esther
Singer-songwriter esther is one of the featured artists on the aclaimed RESPOND CD. Her song, "Moon Over the Water," has received widespread airplay on radio stations across the country. She was a showcase artist at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance and one of the RESPOND artists chosen to play in a First Night Boston Showcase. She released her debut album, EVE'S LAMENT, in 2001 on Thunder Pumpkin Records, and it received enthusiastic reviews from the local press.
Though Boston-based, esther is a midwestern transplant. Born in Madison, Wisconsin where she spent her formative years, she was influenced by the numerous art fairs on the University of Wisconsin campus (where Dad worked) and the many concerts, dance performances, and theater productions she attended with Mom.
"We had a real VW Beetle. Mom and I spent a lot of time going from ballet class to the bookstore or the latest art fair or orchestra concert. I also remember singing in the car with Mom. I liked to do harmonies."
She studied violin and ballet by daylight and everything from the Clancy Brothers to Bruce Springsteen after midnight.
"My parents had an extensive record collection ranging from Stravinsky to the Beatles. I would listen for hours. Then, when I was 7, we spent a year living in London and traveling through Europe. I think the buskers caught my romantic notions and I fell in love with acoustic music."
She originally moved to Boston in 1990 to get her master's degree in expressive therapy. But soon she was swept up by the burgeoning acoustic scene and she found herself steeped in the world of Boston singer-songwriters.
"The songwriting world kind of chose me. It's a tough business, and believe me, I've come up with every excuse to quit. But as soon as I convince myself to throw in the towel for good, the magic of the songwriting process takes over and I am enthralled. I could be listening to Tom Waits and discovering a new favorite, or I could be co-writing with my friend Janet and experiencing the joy of collaborative creativity, or I could be waking in the morning with the original songs that soundtracked my dreams still running through my psyche. For me, there is really nothing like artistic inspiration."
Her finely crafted songs, clear voice, and sharp guitar work make her a favorite with audiences.
esther has recently completed her long-awaited debut CD, EVE'S LAMENT. Produced by John Sonntag, guest artists include cellist Michelle Kinney, violinist Demi Bonet, and Atlantic recording artist Bob Harris (named "greatest guitarist in the world" by Guitar Player Magazine).
Honest and vunerable, esther invites us to laugh, with keen insight into quirky funny life situations, and to have compassion for the saddest onces. She nimbly walks the thin line between personal, confessional songs and whiat is universally human.
"The title cut of my record, 'Eve's Lament,' came out of years of mulling over the dilemma of Adam and Eve. I just didn't get what was wrong with the pursuit of knowledge! Wasn't Eve framed? Now she's responsible for all the ills of the world? It's funny how many women I know feel guilty over something as innocuous as having a loud voice."
esther has shared stages with Les Sampou, Pamela Means, Faith Soloway, Laurie Geltman, Kris Delmhorst, Jenny Reynolds, Colleen Sexton, and Kevin So among others.
Recent Venues
Johhny D's (Somerville, MA)
Club Passim (Cambridge, MA)
Kirkland Cafe (Somerville, MA)
Mary Baker Eddy Library (Boston, MA)
Best of Boston Showcase (Hopkinton, MA)
First Night Boston
The Prodigal Son (Hyannis, MA)