Thea Ennen

I sing and I write to make sense of my existance - my place in this world - in this body. Each song is a specific journey down a road that is either familiar or less traveled. . .they are my magic carpets to see again a memory or expectation. I use songs - their melodies and words - to guide me, like a rudder, through the waters of life. Sometimes I like to take a forgotten channel to the mouth of a secret lake.
I've performed on more small stages than big ones - though I've opened for some big acts - like Greg Brown, The Cowboy Junkies, Jay Ferrar's Sun Volt and Ellis Paul. . .shared stages with greats like Tish Hinajosa, Iris Dement, and John Hammond. Lots of people say my music is optimistic yet haunting. One reviewer said the songs have a "rough - hewn fragile elegance" - I like that. CMJ reviewed one of my albums and said it was ". . .one of the most beautiful albums we've heard in quite awhile".
I'm from the Northland - winters are long and cold here. Lyrically - I'm influenced by the landscape and the seasons as much as by life's circumstances. I've gotten vocal and stylistic comparisons over the years to Carole King, Jennifer Warnes, Gillian Welch, Enya - and once - Janis Joplin. The songs are piano driven mainly - musicians that perform and record with me are often country and bluegrass experts - fiddle, mandolin, guitar and pedal steel players.
My artistic influences are broad - Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, and Neil Young, and local and legendary bluesman - Willie Murhpy, plus - bluegrassers of all shapes and sizes, all of Motown, old country-rock groups like Marshall Tucker and the Flying Burrito Brothers. . .it's hard to stop.
I've recorded and performed my songs with great musicians from the midwest like Willie Murphy, Razz Russell, Eric Heywood, Dave Peterson and Jim Price, also some Prairie Home Companion regulars - Joe Savage and Butch Thompson, and grammy nominee - Peter Phippen . . .and lots of lesser knowns worth big accolades. I just finished a new CD called "Coal Creek", so I plan to hit the road in late fall with it.
I've never had a manager or booking agent - so far I've just moved along as I can through these waters of gigging and putting the songs out there. I'd like to pick up the pace.