Maggie Walters

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Maggie Walters
‘Maggie Walters’ (Self-released)

Four Stars

New Austinite Maggie Walters possesses that great combination of searching for who she is as a person, but knowing exactly what she wants as an artist. The result is a stunning debut album that resists showoff urges — vocals blend into the soundscape and wordplay stops short of cuteness — while ultimately making the listener gasp "wow!"
The simmer of unobtrusiveness extends to a cast of top-flight local musicians, among them Chris Searles, Bukka Allen, Scrappy Jud Newcomb and Brian Standefer, more keen on texturizing Walters' often biting sentiments than flexing virtuosity.
On first listen, the list of comparable artists includes Sheryl Crow, Liz Phair and a host of wispy warblers named Kacy, Macy and Lacy. But Walters establishes her turf as somewhere out in left field with the Stax groove of "The Other Spin," the eerie rhythmic ache of "Fingerprints" and the punch drummer Searles gives to the singer-songwriter gut of "Sundays." This album, which climaxes with the celebration of uncertainty on "Shades of Gray," overflows with an attitude that self-expression is only the car; it ain't the open road. This 24-year-old from Kansas roars down the interstate with the top down on a journey just begun.
--Michael Corcoran
(Maggie Walters plays Jan. 25 at the Cactus Cafe.)

- The Austin American Statesman - Michael Corcoran

Sometimes a debut album sings from the first notes: "Listen up! A star just might be born here." And Austin newcomer Maggie Walters not only knows that tune but is singing and writing it for herself. Hailing from Kansas via Chicago, she arrived in Texas two years ago to prove how genuine talent seeks its own level. With some of the capital City's top musicians, Walters cut this exquisitely arranged set on which the impact of just a few players per song feels bigger than the sum of its parts. Mining a vein somewhere between Kate Bush and fellow Austin thrush Patty Griffin- but with a supple voice all her own- she seduces the listener with alluring songs like the mesmerizing opener "Fingerprints" and the echoing folk-rock tango "Ann Marie Explained it All." They all play like friendly whispers in the ear and suggest that this talents level could well be up where the stars shine. - Texas Music Magazine Rob Patterson:

" ..Kelly Willis as an indie diva? Maggie Walters' bedroom voice sounded equally pure and pleasing on her self-titled local debut, written entirely - to good effect - by the scenenewcomer. Slip her on for size."

The Austin Chronicle
"...breathless yet bold.....well-worn territory plays fresh thanks to Walters' way with words.."

- The Austin Chronicle

As any reviewer will tell you, as good as some CDs are, there are just a few of them that keep coming back to their player. “Midwestern Hurricane” by Austin-based singer/songwriter MAGGIE WALTERS seems to be one of those for me.. Each song has its own sound while running into the next. Some of my fave cuts include the aforementioned “Fingerprints”, “Ann Marie”, “Under the Table”, “Sundays”, all of which are iPod worthy. Maggie’s vocals are gentle without being whispery, strong without being “loud”, and oozing with subtlety, yet remaining accessible. - Jersey Beat Magazine

Maggie Walters presents blues-influenced Americana and alt-country with a vocal style reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt and Natalie Merchant, and the phrasing of Patti Griffin. Her musical base is strong and complex. Her most commercial songs are “Be Careful Love” and “Fingerprints.”

Musicianship: Walters is outstanding on both electric and acoustic guitar, while her rich vocals permeate her songs with life. Everhart, taking a break from his duties with Black Summer Crush, is noteworthy on both stand-up and electric bass. Allen, a regular drummer for both Keaton Simons and Tyler Hilton, lays down an equally strong percussion groove. Everhart and Allen create a smooth foundation for Walters.

Performance: Her music spoke volumes, especially the strong and upbeat “Be Careful Love,” which brought together the best combination of music and vocals. Walters displayed her versatility in segueing from electric to acoustic guitars, using the time to introduce her band. She also provided excellent ocean sounds for the intro of “Captain.” Her breathy vocals and low register were especially effective on her closing song, “Fingerprints.”

- Bob Legget