bell the cat/Sun Bell

Now I'm listening to bell the cat - Songs From The Wild written and performed by Sun Bell with Jan Emerson and a slew of other musicians (with impressive credentials by the way!) who all join forces in a happy and delightful musical offering. Let's see, Terry Lee Knierim on drums, Tom Finch lead guitar, rhythm & Bass, David Sydney Scott on sax, Pete Hale guitar, Laurie Roth Flute, Barry Bison keyboards. I have to say this is fun and uplifting. It has life force from inside out - so expressive! I like the lead guitar, the lively rhythms, the pure rock of some of the songs.
Sun Bell has one of those spirits that reeks sels-confidence and passion for what she's doing - and living from what I can tell from the liner nores. I think this woman is geniunely happy! What a delight. I suspect they are fun to see live as well. I can see them prancing about on the stage and interacting with their fellow musicians. Methinks I have to go catch them live somewhere.
"I want a lover to respect who respects me" full of lust! HOT! Good harmonies. Percussion. Playful. www.sunbellmusic.com. Sun is from Froestville so if you see a beautiful woman with long silver and black hair with a bright smile around town - it's probably her! You can order her CD through www.CDBaby.com/bellthecat - which is a good place to find independent artist CDs by the way, and they are for sale at Backdoor Records in Cotati. I suspect that Sun's playing her pink Fender guitar throughout. Her next gig is in Nevada City so go to her web site and look under gigs now and then until she plays locally again.
by Vesta Copestakes - West County Gazette

