chatter:   what people are saying about Audrey   Audrey's review in the New Bernal Journal chatter from Audrey's press kit New Bernal Journal, April/May 2003, Volume 40, Number 2 Local Profile: Audrey Howard by Paul Welch Local Rockstar: Audrey Howard is best known to loyal patrons of Wild Side West, as a bartender with an easy laugh and a sympathetic ear. She is also a talented musician who has been garnering recognition in the local scene. She has already released two full length albums, "Mischief" (2000), a solo project, and "Phase" (2001), with her then-current band Strumpet. I caught her show at the Bazaar Cafe on March 5th, where she was performing in the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender Song Writer's Festival. She performed solo, with just her acoustic guitar, and the effect was powerful. Audrey has a disarming stage presence; she often appears slightly shy and has a way of using humor to put the audience (and herself it seems) at ease. But as soon as the power cords start blaring, all that changes, and Audrey becomes a force in her own element. Her voice was strong and emotionally charged, filling up the intimate venue. Her songs ranged from the political ("Chatter", about opting out of media bombardment) to the personal "So, You're in Love" (in the best tradition of the genre). Says Howard, "I love performing. I love sharing my passion with an audience and losing myself in the moment. I always enjoy catching the audience off-guard and totally rocking their worlds." I encourage anyone with a love of straightforward, heartfelt music to go see Audrey Howard and get their world rocked. Audrey currently performs both with her rock band and as a solo artist. She is recording a full-length album of new material, to be released in spring 2003. top From Audrey's press kit: Equal parts Liz Phair, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Buckley, Audrey performs compelling indie rock. She colors her tunes with broad strokes of jazz, punk, and funky breakdowns. Audrey sings with a soulful voice often compared to Chrissy Hynde's. On-stage, she engages her audience with humor and plenty of personality.   "Audrey has a beautiful voice. She rocks like Chrissy Hynde and is melodic like Natalie Merchant." -- Laura Chandler, record producer   "Audrey Howard is a great performer, one of my favorites! Combining solid song writing, great guitar playing, humor, soul and lyrical depth with consistently edgy, sexy live shows... she rocks!" -- Jazz/Rock/Studio guitarist André Bush, international touring and recording artist, educator, Guitar Player magazine contributor, author of "Modern Jazz Guitar Styles" coming soon from Mel Bay.   full press kit pdf top