Rachel McCartney
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States | SELF
Music
Press
It was a relaxed setting and she performed spectacularly. Her songs were very physical and cinematic, showing the power of a Sinead Lohan fused with some stately, melodic echoes of Neil Young. McCartney honed her skills by playing in Boston subways, but she's ready to ascend to bigger stages now. Someone should sign this artist quickly. - Steve Morse
Rich with texture and great new songs, Rachel McCartney is one of the most impressive singer/songwriters today. - Matt Smith
Rachel's voice may be one of the most perfect manifestations of heaven any of us are ever likely to experience in this humble earthly domain. - Ellis Paul
Discography
Throwing Rocks With A Smile (1996)
In Memory of Lightning (1999)
Eye On the Horizon (2001)
Interim (2002)
"Interim" receives significant airplay on WERS Boston and is also aired on radio stations in Hartford, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Madison, Chicago and Albany. Outside of this region, the album also airs on independent radio stations in Hawaii, Brazil, UK, Spain, Italy and The Netherlands.
"Eye On the Horizon" has three tracks that are in a newly released independent film "The Bread My Sweet." Rachel also makes a cameo appearance as a street musician in the film.
Photos
Bio
RACHEL MCCARTNEY has toured U.S. blues/folk venues since 1994 gracing audiences from Boston to Atlanta and back again.
Aside from busking in the Boston subways, McCartney's favorite stages include the Somerville Theatre, The Paradise Lounge, Toad, and historic Club Passim. At Passim, in addition to her own packed headline performances, McCartney's opened for well known artists such as Ellis Paul and Willy Porter, and has been featured in the Cutting Edge Campfire Festivals.
Before returning to her home town of Gloucester in 2001, McCartney was a local favorite at Pittsburgh venues, opening shows for Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, David Gray, Susan Werner, John Gorka and Christine Lavin. Her solo billing has repeatedly filled popular venues including The Quiet Storm and The Club Cafe and her Pennsylvania following continues to grow.
Songs from McCartney's album Eye On the Horizon (2001) are featured in Who Knew Productions' award-winning independent film The Bread, My Sweet. Her back up vocals and banjo can also be heard on Brian Webb's album entitled Broken Folk released in June 2002. Her backup vocals are also heard on Ellis Paul's record.
McCartney's soaring voice is unmistakable, and her presence strongly felt. Respected among her peers, McCartney enjoys collaborating with other accomplished artists. Some of her favorite musical influences are also her friends. You might catch her gigging with the likes of Rose Polenzani, Anne Heaton, Brian Webb, Teddy Goldstein, Edie Carey, Meg Hutchinson, and Pamela Means. Recently, she's also opened shows for Peter Mulvey and Melissa Ferrick.
Her most recent album "Interim" was released in mid-August 2002. A collection of home and live recordings on a shoe-string budget, the album has sold over 2,500 copies in CD format, and 500 in digital download format (since 2004).
McCartney is currently working on her next studio album, anticipated to be released in 2006.
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