Another Way by Heather Murphy

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Heather's exploration of songwriting has been a natural evolution. She was born into a musical family - singing along while her dad played folk tunes on the guitar and absorbing harmonies at the music parties in her home state of Ohio. During those early years, Heather learned the guitar by playing and singing the songs of Cat Stevens, John Denver, CSNY, Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, and others. She continued to be inspired by artists such as The Indigo Girls, Melissa Ethridge, Michelle Shocked, Ani Di Franco, Emmy Lou Harris, Dar Williams, Iris Dement and Catie Curtis. In 1994, after moving to Minnesota, Heather put down her guitar vowing not play again until she had written her own songs. After a year of soul searching and spiritual growth, she produced her first song and has never looked back. A move to the mountains of Northern California and then to the coast of Washington State further fueled her inspiration.

Since returning to Minnesota in 1998, Heather has continued to write and share her songs with audiences at various venues in the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest. Her 14-song solo debut CD, Another Way, was independently released in January of 2002 and skillfully showcases her gifts as a singer-songwriter with powerful insight and soaring vocals. Backed by her own earthy, rhythmic, acoustic guitar playing, Murphy's songs are further enhanced on this CD by a talented group of Twin Cities musicians on mandolin, violin/viola, pedal steel guitar, piccolo, harmonica and more.

Quotes about Heather's music:

"Her enchantingly lovely voice delivers a message of community ... a community I would like to live in!"

~ John Gronquist, Urban Folk Show, KFAI-FM radio

"Heather's songs are magic, and they have a crystal-clear quality that can take your breath away. She can take an everyday thought or feeling and show it to us in a fresher, clearer way, and the world just looks better for it. And Heather sings those songs with a voice that is as crisp and soaring as you would ever need to hear. Her songs are wonderful gifts wrapped in attractive packages."

~ David Hanners, journalist and winner of the Minnesota Folk Festival 'New Folk' songwriting competition.

"... and she should be confident, I've heard this girl sing, and she is s-m-o-o-t-h."

~ Atta Girl!, The Minnesota Women's Press

"There are two things that those who hear Heather Murphy's music express words of praise on right away: her voice and her lyrics. Her voice's gentle beauty is a perfect match for her heartfelt songs about relationships, inner peace and the sweetness of life despite its ups and downs. Those who have been waiting for this CD won't be disappointed."

~ Wendy Vickers, Music Critic

"She sings powerfully with a sweet and discernable voice ... [s]he is preaching a message that is easily heard because her voice is true and her manner is comfortable and sure."

~ David Keiski, City's TONE

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