BRIGHT WINDOW

BRIGHT WINDOW

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BRIGHT WINDOW is Rachel Gaudry's second album, released in 2003. Following on from the success of her debut release 'Leaving Traces', 'Bright Window' is an album of hope, personal discovery and finding a place to rest comfortably. Produced by guitarist, songwriter and producer Sam Hawksley, it is a collection of beautifully sensuous pop melodies and searching lyrics.

As Michael Smith of Australian music publication Drum Media wrote: "There's a lot of sunlight on this album". It's true, as Gaudry describes:

"I wrote most of the songs on 'Bright Window' whilst living in Japan over a 4 month period. I had just been touring in the US and was in a very clear and inspired state of mind... I was playing gigs in the evenings and had all my days free to just write, contemplate, and walk around Lake Biwa where I was living as well as explore historic Kyoto which was only a 20 minute train ride away. It was such a beautiful, inspiring place to be while writing this album. 'Bright Window', I think, reflects the 'lightness of being' I felt during this period and hopefully listeners will get into that feeling when they listen to the record."

'Sunny Wings', 'Moving On' and 'Everywhere You Go' conjure up lazy summer days and succeed in sewing together the appealing yet often elusive combination of raw honesty and hit potential. Halfway through the album, 'Screaming Alone' launches into a pumping Rhodes-fuelled groove, a thoroughly contemporary take on the blues. 'Shiver' is a quiet and heartfelt ballad delivered in lilting vocals with piano and strings accompaniment. A gorgeous folky piano instrumental 'Irish Boy Sweet' closes the album and completes the journey.

'Bright Window' features a lineup of first class musicians including drummer Chad Wackerman (best-known for his twelve-year tenure as Frank Zappa's drummer, Wackerman produced and played drums on Rachel's debut album 'Leaving Traces'), guitarists Ben Butler (Jonatha Brooke, Jane Siberry, Dar Williams) and Sam Hawksley (Olivia Newton John, John Farnham), with Leon Gaer (bass) Matt Fell (bass on 'Screaming Alone' and mixing engineer), and pianist Bill Risby.

'Bright Window' has received excellent reviews from around the globe:

"the perfect example of how great songs are composed and performed. This artist effortlessly sings pure beauty into your heart" - BeSonic.com

"beauty and clarity... sensuous pop melodies" - Drum Media

"As attractive as her voice is, it's the flow of Rachel Gaudry's songs that is immediately attractive. There are no visible joins in the construction to distract the listener from the dreamy combination of words and music... Gaudry's voice is a cool breeze, rising in the country and blowing intimacy and intrigue through the lovingly crafted songs" - Sydney Morning Herald.

All compositions on 'Bright Window' were written by Rachel Gaudry, with 'Sunny Wings' and 'Brand New Day' by R.Gaudry/S.Hawksley, and 'Train' by R.Gaudry/S.Hawksley/L.Perryman.

LEAVING TRACES

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Featuring evocative piano-playing, funky Rhodes, gorgeous voice and sensitively-styled songs, Rachel Gaudry’s critically-acclaimed debut album LEAVING TRACES was released in Australia in 2001 to rave reviews, followed by a North American release of the album by Virt Records in 2002. 'Leaving Traces' was also later released in Taiwan by Noble Music.

'Leaving Traces' was produced by Chad Wackerman, best known for his twelve-year tenure as Frank Zappa’s drummer, as well as recording and touring with such luminaries as James Taylor and Barbra Streisand. The album also features Mark Punch (guitarist for Kasey Chambers), Leon Gaer (bass maestro) and jazz guitar virtuoso James Muller.

The album is a striking collection of ten lush, melodic pop gems all written by Rachel (with “Love Is What I Need”, co-written by Wackerman). The finely-crafted songs combine catchy pop melodies, lush acoustic textures and evocative piano. From the stirring first track “Take Me To Ride” to the tribal beats of “Come Away” to the gorgeous ballad “When Fortune Has Gone Dry”, the recurring themes are of love, leaving and escape, hence the album’s title.

Rachel’s pure, angelic voice often draws comparisons to Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones, while her poetic lyrical style and original arrangements are reminiscent of artists like Tori Amos and Natalie Merchant. With her varied musical background in jazz, piano and performance, Rachel’s songs reflect both a sophistication and down-to-earth quality that resonates emotion.

Album credits:
Rachel Gaudry: piano, Rhodes, keyboards, vocals, backing vocals
Mark Punch: acoustic guitars
James Muller: electric guitars, acoustic solo on track 10
Leon Gaer: bass
Chad Wackerman: drums, percussion, keyboards
Naomi Star: backing vocals

All songs written by Rachel Gaudry, except track 7, lyrics by R.Gaudry, music by R.Gaudry/C.Wackerman.