Brenda Chapman on guitar and vocals - often joined by some great local musicians ... who are available at the time.
Influences
KD Lang, Fleetwood Mac, Loreena McKennit, Lisa Gerard, The Indigo girls, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, Paul Simon, Eddie Brickell, Rickie Lee Jones, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Michelle Shocked, Momma Cass, Paul Kelly, Mia Dyson, Kristina Olsen.
BRENDA CHAPMAN is a gifted singer/songwriter based in Fremantle, Western Australia who writes to express the heartfelt stories from her own colourful life. She delivers her engaging storytelling with big, soulful vocals and a unique Earthy guitar style. Brenda is often referred to as “The Queen of the Chorus” for her captivating melodies. She has studied music in West Africa and has been influenced by African rhythms as well as Celtic, Middle Eastern, and other World Music themes. Her lyrics are fresh, couragous and deeply poetic. The combination of these diverse qualities result in a musical style that draws on many folk/roots traditions but has enough raw creativity to keep it refreshingly contemporary.
HISTORY: Brenda grew up in a large, musical family in NSW where she learned to sing and play guitar from her older siblings. At the age of 20 she was invited to join her first Pop/Folk group and then went on to play in a number of cover bands, folk groups and duos on the East Coast of Australia before moving to Western Australia seven years later. Once based in Fremantle, Brenda became inspired to write and perform her own material. She also became the Musical Director of “Go Vocal” a cappella group “Marakadon” African drumming ensemble, and more recently, the 70 strong “Inner-Voices” world music choir, who launched their debut EP “Inner-voices Sing Out” in October 2007. Brenda also spent four years handcrafting and producing the 12 tracks for her own debut album “Postcards from Exile” that was launched at Kulcha with her full seven piece band in August 2008.
DEBUT ALBUM: “Post Cards From Exile” is produced by David Hyams (Miles To Go Band) who also plays some very impressive acoustic and electric guitar, dobro, and mandolin parts on the recording. The awesome Ben Franz (The Waifs) is featured on upright and electric bass, and is well complimented by the talents of Calvin Web on drum kit. Arun (Blue Shaddy) adds some magic touches with his tasteful hand percussion and the beautiful Jennifer Tingley makes several appearances with her evocative cello playing. Many of the tracks are finished off with tight vocal harmonies sung by Isabella Jennings (Isabella's Garden) and/or David Hyams. The album covers a wide range of moods and comprises of 12 tracks that range from earthy acoustic folk ballads like “The Ballad of Andrew Mallard” and “My Mother the Musician” through to heartfelt love songs like “Sweet Time”. There is the timeless Blues lament “If you see me Crying” as well as some quirky, up-beat, contemporary songs like “Turn Out the Light" and “Dreams in a Tea Cup”.
Brenda and her band have been performing the material from "Postcards From Exile" to enthusiastic audiences at some of Western Australia's major music festivals including Fairbridge Festival, Nanga Music Festival, and The Denmark Festival of Voice. She also makes regular appearances at venues such as at Kulcha, Kidogo's Art House and The Fly By Night Club. Brenda has supported other prominent Australian acts including Richard Clapton at the Quarry Ampitheatre.
For the last 15 years Brenda has also taught voice, acoustic guitar, songwriting, basic blues harmonica and African Percussion to individuals and groups, and still teaches privately from her home in Fremantle WA.
Brenda's POST CARDS FROM EXILE CD is available now. To purchase copies of her CD or to book a gig or lesson please visit www.brendachapman.com
Hi Brenda, found you via Flick's profile. Yes, I'm slowly emerging from the mists of motherhood and into cyberspace! Looking forward to more angelic collaborations. Next stop Sounds Abound (Denmark) and really looking forward to Rhythmsong Camp. I hope life is musically abundant for you, as always. Ginnyx
Hi Brenda, just letting you know that our trio, Trigger, has a CD launch at the Davalak in Freo on Friday 12th June. If you are in town and curious it would be great to see you there. Peace and respect, Chris.
Thanks Brenda! I can't wait to see you perform again, because your recordings sound great, and I remember it was even better live at the last summersong we both went to.
Best of luck with it all this year and look forward to seeing you :)
What is the lowdown on the summersong waiting list? I have been sacrificing virgins to the Central Casting Gods and not sure if it is working or not. I echo Heidi's sentiments. WE WANT YOU THERE!!
Hello My Fabulous Auntie!! It was my absolute pleasure being your PA-don't hesitate to call on me if you ever require my services in future. What an awesome night!.. the whole thing from the launch to the afters .. Your Cd is featuring in the Wine Centre this week :)
Hi Brenda, What a successful CD launch on Friday. I really enjoyed hearing your songs with a full band (and what a band) . A highlight for me was your solo song 'If you see me crying'. It stilled the room. Congratulations!. You must be very happy!
Congrats on getting your CD out and the launch happening soon. Do you want to come in for an interview next Monday on Radio Freo. Al has another interview at 7pm, how does 8pm sound?
