The following biography was created for Grammy-nominated recording artist Carolyn Wonderland:
“Here was this groovy bird, very small, trying to make its way in sometimes less than friendly skies and the hard ground. This is the story of our similar dance moves.”
So says guitar goddess Carolyn Wonderland of “Victory of Flying,” a song she wrote on her recent honeymoon at the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival for her new album, “Peace Meal” (Bismeaux).
Though she has come a long way since her days of financial woes and other Blues-inspiring happenstances, Carolyn Wonderland has never forgotten where she came from and that other people still live there. On “Peace Meal”, Wonderland brings the hard-won lessons of her own blessed life together with stories from some of the world’s best-known and most beloved songwriters (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Robert Hunter, Elmore James, and Robert Johnson, to name a few) to create a musical “menu” of sustaining, satisfying songs that offers musical food for thought to her growing legions of fans.
“All sides to any conflict deserve a voice.”
– Carolyn Wonderland
Internationally heralded as one of the best vocalists in her adopted hometown of Austin (which is saying something!), Wonderland has also been highly touted for her “amazing” guitar playing and is quickly making a name for herself in her highly competitive neighborhood and far beyond.
What makes Wonderland’s story so compelling, however, is the string of obstacles she had to overcome to get where she is today.
“When you’re happy, you dance. When things get under your skin, find a pen.”
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Carolyn Wonderland
Often mentioned in the same sentences as Texas legends Janis Joplin and Steve Ray Vaughan (references that leave the modest Wonderland “floored, humbled and thrilled”), Wonderland also shares with these lost legends the legacy of a bumpy road to fame. Growing up in Houston, the young Wonderland put aside her dolls in favor of a guitar and spent hours each day doing what her heart hungered for. Wonderland desperately wanted to make it in music, but found it difficult in Texas’ overstuffed scene. Taking such Houston influences as Little Screamin’ Kenny (who she cites as one of my “favorite” songwriters) and Doug Sahm with her, Wonderland headed to Austin, the heart of the American music world, and soon found herself flat broke and literally living in a van by the river.
“Come on in, the water’s fine. If it gets too deep, I’ll throw you a line.”
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Carolyn Wonderland, “Usurper”
After months of scratching and clawing and taking any gig she could, Wonderland began to rise above the thick twangy crowd and make a name for herself. Playing solo and with her group the Imperial Monkeys, Wonderland soon found herself in ever-better company, playing alongside and for the likes of Los Lobos, Robert Earl Keen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) and Bob Dylan. Hit albums began to roll off her fingers and Wonderland was invited to appear on such television shows as Austin City Limits, Time of Your Life and Homicide, Having recently married famed funnyman A. Whitney Brown, Wonderland’s life has taken a number of turns for the better. Even so, she chose to use her new “happy place” as the foundation for an exploration into the darker sides of life. Having seen what loneliness and war can do to the bodies and souls of her fellow men and women, Wonderland is a tireless advocate for the homeless and for peace. “Peace Meal” is her latest testimony to their struggle and her latest call of action and hope.
Her previous album, 2008’s “Miss Understood” (Bismeaux), and the tireless touring that accompanied it brought Wonderland into the ears, minds, and hearts of millions. From appearances on ACL to top slots at major festivals around the world (including Amsterdam’s Wonder Jam, which she humbly takes credit for inspiring), Wonderland spent every ounce of energy in her towering 5’4” frame to bring her music and spirit to the masses. The album quickly reached the “Top 10” on Billboard’s Blues chart and Wonderland’s live shows left a trail of screaming fans in its wake. Among these was Benson, a nine-time Grammy winner who produced the new album and who has been a constant source of inspiration and support to Wonderland. Among the rest of the “supergroup” production team is two-time Grammy winner Larry Campbell (who also worked with The Band’s Levon Helm on his award-winning recordings) and founding Monkee Michael Nesmith. The album was recorded at Benson’s Bismeaux Studios in Austin and also at Helm’s studio in Woodstock, NY.
“That lick! You know the one… From Elmore James to Hound Dog Taylor and everyone thereafter, everyone hits the same notes, yet nobody plays it the same.”
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Carolyn Wonderland on the track “Dust My Broom”
With such talented and taste-making team and vanloads of fans behind her. Wonderland is ready to next further steps and to help others do the same. From classic Blues licks to Sam Lightnin Seifert’s “natural freak out”, gospel crooning and her famous whistling to peace anthems and her “first honest Love (with the capital “L”) song,” Wonderland gathers all her friends and inspirations and pulls out all the stops to give music fans all they can handle. For those who hunger for good music, “Peace Meal” is just what you need!
