Brigitte DeMeyer

San Francisco singer and songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer’s brand of Americana is gritty and direct, even as her sweetly soulful voice keeps Red River Flower as lovely as it is cutting. Much of the aforementioned grit comes from Buddy Miller, whose stinging stabs of electric guitar offer apt punctuation for the more intense emotions explored. Some of Flower’s most arresting songs are those that touch on spirituality, like the opening “Looking for Moses” and the pleading “Shepherd,” but Brigitte is just as convincing when tearing into the lover’s lament “Wicked to Win” or the abstract New Orleans strut of “Justice.” http://www.countryweekly.com/brigitte_demeyer/reviews/631 - Country Weekly-APRIL 13, 2009

San Francisco singer and songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer’s brand of Americana is gritty and direct, even as her sweetly soulful voice keeps Red River Flower as lovely as it is cutting. Much of the aforementioned grit comes from Buddy Miller, whose stinging stabs of electric guitar offer apt punctuation for the more intense emotions explored. Some of Flower’s most arresting songs are those that touch on spirituality, like the opening “Looking for Moses” and the pleading “Shepherd,” but Brigitte is just as convincing when tearing into the lover’s lament “Wicked to Win” or the abstract New Orleans strut of “Justice.” http://www.countryweekly.com/brigitte_demeyer/reviews/631 - Country Weekly-APRIL 13, 2009

Although Brigitte DeMeyer comes from the Bay Area, her music radiates with the sounds of the south. Red River Flower, the follow-up to her acclaimed 2005 disc Something Ater All, benefits from being recorded in Nashville with such ace sidemen as Buddy Miller, Mike Henderson, Al Perkins, Phil Madeira and Brady Blade (who again serves as her producer).

Despite all of those high-powered players, it's DeMeyer's own artistry that shines through. With an earthy, soulful voice, she comes off something like Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer's unknown sister, or perhaps like Sheryl Crow if she had stayed on the club circuit. DeMeyer covers much Americana territory, from beautiful spare ballads ("A Moment's Refugee" and "Bird") to foot-stomping country rave-ups ("Without You"), and even an excursion into twangy jazz ("When I'm Gone").
But she is at her finest when she delves into country soul. The sublime opening track, "Looking For Moses", is a sultry, finger-popping number that suggests a lost Stax gem. Blade, who played drums as well as produced (his drumming credits include Emmylou Harris' Spyboy band), helps to build wonderfully rootsy grooves on "Wicked To Win" and "Justice".

All of DeMeyer's Americana elements really coalesce on "Shepherd", a stirring gospel-fueled tune elevated by some nimble guitar picking. "Shepherd" also is one of several tunes touching on sin and salvation.

http://www.nodepression.com/articles.aspx?id=5394

- NO DEPRESSION.COM-MARCH 2009

Although Brigitte DeMeyer comes from the Bay Area, her music radiates with the sounds of the south. Red River Flower, the follow-up to her acclaimed 2005 disc Something Ater All, benefits from being recorded in Nashville with such ace sidemen as Buddy Miller, Mike Henderson, Al Perkins, Phil Madeira and Brady Blade (who again serves as her producer).

Despite all of those high-powered players, it's DeMeyer's own artistry that shines through. With an earthy, soulful voice, she comes off something like Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer's unknown sister, or perhaps like Sheryl Crow if she had stayed on the club circuit. DeMeyer covers much Americana territory, from beautiful spare ballads ("A Moment's Refugee" and "Bird") to foot-stomping country rave-ups ("Without You"), and even an excursion into twangy jazz ("When I'm Gone").
But she is at her finest when she delves into country soul. The sublime opening track, "Looking For Moses", is a sultry, finger-popping number that suggests a lost Stax gem. Blade, who played drums as well as produced (his drumming credits include Emmylou Harris' Spyboy band), helps to build wonderfully rootsy grooves on "Wicked To Win" and "Justice".

All of DeMeyer's Americana elements really coalesce on "Shepherd", a stirring gospel-fueled tune elevated by some nimble guitar picking. "Shepherd" also is one of several tunes touching on sin and salvation.

http://www.nodepression.com/articles.aspx?id=5394

- NO DEPRESSION.COM-MARCH 2009

Brigitte DeMeyer is a member of an elite group of performers -white (blonde,even!) women who truly sing with soul. Although beautiful women with weak vocals are too often packaged as singers, this one is good at what she does. One listen to Red River Flower will convince even the most sexist critic of DeMeyer's musical talent. Twelve of the 13 songs on Red River Flower are originals, the exception being penned by Phil Madeira who plays keys on the album. Her songs draw from an eclectic musical palette. Some, like the opening tune "Looking for Moses", display and R&B/gospel influence. Others, including "Without You" demonstrate her rockabilly flair. The slow ballad, "Bird", resonates with the bluesy old time coutnry feeling of Loretta LYnn or Rosanne Cash. If one must label DeMeyer's music, it could be called "blue-eyed country soul". She uses more blue notes and R&B inflections than most country or folk singers. Her strong lead vocals ahve a wonderful fluidity. Her strong flexible voice can effortlessly bend notes with honey-coated creativity.The arrangements lean to the spare, so the vocals and raw strength of her songs shine. - VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE-APRIL 2009

