Beth Preston
Boulder, Colorado, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2000
Music
Press
"There was a lot of local talent on stage at The Fox last week.
Behind the sweet warmth of the summer night, Fox Theatre’s sign was aglow last Thursday for the album release of Beth Preston’s new LP Little Mirrors. Local music enthusiasts crowded in front of the marquee on The Hill for a unique collection of local Colorado musicians: Paul Kimbiris, We Dream Dawn, and headliner Beth Preston.
Boulder favorite Paul Kimbiris set the tone for the evening with a fast-paced, heartfelt set. Playing with the same band who has backed him for other Fox performances, and who sometimes play together as BLVD, Kimbiris and his crew pulled the crowd lingering outside to the front of the stage with a foot-stomping set of originals. Kimbiris’ earnest songwriting and aggressively catchy music has made him a Boulder favorite for a reason, and he did not disappoint.
Next was We Dream Dawn, a three-piece doing indie folk at its best. Both melodic and engaging, in their set, the band drew well-deserved attention as the middle players of the evening’s lineup. WDD has a sound that is simple, and yet very complex all at once, which kept the attention of the crowd. Their addition of a violin on many of their tunes left many in the crowd wishing that their set were longer. It was impressive.
After We Dream Dawn, I headed to the green room, which was filled with local musicians sharing libations, stories, and few pre-show yoga positions. The atmosphere was an excited energy for what was to come, and that was Beth Preston.
Preston took the stage with the presence of a seasoned performer confidently pouring out her new tunes. Her contemplative and passionate writing paired well with her deep vocals, which are reminiscent of Fiona Apple. Preston’s eclectic set of music from Little Mirrors came alive with a cavalcade of local instrumentalists, including Hunter Stone on guitar, Leor Manelis on drums, Jon Wirtz on keys, Jon Gray on trumpet, Danny Rankin on bass, and Bridget Law of Elephant Revival on violin. This particular amalgamation of talent was put together especially for this show, which made for a dynamic and busy stage.
Highlights of Preston’s set included the instantly catchy “Spirits”, and the wondering and beautifully contemplative song “Jesse’s Song”, a tune accented expertly by Gray on trumpet. To close, the band did a full rendition of The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields”, with every member leaving the stage one at a time.
Overall, the night was one of the strongest local sets that has been played at the Fox Theater in some time. It was a perfect display of what putting Colorado local talent on one stage can create: a very good night of music." - Zach Dahmen, Bolder Beat
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Beth Preston has always been one to follow her instincts, musically speaking… but it wasn’t until she began writing the tracks for her upcoming album (due to be released this fall, 2018) that she really let herself follow her heart out into the diverse world of her influences.
Sprouting from an upbringing of classic-rock, reggae, and blues, it was the folk-rock world where she laid her roots for most of her early career. Her latest album, Little Mirrors (2016) yielded a landscape of rhythmic, soulful, and melodic interweaving. The song “Gentle Eyes” even went on to win a Lennon Award from the world renowned John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and is up for Song of the Year this summer (2018). Presently though, her new tracks are finding their home closer to where the lovely shores of folk meet the deep and moody sea of rock and electro-pop.
“This is actually a direction I’ve been pulled in for a while now… these songs have been trying to find their way into the world. It’s just the right time now I guess- I am finally who they needed me to be… ”. As she speaks, her head lists thoughtfully to the side- there is an air of relaxed curiosity about her. “I try to follow where I’m guided, and not force anything that isn’t happening naturally. I don’t believe you can force creativity. I think that tends to ruin something that could otherwise have a great impact.”
The truth in these words may be felt by anyone who has given a spin or two to Preston’s most recent music. The very natural and heartfelt sounds “are rooted in authenticity and reveal insight into the love she shares” (as described by violinist Bridget Law of the band Elephant Revival).
Little Mirrors was produced and engineered by Phil Parker, who is himself a songwriter and artist, and cellist for folk sensation Gregory Alan Isakov.
Preston’s greatest hope is that her music can stir creative inspiration in the hearts of her fans, and help people in the same way that she says she’s been helped by her own musical loves. Consequently it seems, her creative expression really is the dynamic kind that could give insight into the depths, or uplifting into the heights, of a listener’s experience. If you don’t believe me, try it on for yourself- I’m willing to bet that in some way… she will move you.
( O.M.O. Publicity 2018 )
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