Bentley Circle by Clare Muldaur

She started writing songs and won a scholarship to the summer program at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. It was here, at age 17,that she realized there was no turning back - she had to pursue music professionally. After high school, Clare returned to Berklee, where she studied jazz arranging and composition. She started her first band, which played around the east coast.

Clare recently moved to New York from LA where she co produced her first CD "Sweetheart" with Paul du Gre, featuring some heavy-hitters: Greg Leisz on pedal steel (of Joni Mitchell & Willie Nelson fame), Danny McGough on keys (from Tom Waits's band) David Jackson (upright bassist with Jennifer Warnes and Peter Case) Lionel Loueke (T. Blanchard and Herbie Hancock) and the sounds of Olivier Manchon's violin flowing through most of the tracks.

"Emotional Lab Toy," from "Sweetheart" is featured in the film "American Psycho 2," available on video now. She recently had her song "Sorry" placed in the upcoming feature "Extreme Dating." Another one of her songs, "Bus To You," is on an Epic Records compilation, sung and creatively arranged by her for a small ensemble of clarinets and strings with a rhythm section. The compilation is available in stores. Clare also contributed to a compilation of Mississippi John Hurt songs with sister Jenni and Geoff. You can also find her voice frequently on Mark Insley's release "Tucson" (Rustic Records) and on his following record "Supermodel", in stores now. Clare opened for Melissa Etheridge on the side stage at two venues in the summer of 2002. Also, she is featured singing a song, "At The Christmas Ball,"on her father's album, "Password."

Geoff Muldaur's new album "Private Astronomy" a vision of the music of Bix Beiderbecke is now out and Clare and sister Jenni sing with Martha Wainwright to back-up Loudon Wainwright on "Bless You Sister"- out on Universal records.

Clare release her second album "Bentley Circle" in July of 2003. It features Olivier Manchon, Stevie Gurr and Lionel Loueke. This record is more acoustic and the songwriting is at the highest level. "Bentley Circle" will be released in Japan soon. Clare's live shows are a hybrid of "Sweetheart" material and "Bentley Circle" material. She has recently opened for Chris Smither and Richard Shindell.

Clare's CD "Bentley Circle" with be coming out on Pixies Productions in Japan in March.

Clare is quickly emerging as a refreshing new talent. The youthful character of her voice has an interesting blend of angelic delicacy coupled with a playful quality. Some of her songs have a trace of Billie Holiday, some bring to mind a sweet lullaby, some have frenchness weaving through them, and some are as catchy as they come... So, fill up your glass with some lemonade and whiskey, kick back on the porch and put on a Clare Muldaur CD.

Also available at CD Baby is Olivier Manchon's new record "En Route...", so be sure to pick that up as well.

Music: Clare Muldaur's Sound Sweetens With Time

The Martha's Vineyard Times 1/1/03

By Julian Wise

The title of Clare Muldaur's second CD, "Bentley Circle," refers to the street she lived on while residing in Los Angeles. Her debut disc, "Sweetheart" was an eclectic collection of songs performed with a full band. "Bentley Circle" has a simpler, stripped-down sound centering around vocals, violins, and acoustic guitars. Paradoxically, the spare sound pulls forth a surprising richness from the songs and makes "Bentley Circle" a graceful, mature recording.

The interplay of acoustic guitars and vocals highlights Ms. Muldaur's unique voice. Her singing calls forth shimmering, dulcet-sweet tones that find a careful balance between sharpness and softness. On the opening track, "Love Can Be A Crime," she sings, "I moved too soon/I'm like the moon/ 'cause nights seem long/ in a head like mine/knowing love can be a crime." "Knowing," with its mix of male/female harmonies, acoustic strumming and high-note plucking, suggests Lindsey Buckinham paired with Ricky Lee Jones. "Apple Pie" and "Not On Valentine's Day," are candy-coated original songs that have the feel of vintage standards. "Living In The Past" is a gentle ballad that has Ms. Muldaur musing, "My jeans don't seem to fit the way they used to." The album closes with a rendition of Duke Ellington's "Prelude To A Kiss."

Ms. Muldaur's voice is supported by fine musicianship. Her husband, Olivier Manchon, plays violin, melodica, guitar and piano with deft sophistication. Lionel Louke and Steve Gurr's guitar playing is precise and tasteful.

Ms. Muldaur is developing international recognition; she has record distribution in Japan and is working with a promoter to arrange a tour there. She is in discussion with distributors in Holland as well. Local fans won't need to travel overseas to see her, however: next August she will perform at the Tabernacle with her father, musician Geoff Muldaur. "Bentley Circle" is available at Aboveground Records and online at www.claremuldaur.com. If you enjoy graceful, lyrical songwriting, Bentley Circle is a musical avenue you'll want to visit.

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