Rosanne Cash Agrees with us About Bernice Lewis
November 3, 2010 No CommentsBernice writes beautifully and deeply.
Dar Williams
Bernice is really one of the keepers of the flame of Real Songwriting.
Rosanne Cash
These outstanding references from Dar Williams and Rosanne Cash are not just hype – Bernice Lewis is the real thing. She’s an insightful and playful songwriter, who can balance emotional depth and insightful playfulness. She played in some of our early Chicks with Guitars showcases… and we’re excited to include her in our month-long series of reintroductions.
Bernice Lewis www.bernicelewis.com
Williamstown, MA
How would you describe your relationship with music over the last 5 years?
It just keeps getting better. While family life has really made it hard to find time to write, I also feel like my writing is more solid. I’m co-writing more, playing piano everyday, and loving being in my all women’s ukulele band. I’m also teaching a lot…songwriting at colleges and retreat centers, as well as residencies in communities.
Where do you find your writing inspiration?
Always from my life…family, friends, students, fans. I am fortunate that I get to travel a lot and stay with wonderful people who tell me about their lives.
Things you are juggling:
OMG! The list is huge! Family life, touring, performing, teaching, booking, marketing, playing with a back up band for solo work and an all women’s trio (The Ladies Ukulele Orchestra), family, home ownership, yoga, etc etc. Sometimes I get to write these days too. I am doing more co-writing, learning to play piano and read music. My daughter is now 11, and I’m really enjoying watching her grow up.
Biggest challenge about being an independent musician:
Juggling it all.
Best thing about being an independent musician:
Being my own boss. Traveling to places that most folks don’t know exist and getting to know my fans.
Gear you use:
Taylor 712 with a retro-fitted Expressions System. Antique Stewart Koa Wood Ukulele
Dream gear?
A soprano uke with a installed amplification. A looper. A home recording studio that I can actually deal with. A decent vocal mike (mine were all stolen at at gig). A Gibson hollow body electric guitar and amp. A full drum kit. A baby grand Steinway…what the hell!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for doing this Jeanette!
—- You’re welcome! One of the things I like about following independent music is the intimate ability to follow the progression that artists make as they get deeper with their craft. Bernice, thanks for being such a great inspiration!
And if you’re interested – be sure to get your own copy of Bernice’s album:
She Undoes available at http://cdbaby.com/cd/blewis4
My personal favorite songs from this album are “Where Did the Country Go” and “Wonder of My World”.
If you want the more comedic side of Bernice, I also recommend spending .99 for the tack off her previous album called “Normal is Just a Setting on the Washing Machine”. You won’t be sorry. I promise.
FYI, We don’t get any financial rewards for plugging this CD or these songs. We just like ‘em.