We The People - Gary Carnivele - A&E, Music Interview 7/2005 page 15 - Sun Bell, front woman of bell the cat, has finally landed with both feet on the ground, in Forestville and is pleased to call Sonoma County her home. With their debut CD, Songs From The Wild, getting airplay on several local raio stations, bell the cat is poised to break through to the big time. Live performances, like last month's stunning set during "Out Loud: The Russian River's Pride Weekend", have built a dedicated following....We The People caught up with the busy singer/songwriter between engagements to talk about life on the verge of super-stardom.
We The People: What bands really float your boat? Sun Bell: Bands of today that float my boat are U2, Melissa Etheridge, The Pretenders, Metallica, Patti Smith, Johnny Lang, Eric Clapton, JessieMae Hemphill, Debra Coleman, Cake, Bonnie Raitt and so many more past and present.
WTP: Who are your American Idols, or idols of any origin? SB: My idols are the people everywhere who believe in themselves enough to rech for their dreams. Folks who even though they are afraid go ahead and jump into the void to reach for their goals.
WTP: What inspire your writing? SB: Living my life s inspiring. My sweetheart, my friends, any information that comes to into me in whatever form that leaves an impression can bean inspiration. WhateverI write about in music, poetry or stories I like to approach from a new angle and to bring hope to topics that may otherwise leave a listener depressed.
WTP: How many musical instruments do you play? SB: Guitar is my number one instrument after that my voice. It is a goal of mine to build my collection of musical instruments. Others I play are congas, djembe, tamborine, harmonica, sax, clarinet, bass, keyboard (piano), Native American flute, pennywhistle and a variety of other percussion instruments. I want to experiment on the next CD with playing some guitar using a violin bow.
WTP: Do you have cute pet names for your faorite axes? SB: At this time I actually own only one guitar,a fender copy, (given to me by a friend), whose name is vulva because of the pink color.
WTP: If you could be any musical instrument, what would you be and why? SB: Any electric guitar in the hands of some extremely talented and sexy fem lesbian musician.
WTP: What advice could you offer up-and-comers? SB: If you love music, you can't live without it, (you really can play and/or sing) then keep at it no matter what anyone says to you. You have to have a base of friends that you trust that you can go to for constructive criticism. People who will tell you the truth always.
WTP: Describe your favorite live performance? Both yours and another band's. SB: Favorite "purrformance" of mine keeps happening each "purrformance." The fans and the people I play with make each time aweome. My most favorite live performance by other musicians would have to be Woodstock. (Yes, I was there in a fantastic spot behind the stage area so I didn't have to put up with all the mud etc. and I got to see each performer up close).
WTP: Where were you raised? SB: O-HI-O was my birth place in a small town called Steubenville. My parents moved me and (then two) of my siblings with them to Tampa, Florida when I was nine. We moved to Pompano Beach just before I started high school and I lived there with my folks until I ran away at the age of 17. After which time I began to travel the country, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom before my move to San Francisco in 1976. Sonoma County caught my eye back then but I didn't get here until nine years ago.
WTP: What's your educational background? SB: After I finished High School on my own, ( in high school and junior high I was always in band holding first chair, being drum major and student conductor for concerts), and got my degree the first place I took some classes was at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. There used to be more people willing to work you in as an apprentice so I jumped at the offer with a great photogrpher friend of mine and started to learn modeling, photography and darkroom techniques. Later I went to Milwaukee Technical College for photo and design. Then even later I did internet writing classes from Berkeley and got my AA Degree In Communications from Cosumnes River College. All during this time I was studying music in numerous ways through private teachers on guitar and voice and I went to wonderfulplaces like Family Light Music Camps. The people that I have worked with in music have taught me so much and been so generous with their teachings. My life is blessed in this way.
WTP: When did you move back to Sonoma County? SB: IN 1996 I finally realized this is where I wanted to be. It had stayed in my mind ever since I took that first motorcycle ride up here in 1977.
WTP: How's your love life? SB: Hot! My sweetheart, Annie and I are very much in love and lust. She is very supportive and my biggest fan. We have a lot in common and enough differences to make it interesting. We discovered that we have crossed paths many times in both of our lives and never met until about three and a half years ago. She brings many wonderful gifts into my life through her love for me, the intimacy, companionship, fun, compassion, a relationship with her son Steven and lots of those very special moments that are undescribable.
WTP: Where will you be in five years? SB: There will be three or four new CDs of my music that will inspire touring, songwriting with others and other musicians recording my songs. My music associate, Jan, and I singing our hearts out. bell the cat/SunBell Music will increasingly have music played on the "Radio Wo Wo". Prolific songwriting will continue to stream from me. Thrilling the audience and myself, giving my best whether for one person or thousands.
WTP: What keeps you centered? SB: Keeping life real with my honey, friends, my cat Honeysuckle, nature, working out at the pool, my spirituality that is a mixture of Native American, Dianic Goddess, Budhism, Earth honoring, honoring all my relations.
WTP: What keeps you jamming? SB: I started on stage at the age of three. From that time I remember the feeling I got after I sang a song and people liked it so they applauded. The act of singing itself was incredibly empowering let alone the applause. Then when I learned to play an instrument and sing it gave me what I needed to surviv no matter what. Music is very healing and uplifting. Also, beign so honored by the fact that people really do love my music keeps me jamming. It is the best thing for me, body, mind and spirit.
Sonoma West Times & News - Front Page Section B Discoveries (color photo & heading: bell the cat performs at Coffee Catz) and page B2 (B&W photo with caption: Jan Emerson and Sun Bell of "bell the cat" will be serving up sassy harmonies and rousing lead vocals...) & page B4
bell the cat - Let the music play and the light shine as local duo performs Songs From The Wild. Sun's award-winning songs recreate life experiences, encourage environmental awareness, humankindness, universal peace and respect for life...
Petaluma Post - CD Review - ..."Songs From The Wild" is dedicated to Bell's deceased feline friend, Ruby Emerald. It's a fresh, unassuming collection, and just plain fun to listen or dance to. As be;; says, "The more you hear the music, the more you love it."...
GoGirlsMusic.com - Annette Warner - CD Review - Inspiration comes from everywhere. And the more strange something is it seems the better I like it. I so totally dig a uniquely driven and talented muse and bell the cat delivers this quite nicely.
We The People - Robert Lawrence - Arts & Entertainment, Music Reviews 6/2005 "At first bell the cat scared me, but I grew to really appreciate them. I am convinced that singer/songwriter Sun Bell is the love child of Grace Slick and Nina Hagen. I'd love to hear her do a "White Rabbit". She has the combined power of Grace's throaty delivery and Hagen's sharp stabs. Ms. Bell, who hails from Ohio, but now has her claws settled in California, gathered together a group of noteworthy musical friends to help her unleash her debut. The band borrowed the name from one of Aesop's Fables. bell the cat's sound is deeply rooted in the 60's folk era and branches out with electric and eccentric limbs. The 14-track disc of compositions boils over with self-expression and thoughts of love in a troubled world. However, the message throughout is one of hope. As an independent release the quality is raw, but it is presented in a somewhat controlled and seemingly live setting. Bell has captured the feeling of a small coffeehouse gathering right through the last note. Though you will be drawn instantly to check out the two closing novelty cuts, "Wild Dykes On Bikes" and "Snuck Up ( the She Ate My Pie Song)", the whole collection is definately worth a spin and if anything, utterly fresh. - We The People

