Reviews

“I don't try to keep secret the fact that I love ragtime and bluegrass, that I love the sound of Squirrel Nut Zippers and Billie Holiday, and that I love old country and early folk music. These things make me think of happy times and home. Cheesy? Honest. Katy Bowser makes music that'll remind you of the genres and feelings and artists above as well as many more. Her songs deliver a wide enough variety of American musical styles to keep you wanting to listen over and over again but you're really going to come back for more because of Katy's candied sweet voice and because her songs can't help but inspire smiles. That she's found herself such an excellent collaborator in Kenny Hutson (from what I can tell a rather gifted player of stringed instruments) is just another great reason you should check out her recently released All Of My Friends EP. I often like to think of this kind of music as perfect music for lazy Summer evenings, but from my current perspective I'd say Katy Bowser's songs are just as fine for right now as you watch the warm days wash away and enjoy the crisp smell of autumn. Of course, all of the words in the world can't convince you any better than your own ears can, so I suggest the two songs below to whet your appetite. "Come On Go On" is my favorite of Katy's songs that I've heard so far. The song brings jazzy bluegrass that sounds fresh while the lyrics and her 'I will survive' attitude act as a nice balance to the orchestra of mandolins, guitars, banjos, and who knows what else, but again - her voice! It's sassy and smiley and beautiful in an 'I can sound like Billie Holiday without even trying' kind of way and I love it. "All Of My Friends", on the other hand, seems to look back to an era that has long since passed. It reminds me of traditional songs like "You Are My Sunshine" and features the lovely Julie Lee on backup vocals. The song is like happiness in a bottle. Hey, you want to know a secret? It's a perfect song for just about any position on a mix tape/CD/thing - beginning, middle, end, whichever. So why don't you grab it, let Katy's music grab you, and then buy the EP and see her live. ”

Matt at Earfarm.com, October 2006 Read the Full Review...

““This record is equal parts front porch, creaky swing, and homemade lemonade, served up in a martini glass...the perfect blend of roots music and dancehall swing.””

Dara Carson, producer and founder of the Americana Folk Festival, October 2006

“On All Of My Friends, Bowser takes her listeners on a trip down memory lane, meanwhile evoking the ghosts of William Faulkner and F. Scott Fitzgerald as she croons her early 20th century style of gospel/jazz. This caliber of nostalgia act simply fails to grow old. ”

Evan James, American Songwriter Magazine , September 2006 Read the Full Review...

“Looking for music that cuts through the clutter of all that over-produced pop that seems to be coming out of Nashville these days? Take a listen to Katy Bowser. I'm not sure but I think she's channeling the legendary Carter Family both with the sweet traditional melodies and her unique (though familiar and very comforting at the same time) voice. There's only one downside to her new cd...it's too short!! But I guess the old showbiz saying holds true: "Always leave them wanting more." After listening to Katy Bowser, you will. ”

Erik Bohlen, WIVK's Americana Highway, August 2006 Read the Full Review...

“"Katy's Bowser's music is fresh and true, old but new and feels like home."”

Kate York, songwriter, Bluewater Music, August 2006 Read the Full Review...

“The first time I heard "All of My Friends" I asked the person next to me "What classic standard is this?" And they said "Katy wrote it." Katy's singing and songs are a breath of fresh air not only in Americana, but in all of music going on right now.”

Sarah Siskind, Big Yellow Dog songwriter, writer of single “Lonely Runs Both Ways” on Alison Krauss’, August 2006 Read the Full Review...

“The title cut, All of My Friends, brings to mind the sweet-spirited performances of Maria Muldaur and Melanie---street-wise innocence. Along with extra-fine singing, playing, and songwriting, Katy offers up a fresh take on old wisdom, which, to my ear, sounds of the moment. ”

Dave Perkins, recording artist/musician with Ray Charles, Carole King, Willie Nelson, Vassar Clement, September 2006

“....sweet voice, charming stage presence, and a powerful band - Katy's sound just might be a hint of what's to come in Nashville....one of my new favorites!' ”

Matt Morelock, WDVX, November 2007

“What is the term for a meticulous recreation of something,? In painting it is photo-realism, cultural philosophers might say hyper-reality, in music I’m not sure if there is a term – revivalism? Bowser faithfully recreates the spirit and mannerisms of music her parents or grandparents would have listened to, making a kind of hyper real music that seems somehow more authentic than the source material, a kind of recreation of something that didn’t exist. It is a gentle bluegrass sound beautifully rendered by Kenny (a former Vigilante of Love) lovingly wrapping her voice in guitar, mandolin or pedal steel. The results are often quite lovely, the last few songs especially stand out for their fragile beauty, and there really is a great synchronicity between the two players. The attention to detail comes through to the excellent brown paper packaging; even so it is a strange kind of endeavour but it does reward you for listening. ”

Americana UK, November 2007 Read the Full Review...