Brigitte DeMeyer is a member of an elite group of performers -white (blonde,even!) women who truly sing with soul. Although beautiful women with weak vocals are too often packaged as singers, this one is good at what she does. One listen to Red River Flower will convince even the most sexist critic of DeMeyer's musical talent. Twelve of the 13 songs on Red River Flower are originals, the exception being penned by Phil Madeira who plays keys on the album. Her songs draw from an eclectic musical palette. Some, like the opening tune "Looking for Moses", display and R&B/gospel influence. Others, including "Without You" demonstrate her rockabilly flair. The slow ballad, "Bird", resonates with the bluesy old time coutnry feeling of Loretta LYnn or Rosanne Cash. If one must label DeMeyer's music, it could be called "blue-eyed country soul". She uses more blue notes and R&B inflections than most country or folk singers. Her strong lead vocals ahve a wonderful fluidity. Her strong flexible voice can effortlessly bend notes with honey-coated creativity.The arrangements lean to the spare, so the vocals and raw strength of her songs shine. - VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE-APRIL 2009

On the Radar: Brigitte DeMeyer-Red River Flower

I caught DeMeyer at the Basement in Nashville a couple of months ago, and she certainly impressed the crowd with her sweet yet dark-leaning Americana/roots set and her stellar band—drummer/producer Brady Blade, legendary steel guitar and dobro player Al Perkins, bassist Chris Donohue, keys player Phil Madeira and guitarist Mike Henderson—all of whom are part of the elite fraternity of musicians who play with Emmylou Harris. DeMeyer's Red River Flower is a potent and pleasant self-released album from the former Bay area singer-songwriter. Standout tracks like "Looking for Moses," "Wicked to Win" and "Shepherd" are marked by the emotional singing and heartfelt songwriting that prove why DeMeyer is well worthy of the impressive company she keeps.

- PERFORMING SONGWRITER-FEBRUARY 2009

BRIGITTE DEMEYER

Red River Flower

BrigItte DeMeyer

Red River Flower crackles with effervescent energy from the first finger-popping notes of the opener, "Looking for Moses," on through the set. It feels right from the get-go. If I had any doubts, the second song, "Without You," instantly erased them. This one's a rocker propelled by Buddy Miller's second voice and his sinuous guitar. From there on the album is a case of let 'her rip and dig the ride.

Drummer Brady Blade returns as producer (he helmed Brigitte's previous set Something After All). If you detect a sonic resemblance to Emmylou's Spyboy band, well, that is no coincidence. Blade was that band's drummer, and Miller, too, is a Spyboy alum. Nashville's superb honky-tonk guitarist, guitarist/keyboardist Phil Madeira, steel player AI Perkins and bassist Chris Donahue flesh out the band.

Brigitte's 12 originals here are all products of her strong songcraft. Ache runs through much of the album. "Moses" and "Without You," along with the gentle songs "Bird" and "All You've Got to Lose," all speak to aspects of ache. "Shepherd" and "A Moment's Refuge" are meditations on the search for a soul's solace, which, upon reflection, is yet another side of ache.

But don't make the mistake of gathering that Brigitte DeMeyer's Red River Flower is a woolgathering singer-songwriter album. Brigitte's joy in making music illuminates the CD, as it seems to inspire everyone and everything on Red River Flower. Really strong performances throughout elevate the songs.

Red River Flower is Brigitte DeMeyer's fourth album, her best yet. She is an artist with a clear vision of herself and her art. And a terrific singer and song maker.--MT

COPYRIGHT 2009 Sing Out Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2009 Gale, Cengage Learning - SING OUT MAGAZINE

On the Radar: Brigitte DeMeyer-Red River Flower

I caught DeMeyer at the Basement in Nashville a couple of months ago, and she certainly impressed the crowd with her sweet yet dark-leaning Americana/roots set and her stellar band—drummer/producer Brady Blade, legendary steel guitar and dobro player Al Perkins, bassist Chris Donohue, keys player Phil Madeira and guitarist Mike Henderson—all of whom are part of the elite fraternity of musicians who play with Emmylou Harris. DeMeyer's Red River Flower is a potent and pleasant self-released album from the former Bay area singer-songwriter. Standout tracks like "Looking for Moses," "Wicked to Win" and "Shepherd" are marked by the emotional singing and heartfelt songwriting that prove why DeMeyer is well worthy of the impressive company she keeps.

- PERFORMING SONGWRITER-FEBRUARY 2009

Brigitte DeMeyer
RED RIVER FLOWER
Five Stars

"Truly inspiring fourth album from the gospel goddess of the country and bluegrass scene".

Brigitte DeMeyer has earned herself the reputation as being one of the hardest working singer-songwriters of the moment. She has been on the circuit for some time now and just gets better with each release. This latest album is a testament to her incredible songwriting ability and her musicianship. With her mix of bluegrass and gospel style vocals Brigitte provides us with a new vision for country music.