bell the cat's Debut CD, Songs From
The Wild - by jody jewdyke, Women's
Voices, Sonoma County CA 12/05 & 01/
06: "This music is great! The first time
I listened to it, I was up and dancing.
bell the cat's music is lively, fun and
energetic. For those of us who, like me
grew up with rock 'n' roll but can't
stomach the misogynist (woman hating)
lyrics of mainstream music anymore,
here is a great collection of songs. This
albumn feeds both the lesbian feminist part of me that is concerned for the well being of our communities and our planet, and that part of me that responds to great guitar riffs, good harmonies, and just plain old good music. There is a good mix of music on this albumn ranging from wonderful smoky blues, to high energy rock 'n' roll to passionate political songs about our precious world, as well as beaming pride about being Wild Dykes On Bikes. Here is a taste of what you will hear: 'From Never Ending Skies © SunBell Music 1992 - We've got these big wide oceans, Against never ending skies. Someone tell me why we let it all die? Will the human race be a disgrace?/ Got a brain in our head, A heart in our chest, Put them together should make, Compassion I guess. Can we leave behind, such an awful mess? / We gotta make some changes, We must rearrange. Use our mind, try to find, A working solution to bring resolution. End all the pain, Earth at peace.' Thank you Sun Bell for sharing your music. I hope to hear some of these great songs at the next womyn's dance! To find out more, including the great story about the band's name, where to find this wonderful CD, and when to see Sun Bell and bell the cat perform live, check out www.sunbellmusic.com. - Women' Voices

"Songs From The Wild", track 5, "To The Moon Alice' is the new theme song for Outbeat Radio's Shows on KRCB.org (FM91) every Sunday at 8 p.m. in Sonoma County, CA. Sun wrote new words that blend with a portion of the music to fit the show. - KRCB Radio

GREAT NEWS FROM BILLBOARD: "In recognition of having your song compositions, "To The Moon Alice", "Radio Wo Wo" and "TNT" among the Top entries of the 14/15th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest (A.B.W.S.C.). Only the highest quality songs make it to the top. This honor demonstrates the talent and dedication it takes to write a "Hit Song", this is an impressive feat." Jim Halsey, President and Mark Furnas, Director. (All on our CD, "Songs From The Wild" to win this honor from A.B.W.S.C.) - Billboard

...congratulations! Your submission was approved by our review committee this month. Only 20% of the submissions we receive are of the caliber we require for performing membership, so you are part of a select group of performers who can perform during Indiegrrl events. - Indiegrrl.com

Your performance was very much appreciated...The Goddess Temple Loves you! - Kat Decker & Julie Sage

Mind twisters, bell the cat, bring their unique songs and stories to Coffee Catz... - Russian River Monthly

At first bell the cat scared me, but I grew to really appreciate them. I am convinced that singer/songwriter Sun Bell is the love child of Grace Slick and Nina Hagen. I'd love to hear her do a "White Rabbit". She has the combined power of Grace's throaty delivery and Hagen's sharp stabs....bell the cat's sound is deeply rooted in the 60's folk era and branches out with electric and eccentric limbs. The 14-track disc of compositions boils over with self expression and thoughts of love in a troubled world. However, the message throughout is one of hope. As an independent relase the quality is raw, but it is presented in a somewhat controlled and seemingly live setting. Bell has captured the feeling of a small coffeehouse gathering, right through the last note.Though you will be drawn instantly to check out the two closing novelty cuts, "Wild Dykes On Bikes" and "Snuck Up (the She Ate My Pie Song)," the whole collection is definately worth a spin and if anything, utterly refreshing. - We The People - Robert Lawrence

Bell the Cat Runs Musically Wild Through Sonoma County
Robert Lawrence 18 Mar 2008
Cat Runs Musically Wild Through Sonoma County

Songs From The Wild
Bell The Cat
Sunbell Records.

