Bio

Rachel McCartney has toured U.S. blues/folk venues since 1994 — gracing audiences from Boston to Atlanta and back again.

Aside from busking in the Boston subways, McCartney's favorite stages include the Somerville Theatre, Lizard Lounge, Kendall Cafe and historic Club Passim. She also performs at The Bitter End, The Back Fence and The Living Room in New York.

At Passim, McCartney's opened for well known artists such as Ellis Paul and Willy Porter, and has been featured in the Cutting Edge Campfire festivals, five years running. Recent Boston bills also include the 10th Annual Songstreet Production of Songwriters at the Somerville Theatre and the 2002 NEMO Showcase.

Before returning to her home town of Gloucester in 2001, McCartney was a local favorite at Pittsburgh venues, opening shows for Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, David Gray, Susan Werner, John Gorka and Christine Lavin. Her solo billing has repeatedly filled popular venues including The Quiet Storm and The Club Cafe and her Pennsylvania following continues to grow.

Songs from McCartney's recent album Eye On the Horizon (2001) are featured in Who Knew Productions' award-winning independent film The Bread, My Sweet. Her back up vocals and banjo can also be heard on Brian Webb's album entitled Broken Folk released in June 2002. Her backup vocals are also heard on Ellis Paul's record.

McCartney's soaring voice is unmistakable, and her presence strongly felt. Respected among her peers, McCartney enjoys collaborating with other accomplished artists. Some of her favorite musical influences are also her friends. You might catch her gigging with the likes of Rose Polenzani, Anne Heaton, Brian Webb, Teddy Goldstein, Edie Carey, Meg Hutchinson and Pamela Means. Recently, she's also had stints opening for Peter Mulvey and Melissa Ferrick.

Her new album Interim was released in mid-August 2002.

[McCartney's] songs were very physical and cinematic, showing the power of a Sinead Lohan fused with some stately, melodic echoes of Neil Young. McCartney honed her skills by playing in Boston subways, but she's ready to ascend to bigger stages now. Someone should sign this artist quickly.

— Steve Morse, The Boston Globe

Rich with texture and great new songs, Rachel McCartney is one of the most impressive singer/songwriters today.

—Matt Smith, FolkWeb/Passim

Rachel's voice may be one of the most perfect manifestations of heaven any of us are ever likely to experience in this humble earthly domain.

—Ellis Paul