Artist description "I guess what I want people to know is that, for me, it's about the songs, each different, each a well thought out message, each a labor love," says Bernice Lewis. And in her tender evocations of the heart, in her explorations of the struggling soul, and in her tales highlighting the victories and defeats of everyday life, Bernice Lewis has more than earned her stellar reputation as a songwriter's songwriter. Carving her niche in the new-folk idiom while drawing on traditional folk, blues, pop, country, jazz and world-beat influences, Lewis's carefully-honed songcraft and musicianship and her strikingly heartfelt vocals have made her a favorite of fans from Berkeley to Boston and everywhere in between. ----------- A fixture on the coffeehouse circuit, contemporary-folk radio, and at the major folk festivals, Lewis -- who studied vocal improvisation with Bobby McFerrin and guitar technique with Alex DeGrassi and Guy van Duser has been a featured performer on National Public Radio's "Mountain Stage" program and a finalist in the 1987 New Folk Songwriting Contest at the prestigious Kerrville (Texas) Folk Festival. Her new ballad, "Bridges That Hold," was included in the PBS-TV "Lifelines" documentary starring Peter, Paul and Mary. ---------- Hailed variously as "a rising star" by the Washington Post and "in the forefront of her generation of singer-songwriters" by SingOut! magazine,Lewis has garnered the greatest acclaim of her career for her most recent album, "Isle of Spirit" (Sanctuary/Blue Bhikku). "Ambitious.... her bestalbum to date," said the Boston Phoenix. "Wonderful songs.... an instantclassic," declared Alan Rowoth, moderator of the Internet's influential Folk_Music Digest. "A musical and lyrical tour de force that should propel Lewis to the uppermost ranks of the new-folk crowd," proclaimed the Berkshire Eagle about "Isle of Spirit,'' which was produced by Adam Rothberg, best known for his work on Dar Williams's much-acclaimed debut, "The Honesty Room." ----------- For the last 10 years, Lewis -- a native of Boston -- has been based in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. For most of that time home was a wildlife sanctuary, whose influence is felt in songs like "When the Rivers Had No Names" and "Bridges That Hold." Lewis now lives in Williamstown, Mass., where she is an adjunct member of the faculty at Williams College. Lewis is also on the faculty at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, N.Y., where she teaches songwriting, singing and yoga. -----------Lewis has been said to "elevate the experiences of everyday life to an art form." She sings from a woman's perspective with wit and eloquence indistinctive, powerful vocals that have been described as "utterly and uniquely her own." With attention equally divided among matters of the earth, matters of the soul and matters of the heart, Lewis has staked out as her territory the sum of contemporary existence, and by giving so generously of herself she helps illuminate the lives of others. As one critic wrote, "Lewis has assembled a deep repertoire of diverse and occasionally profound songs with which she will undoubtedly be moving, entertaining and delighting audiences for years to come."

Instruments guitar and voice

Albums Religion & Release; Isle of Spirit; Open Lines and Signals

Press Reviews An enlightening presence... Steve Morse Boston Globe -- It is impossible not to have a good time listening to Lewis sing. Scott Alarik Boston Globe -- Bernice Lewis may well be the frosting on the cake! Rod Kennedy, Director Kerrville Folk Festival Kerrville, Tx -- Bernice Lewis should be investigated by major labels if they can spare the time from signing groups who sound like the Beatles. John Tobler Folk Roots Magazine, UK -- Lewis' lake-clear voice and satisfying mix of heartfelt and humorous compositions make her worth hearing. Again and again. David Steinberg Albuquerque Journal -- Bernice packed the Threadgill Theatre to capacity and wound up with a standing ovation and a pair of encores. She wowed the crowd with funny stories and her wry insights. I loved the show from beginning to end. Alan Roweth, Moderator Folk Music Digest -- Autumn must be nature's attempt to imitate Bernice's voice: vivid contrasts, intense hues and bright spendor. Voices of such quality are of the "once in a generation" variety. Unlike similarly gifted female vocalists (Mary Black, Maura O'Connell) who are exclusively singers and interpreters of songs, Lewis has a real flair for songwriting as well. Shawn Linderman Folk Music Digest -- In the forefront of her generation of singer-songwriters. Vic Heyman Singout Magazine -- Her music, her vocals, and her writing are utterly and uniquely her own. Seth Rogovoy Boston Phoenix -- A fully realized effort from a mature, complex performer who can express every note of her emotion. David Johnson New England Folk Almanac -- A musical and lyrical tour de force that should propel Lewis to the uppermost ranks of the new folk crowd... Seth Rogovoy Boston Phoenix -- The type of recording you listen to over and over again, Mark E. Rondeau The Advocate Williamstown, Ma -- "A small masterpiece." David Johnson New England Folk Almanac -- She was the first person in the history of our coffeehouse to receive a second standing encore. Jim & Lee Prato Along The Way Coffeehouse Ipswich, MA -- ...a diverse and intriguing artist... Dirty Linen -- ...one of the Berkshires most valuable natural resources... The Berkshire Eagle -- Lovely - I was scared to death to follow her. Michael Smith, Songwriter, The Dutchman, Chicago, IL -- When someone asks me who's the best I've heard, her name always heads the list. Eddie Russell, Outlaw Radio/Country Eastern Music -- Isle Of Spirit is a first class recording, Bernice's finest work yet. Each song sparkles with top notch writing, performances and production . I just cant stop listening to this album. Janet Feld Songwriter/Guitarist/Singer Somerville, MA -- Her talent at reaching the audience is undeniable. Sarah Song The Williams Record Williamstown, Ma --

Location Williamstown, MA - USA

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