Local folk/pop/acoustic singer Randi Boulton can’t wait to showcase her latest tunes on the Memorial Centre stage. The concert is slated for June 11 with show time at 7 p.m.
She’s got much to be proud of – a sampling of cuts from her upcoming CD reveal Boulton’s exceptional gift for singing and interpreting the emotional nuances of a song from the polished, engaging authenticity of Walk Away to the reflective acoustic charms of Smile. There’s a lovely personal touch to her work, shining through in song after song and perfectly seen in the uplifting Coffee Song.
These days, she is recording with Juno award-winning producer/musician Russell Broom (known for his extraordinary work with Jann Arden). In the meantime, she performs regularly throughout Central Alberta with gigs in a host of venues.
There’s no question Broom is entirely the right collaborator for Boulton as the tunes bear witness (from the catchy and compelling Eastbound to the heartfelt poignancy of Sometimes Life).
Of course, fans will be treated to more of what’s coming on the disc, slated for release late this year along with other tunes Boulton has recorded and penned over the years.
Boulton got in touch with Broom a couple of years ago through her drummer, and the two clicked almost immediately. Together, the two have fashioned a terrific creative means of expression. As an avid fan of Arden’s over the years, Boulton had a deep appreciation for Broom’s approach to production. And she even had a feeling that one day she would be working with him.
Boulton explains that she also has the joy of seeing her own personal vision for her music unfold. Broom isn’t about controlling the process at all. Rather, the two are the perfect collaborative team as he truly ‘got’ what Boulton has always been working towards via her own creativity.
“I’m also learning to be fearless,” she explains of Broom’s influence on her continued growth. “This is where I’ve always wanted to be, and now I’m accepting it. I feel way more confident.”
She’s spent time recording in Toronto with Broom, and later this year heads to New York City to work on a separate project with musical director/ composer/arranger/accompanist Larry Edoff.
Born and raised on a farm just outside of Big Valley, she lived in Red Deer for awhile before settling in Lacombe.
Music has always been a passion, and she’s essentially self-taught. Besides being a natural on the piano, her compelling vocal strengths, which run the gamut from tender and sweet to strong and gritty, have always stood out and steadily attracted a loyal legion of fans. Boulton sings from her heart, and it’s been via singing that she’s truly been able to express herself, she says.
“Often I found myself alone with my piano and guitar playing melodic sounds with a flood of thoughts running through my mind, turning into a song and putting me in a place of peace and solitude. Writing was never intentional but I always felt it came naturally.”
Boulton started garnering serious attention at 12 years of age, when she landed first prize in a talent show with her mom. She later won a songwriting contest at 14. That led into being selected to play for Showcase ‘98 in Edmonton.
Her first project, Just Remember Who You Are, was ultimately released and a four-song demo, recorded by acclaimed drummer Sandro Dominelli, came along a bit later.
Guests for Boulton’s Red Deer show include Jasmine Whenham, Lin Elder (Jann Arden’s former back-up singer), Don Swift, Steve Arsenault, Laura Lee Lewis, Claude Godin, Marcel Meijers, Joe Mathews, Curtis Labelle and Carl Stretton.
Meanwhile, Boulton is looking straight ahead in terms of what’s coming next. She’s always been solidly committed to her music, grateful for the opportunities to share it and sincere in her belief that a musical gift is to be shared.
“I’m always wanting to keep growing and learning as an individual and as a musician as well.”
For tickets, call Ticket Central at 403-347-0800 or visit www.centralalbertatheatre.ca.
For more about Boulton, check out www.myspace.com/randiboulton.
mweber@reddeerexpress.com
