Becky Schlegel "Dandelion" (Lilly Ray / IGO Records)

Nashville, Tenn., — Becky Schlegel’s newest CD, “Dandelion” (Lilly Ray/IGO Records), is a live-sounding record that is rich with natural nuance, poetic imaginings and magical tone. Co-produced by Schlegel and Brian Fesler and recorded in Minnesota, the project drops April 6, 2010. “We took a more relaxed, spontaneous approach on “Dandelion,”" says Becky, a new Nashville resident. “We let the songs be free to end up where they were destined to be.”

The 13-song collection resonates with Schlegel’s insightful originals and ever-engaging voice. Two very special guests appear on the disc: Randy Kohrs (Dolly Parton, Tom T. Hall) and Josh Williams (Rhonda Vincent, 2009 IBMA Guitar Player of the Year). Seasoned musicians adding their talents include: Brian Fesler (Banjo, Acoustic/Electric Guitars); Richard Dworsky, Benny Weinbeck (Piano); Gordon Johnson (Bass); Marc Anderson, Phil Hey (Percussion/Drums); Michael Witcher (Resonator Guitar); Kenny Wilson (Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar); Clint Hoover (Chromatic/Diatonic Harps) and Josh Williams, Jeff Midkiff and Joe Cruz on Mandolin.

What makes “Dandelion” so striking is the continued growth of Becky’s songwriting and her polished comfort in the producer’s chair. While her voice has been compared to Alison Krauss, and her writing compared to that of Sarah McLachlan and Jewel, there is no denying that “Dandelion” offers the purest and best of Becky Schlegel all around. An Appalachian thread runs throughout the project, and Schlegel draws heavily upon her bluegrass heritage to add an earthy sparkle and subtle shine to each track. From the memories of her grandmother, glimpsed throughout the disc’s opener “Anna,” to the haunting vignettes invoked by the title track, her imaging paints portraits that are startling in their vividness. Her current single, “Colorado Line,” is a mid-tempo look back at a well-remembered goodbye – and what might have been, while the engaging “I Never Loved You Cowboy,” is a tune inspired by a real-life teen-aged breakup. Schlegel confronts infidelity in “So Embarrassing,” which features the artful harmonies and signature Resonator Guitar of Kohrs. “When It Rains” showcases Williams joining Schlegel to create a mesmerizing vocal pairing.

“Dandelion” is her most “country” effort to date; the result of songs pulled from past memories and dreams unfulfilled and heretofore unspoken. The disc will be in stores nationwide on April 6, but fans can order copies online now. “Dandelion” is Becky’s fourth solo album of originals, following “Red Leaf,” “Drifter Like Me” and the critically-acclaimed “For All The World To See.” The Minnesota Music Academy has honored her for five consecutive years, and in 2003, 2005 and 2008, she performed at the IBMA’s prestigious Songwriters’ Showcase. Schlegel continues to entertain fans at intimate venues surrounding her new Nashville home, and across the Midwest.

Fans can learn more about Becky and purchase her music at beckyschlegel.com.

Dandelion Track Listing

1. Anna
2. Dandelion
3. Colorado Line
4. Nowhere Bound
5. I Never Loved You Cowboy
6. I Never Needed You
7. So Embarrassing
8. The Way You Are
9. Don’t Leave It Up To Me
10. When It Rains
11. Cincinnati
12. Reunion
13. If I Were A Poet

Related Links

• Becky Schlegel
• Buy “Dandelion” online.