”
Brian Lush, host of Rockwired Radio says, 'Brilliant pop singer-songwriters always get compared to the likes of Elvis Costello or Aimee Mann. The lyrics of these artists are literate, clever and universally praised for their insight and dissections of human relationships through song. Gayle Cloud has all of these things going for her as well but there is one thing that makes Cloud stand out from the rest - her lush and intricate world rhythm sound. Her latest release 'Many Waters' marks the second time that Cloud has teamed up with producer John Pahmer following her previous CD 'Second Chance'. Clearly this musical partnership thought it best to keep a good thing going. Pahmer provides the perfect percussive and melodic soundscape for Cloud's sensuous vocals to swoop and swirl over - namely on such wistful and whimsical numbers as "Bombay," Snow Keeps Falling" and the incandescent Golden Wings.'
Showcasing a diversity of genres, Many Waters’ unifying theme is about gathering courage in the face of life’s challenges. The title track “Many Waters” evokes a dream place where one can escape life’s stresses and be immersed in a state of calm and beauty. “Golden Wings” tells the story of a young woman leaving home for the first time and beginning the discovery of who she is in the world. The hypnotic “Bombay,” layered with Eastern Indian percussion, captures the notion of finding a liberated place within after a long period of emotional hardship. Then in a break from the spiritual and exotic, “Turn Around Loverboy” is an edgier pop/rock influenced tune in the mold of “Hit The Road, Jack,” with a woman reclaiming power after a relationship gone bad.
Gayle’s voice garners as many accolades as her songwriting: “clear and crystalline,” “haunting,” “smooth and silky,” “could listen forever,” and “the voice is like a female priest,” write her many fans.
Gayle views her place in the world as a fellow traveler, healer and voice of certain universal experiences. “Musicians and songwriters can play a fascinating role in life,” says Gayle. “I think we are often able to express in a magical way some of life’s intense experiences for other people. I love writing songs that help fuel people’s desires and courage in their own lives.”
Gayle was recently named Best Female Artist by Rockwired Radio's 2011 music awards. Her previous CD Second Chance received worldwide radio and Internet airplay and was awarded the WomensRadio 2007 No. 1 Music Review Award in the singer/songwriter category. The song “Talaky” earned a 2006 “Honorable Mention” from the London-based artist development group “We Are Listening.” Many Waters is following suit with numerous positive reviews, a top-10 position for "Golden Wings" on Women of Substance radio and worldwide airplay on a host of Internet radio stations.
Gayle launched her performing career and love of world music in Paris, where she landed a regular gig at Jokko’s in Paris, a club that was partially owned by celebrated Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour. After five years in the city of romance, she found equal success in New York City, performing in venues like the CBGB Gallery and the Cutting Room. In NYC, Gayle also developed her unique creative relationship with NYC-based producer John Pahmer. Gayle has now found her way back home to Seattle, a cosmopolitan town she considers her portal to the world. Many of her gigs these days are in Seattle venues—either solo or with her full band.