When a songwriter emerges on the scene, fresh off an ended marriage and an extensive career on the frontline in the emergency services, rest assured, they will have something to say. When that same songwriter also emerges with a high self-imposed standard for quality, and a musicality fostered from growing up in a music-loving family, rest assured, they will say it well.

Raised on the land in the small country town of Cooma, NSW listening to artists such as Neil Young, John Williamson, Emmylou Harris and John Denver, there was never any doubt that country music was in Cielle’s blood. Nowadays however, as an artist who feels very much at home in the alt. country / americana / folk scene, Cielle's musical influences range from an eclectic mix of genres that include, John Moreland, Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, The Wailin' Jennys, Bernard Fanning, Shane Nicholson, Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile and many more...

Recently releasing her debut recording, an EP titled ‘Walking Free’, at the tender age of 33, listeners will be left wondering where this songstress has been hiding. The advantage of this ex-Paramedic’s relatively late emergence is that her debut has both a first-time freshness, as well as a remarkable maturity. The songwriting is sparse but poignant, communicated with clarity, both in her well-crafted lyricism and clean, powerful vocals, reminiscent of the likes of Holly Williams and Patty Griffin. No words are wasted through Cielle’s rare and wonderful ability to entice the listener to hear every word.

Taking a minimalistic approach to the band line-up, Cielle achieved her desired all-acoustic, almost organic result, recruiting an idilic group of world-class musicians consisting of Glen Hannah (who also produced the album), double bassist, Jonathan Zwartz and emerging Dobro player, James Church. Recorded live at the renowned Music Cellar studios with engineer Jeff McCormack at the helm, followed by only minimal finishing touches from fiddle player Sue Carson and backing vocals from Felicity Urquhart.

On the 6 track offering, Montgomery’s songs cover the inner struggle with the uncertainness of change, as well as, two very different stories, one about the loss of a loved one in Long Gone, the other, a murder tale recounting the tragedy of a marital assassination in Smoke and Mirrors. The EP ends fittingly on the subject of finding our way through the cards we’re dealt, with Travellin’ On, a co-write with Australian songwriting legend Kevin Bennett.

2015 was a busy and successful year for Cielle, with performances at the Tamworth Country Music and Hats off to Country Festivals, as well as, attendances at the highly acclaimed CMAA Academy of Country Music and DAG Sheep Station Songwriters Retreat, where she was fortunate enough to be mentored by industry leaders such as Lyn Bowtell, Tamara Stewart, Aleyce Simmonds, Lachlan Bryan, Allan Caswell & Amber Lawrence.

In 2016 Cielle is touring extensively with musician and songwriter James Church, to present a run of shows in support of the release of her album, which features James’ enthralling & unparalleled sound on Dobro. Audiences will be treated to an intimate listening experience consisting of tracks from the album, as well as, songs by a range of artists that inspire James & Cielle as songwriters. With their combination of undeniable chemistry, skilful acoustic instrumentation and vocal harmonies, this is a musical pairing not to be missed. For more info on James head to www.jameschurch.com.au.

 

Holly Williams
Patty Griffin
Alison Krauss
Mandolin Orange
Chris Stapelton
Norah Jones
Emmylou Harris
Brandi Carlile

 

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