Artist name: Melissa Gibson

Music style: country/folk/americana

Famous Similar Artist(s): Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, Cheryl Wheeler, Karen Carpenter, Anne Murray, Rosanne Cash, Rita Coolidge, Suzy Boggus

Artist Description: Influenced by the likes of Mary Chapin Carpenter, Marc Cohn and Joni Mitchell, Singer/Songwriter Melissa Gibson's Country music has a remarkable, introspective, folky slant to it. Produced and Engineered by Vaughn Lofstead, her songs are a thought provoking collection of insightful lyrics and rich melodies mixed among some lighter, up-tempo tunes. Melissa's naturally soothing voice shines as she carries each song off effortlessly. She is complemented beautifully by principal instrumentalist and arranger, Vaughn Lofstead. "He seemed to have an uncanny understanding of exactly what direction I wanted to take my music," explains Melissa. A native New Englander, Melissa grew up intently listening to John Denver in bewilderment and awe. She studied the piano and voice throughout her teen years and later picked up the guitar. After dabbling in classical and modern music, her heart led her back to folk and country roots. Indeed, it is there, her music has found a home. Melissa first immersed herself in the Nashville music scene in 1996 after obtaining her degree from St. Lawrence University. Since then, she has been writing and performing in various clubs around the country. . Melissa has an excellent grasp of how to communicate real life emotions to which everyone can relate. Her music is one which crosses lines and barriers. -Tanya Lundborg

Musical influences: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash, Tracy Chapman, Marc Cohn, John Denver, Indigo Girls, Carole King, John Gorka, Cheryl Wheeler, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits,

Artist History:

Members: Solo or Duo

Press reviews: "Her resounding sense of self allows her to tear her heart out on much of the album, generating thoughts and memories her listeners may have thought long forgotten." Nikki Tranter, PopMatters ####################### "If it were to get the airplay that most of this CD deserves, we could have a worthy successor for Gibson's influences." Nikki Rossiter, Rambles ####################### "A mix of emotions, in the traditional folk/rock vein that isn't played often enough lately." Dominick A. Miserandino, Celebrity Cafe ####################### "Welcome to Stay" is one CD everyone needs to add to his or her collection of music." Kenita Vanderslice, Country Interviews Online ####################### "Solid female vocals and a reassuring sense with each track..." Craig Mazer, Impact Press ####################### "Melissa Gibson's style of folk mixed with country will have many fans wanting more..." Eric, WSVN ####################### "Melissa's voice is solid and driven....[Shade] is a ballad that could have been on any Linda Ronstadt album..." Par, Melodic.net ####################### "Whilst the little sticker suggests certain tracks to 'listen to', they're all pretty damn fine songs" Dave Hughes Modern-Dance #44 ####################### "But her calling card in Nashville might end up being her voice. It’s strong and firm, a deep, mature, coffee/earth toned voice that’s more resonant than husky." Fran Fried, New Haven Register ####################### "Can a tune literally represent a stonewall with vines on it or with nothing on it, though it (the tune) be made by a genius whose power of objective contemplation is in the highest state of development? Can it be done by anything short of an act of mesmerism on the part of Melissa Gibson or an act of kindness on the part of the listener?" Charles Ives, DtMusic ####################### New Haven-via-Nashville womyn-style folk-with-country-(and slight jazz)-touches in a Mary Chapin-Carpenter mold, but with fewer comet-and-cajun specifics in the lyrics, and sung in an even more serious-seeming low register. (Eddy). Village Voice 1/21/04 ####################### "A nice mixture of pop, country and folk, Melissa Gibson's Welcome to Stay is a pleasant listen. Its polished and professional sounds lends to it a more adult contemporary than indie appeal, though it should appeal to anyone who appreciates songs with storytelling appeal and warm vocals sung by a woman, not a pop diva wannabe." Compgeekgirl for South Of The Mainstream ####################### "Mary Chapin Carpenter and John Denver: if their CDs don't grace your respective shelves, it is likely you'll pass up Melissa Gibson. A folkie with country roots, she balances a world-worn, serious voice with clarity and understated guitar work for a sound that emulates the easy mountain calls of those 70s staples" -Sarah Iddings for Lost At Sea ####################### "Melissa has that zest and charm of 70s heroines like Carole King and Helen Reddy, never losing site of her folk roots that challenge the singer-songwriter to go naked to the audience and not lie when the lyrics start passing from brain to strumming fingers. Add a fine, serious voice to that thoughtfulness and up comes a winner." Ben Ohmart, Muse's Muse ####################### "This lady obviously has talent as both a writer and performer, and may have what it takes to break beyond the tough Nashville market. " Mark E. Waterbury, Music Morsels ####################### "Melissa Gibson is one of those rare singer/songwriters who tells stories with her music like a critically acclaimed author does with pen and paper." Michael Alison, Music Dish #######################

Instruments: Acoustic Guitar

Album Names: Lighthouse Point, Welcome To Stay

Artist's CD Sales Webpage: http://cdbaby.com/gibson

Web site & Contact Info: http://www.melissagibson.com