Rikk's Revues
http://rikksrevues.com/EZlisten.htm
Beginning with "Wingtips", this EP by Chicago based folkster Pamela Richardson you are immediately introduced by beautiful flute in Ian Anderson style. The EP is for sure a folk recording with essence of roots music brought alive by the beautiful alto voice projected by Richardson. You can hear wonderful 60s melodies and harmony in "Through the Window". The complete package offered by Pamela has only one main drawback, it needs to be longer!
You can hear many influences in the voice and style of the talented singer/ songwriter. Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and "Mama" Cass Elliot to name but a few. The beautiful musical landscape transcends you through time and space as you are drawn in to the stunning performance and the depth of the songwriting. After just one listen it is obvious that Pamela Richardson may evoke thoughts of folk music past, but she does it with her own flair and style.
The Muse's Muse
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000 577.html
Pamela's debut collection of 6 songs showcases a songwriter who knows herself. It is readily apparent from the cohesiveness of the set that she has become very comfortable inside her skin, and at channeling herself into the delicately somber mood she shrouds most of the material in.
Although sometimes difficult to hear, the passion behind the words does reflect an old soul with a timeless message about love and life, delivered in Pamela's unique, if somewhat reminiscent style. This is definitely 70's folk, and there are many reminders of the day - a melancholy violin recalls the Doobie Bros; a soaring flute reminds us of Tull and the Moody Blues; and some very tasteful piano brings the Carpenter's into the room. Above all, however, we have Pamela's own voice and perspective, and that breathes new life into the songs which could otherwise have been easily categorized and set aside.
There is a subtle cleverness to Pamela's sense of style in songwriting. It seems understated until you've had a few listens. Only then do the differences between the songs become more apparent. Still, I would have welcomed some more change and a bit more adventure from this gifted songstress. She tempts the listener with harmonies, and very tasteful arrangements, which makes me want to hear more.
The lyrics speak for themselves. Pamela uses her words carefully and with them, conjures up images to complement her music perfectly. Once again, a unique perspective is all I can say. Every song has something interesting to say, in its own way. You just have to listen.
-- Steve Allat
Americana UK
http://www.americana-uk.com/html/april_03.html
Pamela Richardson"Spaghetti Midwestern"
(Independent 2003)
It's so refreshing amidst the veneer of respectable americana to hear an unusual (read: unpredictable) instrument, and seconds into the new record by Chicago-based singersongwriter Pamela Richardson, a flute carries you off into the realms of early Chicago (the band) and Jethro Tull but with a genuine air of originality thanks to Richardson's beautiful alto vocals, ear for harmony and innovative arrangements. With highlights such as the atmospheric "Wandering Ivy," sounding more English folk than American country, it's a genuinely satisfying and diverse collection worth investigating some more.
Illinois Entertainer
http://www.illinoisentertainer.com/modules.php?op=modloa d&name=News&file=article&sid=542&pagenum=18&
Beneath the veneer of the typical folk singer, Pamela Richardson touches a deeper chord on Spaghetti Midwestern. "Leaves" is simple acoustic strumming and piano, allowing Richardson to pour out her heart with delicate precision, ("How I tremble with fear at my journey alone/Will I ever surmise what I need to be home?"). She possesses an earthy voice with a resonance similar to PJ Harvey, and is capable of expressing a fluid range, from the haunting echo in "Wandering Ivy" to evocative yearning in "Tulips In The Stones."
The new six song CD EP
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