Her band consists of some of the greatest musicians on the scene including Buddy Miller on backing vocals and guitar, Al Perkins on pedal steel, lap steel and Dobro, Chris Donohue on upright and electric bass and album producer Brady Blade on drums. They blend together with her perfectly as if they were pieces of a jigsaw.

When the first day of spring dawns and it feels like the first time in ages that you have really smelt the air, with freshness blended with the fragrance of the newly opened flowers. That is what listening to this record feels like. It is fresh and new sounding but giving you something different by having an old soul personality to it, giving it grace and beauty. It pays tribute to all that is great in country music.

Brigitte DeMeyer as a songwriter is very much in tune with her emotions. She can write upbeat and to the point lyrics but she has the great ability of being able to switch how she writes to show her feelings. Having the talent of being able to write beautiful descriptive tales is not one that is going to go unnoticed in the music world.

Shepherd is a breathtaking song about trying to do the right thing and finding your way. Brigitte's strong empowering vocals are full of hope and wisdom backed by great harmonies and melody. Without You takes you on an upbeat lively honky-tonk ride where you ask yourself the same questions over and over again about why things just aren't working out. Brigitte's catchy lyrics and her backing band make this one of the best songs on the record.

Looking For Moses is full of soul, blended with finger snaps, organ and Brigitte's sublime vocals mixed with great guitar solos. This track shows her diversity and really makes her stand out from the crowd.

Bird blends Al Perkins legendary pedal steel playing with Brigitte's honest heart warming vocals and her beautiful understated lyrics taking you on a dazzling emotional journey.
Sweet Lady Rosa pays tribute to the Hot Band and Johnny Cash, again with great lyrics and the band sounding like they are having a great time.

Meant for Mine and An Old Song are such intimate tales that show us what an amazing songwriter Brigitte is through how she sees what is going on in her world and how real she is about it all. Both are breathtaking and beautiful songs, very much in the vein of Emmylou Harris and Nancy Griffith.

Brigitte vocally is incredibly interesting because she has an amazing voice and knows how to use it in different ways, which suits the way she writes. She knows when to be strong and forthcoming and when to be understated and sensitive. She is very gifted by having this vocal talent combined with her wonderful song writing.

RED RIVER FLOWER is one of the best records by a female singer songwriter for sometime. A truly beautiful and well-crafted record - one to be loved and treasured. - Maverick Magazine-April 2009

Brigitte DeMeyer
RED RIVER FLOWER
Five Stars

"Truly inspiring fourth album from the gospel goddess of the country and bluegrass scene".

Brigitte DeMeyer has earned herself the reputation as being one of the hardest working singer-songwriters of the moment. She has been on the circuit for some time now and just gets better with each release. This latest album is a testament to her incredible songwriting ability and her musicianship. With her mix of bluegrass and gospel style vocals Brigitte provides us with a new vision for country music.

Her band consists of some of the greatest musicians on the scene including Buddy Miller on backing vocals and guitar, Al Perkins on pedal steel, lap steel and Dobro, Chris Donohue on upright and electric bass and album producer Brady Blade on drums. They blend together with her perfectly as if they were pieces of a jigsaw.

When the first day of spring dawns and it feels like the first time in ages that you have really smelt the air, with freshness blended with the fragrance of the newly opened flowers. That is what listening to this record feels like. It is fresh and new sounding but giving you something different by having an old soul personality to it, giving it grace and beauty. It pays tribute to all that is great in country music.

Brigitte DeMeyer as a songwriter is very much in tune with her emotions. She can write upbeat and to the point lyrics but she has the great ability of being able to switch how she writes to show her feelings. Having the talent of being able to write beautiful descriptive tales is not one that is going to go unnoticed in the music world.

Shepherd is a breathtaking song about trying to do the right thing and finding your way. Brigitte's strong empowering vocals are full of hope and wisdom backed by great harmonies and melody. Without You takes you on an upbeat lively honky-tonk ride where you ask yourself the same questions over and over again about why things just aren't working out. Brigitte's catchy lyrics and her backing band make this one of the best songs on the record.

Looking For Moses is full of soul, blended with finger snaps, organ and Brigitte's sublime vocals mixed with great guitar solos. This track shows her diversity and really makes her stand out from the crowd.

Bird blends Al Perkins legendary pedal steel playing with Brigitte's honest heart warming vocals and her beautiful understated lyrics taking you on a dazzling emotional journey.
Sweet Lady Rosa pays tribute to the Hot Band and Johnny Cash, again with great lyrics and the band sounding like they are having a great time.

Meant for Mine and An Old Song are such intimate tales that show us what an amazing songwriter Brigitte is through how she sees what is going on in her world and how real she is about it all. Both are breathtaking and beautiful songs, very much in the vein of Emmylou Harris and Nancy Griffith.

Brigitte vocally is incredibly interesting because she has an amazing voice and knows how to use it in different ways, which suits the way she writes. She knows when to be strong and forthcoming and when to be understated and sensitive. She is very gifted by having this vocal talent combined with her wonderful song writing.

RED RIVER FLOWER is one of the best records by a female singer songwriter for sometime. A truly beautiful and well-crafted record - one to be loved and treasured. - Maverick Magazine-April 2009