At first Bell The Cat frightened me, but I quickly grew to appreciate their bold musical explorations. Sun Bell, Bell The Cat's front-woman and driving force, is a nationally recognized feminist who has his lived in Sonoma County for the past several years. The band performs often in the North Bay and has quite the faithful following.

I am convinced Sun Bell is the love child of Grace Slick and Nina Hagan. She delivers a combination of Slick's throaty delivery and Hagen's lyrical sharp stabs. I would love to hear Sun wrap her musical chops around 'White Rabbit.' Sun, aided by the talented band she gathered around her, is an engaging singer/songwriter.

For their name, the band borrowed the name of one of Aesop's Fables. Bell The Cat's sound is deeply rooted in 60s folk but branches out with electric and eccentric flair. The 14-track disc of unique compositions boils over with intimate self-expression and musings of love in this oh-so troubled world. However, the message throughout is one of hope.

The quality of the independent release is somewhat raw. It's as if the set was recorded live in one of the coffee houses where Bell The Cat connects with its fan base. In coffee houses all over the world such interaction between artists and audiences are what musical legends are made of. Bell captures that cozy gathering with every note.

Of keen interest are the discs novelty cuts: 'Wild Dykes on Bikes' and 'Snuck Up (The She Ate My Pie Song).' I wonder if she's referring to one of Sebastopol‰s famous Mom's Apple Pies. The entire collection of tunes is utterly fresh and certainly an impressive musical debut.

Songs From The Wild is available at www.cdbaby.com or by emailing Sun at sunbellmusic@sonic.net. Bell The Cat will release a new disc later this year. - We The People

Inspiration comes from everywhere.
And the more strnge something is it
seems the better I like it. I so totally
dig a uniquely driven and talented muse and
bell the cat delivers this quite nicely.
- GoGirlsMusic.com - by Annette Warner

"Songs From The Wild"
'bell the cat'
SunBellMusic.com

At first 'bell the cat' frightened me, but I quickly grew to appreciate their bold musical explorations. Sun Bell, 'bell the cat's' front-woman and driving force, is a nationally recognized feminist who has his lived in Sonoma County for the past several years. The band performs often in the North Bay and has quite the faithful following.

I am convinced Sun Bell is the love child of Grace Slick and Nina Hagan. She delivers a combination of Slick's throaty delivery and Hagen's lyrical sharp stabs. I would love to hear Sun wrap her musical chops around 'White Rabbit.' Sun, aided by the talented band she gathered around her, is an engaging singer/songwriter.

For their name, the band borrowed the name of one of Aesop's Fables. 'bell the cat's' sound is deeply rooted in 60s folk but branches out with electric and eccentric flair. The 14-track disc of unique compositions boils over with intimate self-expression and musings of love in this oh-so troubled world. However, the message throughout is one of hope.

The quality of the independent release is somewhat raw. It's as if the set was recorded live in one of the coffee houses where 'bell the cat' connects with its fan base. In coffee houses all over the world such interaction between artists and audiences are what musical legends are made of. Bell captures that cozy gathering with every note.

Of keen interest are the discs novelty cuts: 'Wild Dykes on Bikes' and 'Snuck Up (The She Ate My Pie Song).' I wonder if she's referring to one of Sebastopol's famous Mom's Apple Pies. The entire collection of tunes is utterly fresh and certainly an impressive musical debut.

Songs From The Wild is available at www.cdbaby.com or by emailing Sun at sun@sunbellmusic.com. 'bell the cat' will release a new disc later this year. - Robert Lawrence/GaySonoma.com