Americana singer/songwriter, Kathryn Cloward, released her second double album “Ripple Love” and “Secret Keeper”, just two years after her double debut album in 2015.
I have been a huge fan of the southern California vocalist from the first time I saw her headline at San Diego famed, Belly Up Tavern, in January of this year and I was very honored to be asked to review this recent release.
Kathryn Cloward, is nothing less than a power writer, which is a perfect pairing to the powerful messages and raw emotion she sends out in her music. Each track is more of a story rather than just lyrics and poetry. I have had both albums on repeat for some time now and have reached the point where I can now sing along with each story. Some I relate to my own experiences in life, some make me smile as my own memories come back to life through her words and music. Some make me cry as I struggle to understand what it would be like to be the character within her tale and others just make my heart warm and fuzzy, as if a best friend is inside your head and knows exactly what to say and do, and still more make me believe that I truly am a “Warrior Woman” and I can conquer the world no matter what obstacle looms in front of me.
“Ripple Love” is filled with songs that are meant to empower and inspire. The young, the not-so-young, the heartbroken and the whole-hearted. Kathryn’s sweet and lilting vocals send you on a journey, like a guiding hand in the dark, she leads you into faith, strength and hope.
“Secret Keeper” tells the tales of love everlasting and love not meant to be. Organic and raw yet still refined and polished. The most haunting track is its title song that speaks of personal experience and healing. Kathryn has an uncanny way of putting feeling into words and words into music that softly awaken a sleeping soul, renewing its energy and appetite.
Her music is refreshing, encouraging and uplifting. Whether you are searching for answers, healing from hurt, recovering from loss, celebrating love and life, looking for a change, there is story on one of these albums that delivers a seemingly tailormade homage to all.
In addition to the four full-length albums Kathryn has released in the last two years, she is also the author of a wonderful series of children’s books entitled, Kathryn the Grape. As a messenger of positive affirmation, Kathryn the Grape, inspires and teaches children of the ripple effect of love and kindness. The books are accompanied by music and songs also written, produced and distributed by Kathryn, herself.
Kathryn is currently performing all over San Diego county including guest spots on our local radio stations, live Kathryn the Grape shows and benefits for our local communities and various charities and fundraising events.
You can find her event calendar, breaking news and purchase Kathryn Cloward and Kathryn the Grape merchandise, her new release, “Ripple Love” and “Secret Keeper”, along with her debut albums, “Free to Fly” and “A Soft Place to Fall” on her website: wwwkathryncloward.com and www.kathrynthegrape.com.
You can also follow along with Kathryn and Kathryn the Grape on all major social media sites, see her videos on YouTube and listen to her music on most reputable music service sites.
Ripple Love Track List:
- What I’m Here to Do
2. Honesty
3. Dark Cloud
4. The Purposeful Path
5. She Flew
6. Warrior Woman
7. Dorothy
8. Forever
9. You Inspire Me
10. Garden of Love
11. Ripple Love
12. I Held His Hand
Production Credits
Executive Producer – Kathryn Cloward
Produced, Recorded & Mixed by Jeff Berkley
Mastered By Gavin Lurssen
Drums — Josh Hermsmier
Bass — Rick Nash
Bass (song 12) – Jim Reeves
Electric Guitars & Backing Vocals— Jeff Berkley
Acoustic Guitars — Marc Intravaia
Acoustic Guitar & Electric Guitar (song 12) — Jim Soldi
Pedal Steel — Doug Pettibone
Banjo, Mandolin & Fiddle — Dennis Caplinger
Accordion, Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals — Sharon Whyte
Lead Vocals — Kathryn Cloward
Choir Vocalists: Mikayla Beaulieu, Emma Byrd, Marjie Halverson, Veronica May, Becca Paoni, Michelle Tobias, and Marielle Sheppel
Graphic design by Molly Alice Hoy
Secret Keeper Track List:
- Just Friends
2. Ace of Spades
3. Wild Horse
4. Easy For You
5. I Feel Lonely Loving You
6. Secret Keeper
7. Three Months
8. Run
9. It Is Time
10. Let’s Stay
11. New Moon
Production Credits
Executive Producer – Kathryn Cloward
Produced, Recorded & Mixed by Jeff Berkley
Mastered By Gavin Lurssen
Drums — Josh Hermsmier
Bass — Rick Nash
Electric Guitars & Backing Vocals— Jeff Berkley
Acoustic Guitars — Marc Intravaia
Electric Guitar — Jim Soldi
Pedal Steel — Doug Pettibone
Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals — Sharon Whyte
Lead Vocals — Kathryn Cloward
Graphic design by Molly Alice Hoy // Photo from Cloward Family Album
By: Siege/BackStage360