Album Description: "Dweller on the Threshold" is the point of no return--the gateway to facing one's fears and taking the final leap of faith that every Shaman, Mystic, and general cool person must experience before blessed abundance can pour into life like a groovy Zen waterfall. This album centers around the concept that every human should be a a human BE-ing--to overcome adversity and transcend mundane existence, leading to a world of yummy ecstasy, blissful synchronicity, and extraordinary "Little Miracles" (hence the Santana-esque latin jam complete with flute by the same name). "Seed" is a breathless bit of Tribal-Bo-Diddley, flavored with American Indian Wood Flute and Ren & Stimpy guitar licks. "Live to Sing" is reminiscient of Middle-Eastern flavored acoustic Zeppelin. The natural two-fers "Chains of the Modern Ape Man" and "The Golden Mean" contemplate the essence of balance and purpose in life while rolling through a locomotive of mid-western, classic-rock boogie & blues. "Scream of the Butterfly" takes a turn at the crossroads of metamorphosis in an 8 minute piano and flute driven four part rock-operetta, featuring the talents of Classical rock artist Michael Quatro on synth strings, and written from the actual life experience of Pamie's trip down the dark downward spiral and back into the Light during a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder nervous breakdown in 1994. "Flood of '92" is an Allman Brothers-style jammer dedicated to the survivors of unfortunate, unforseen disasters, while "White Wolf" takes the listener to the astral realms of eternal love, spruced up by Pam on flanged bassoon with some tasty orchestrations & harmonics throughout. "One of the Those Days" ROCKS like only a Motor City rocker can...and is just about having a freakin' bad day...period!!! For the T.S. Elliot fan, "The Hollow Men" is a haunting, spine-chilling solo acoustic version of the famous poem. "Bargain Bins of Life" dances in the rainbow visuals of psychedelia, and features the production and instrumental talents of producer Chris "Otto" Frohring and the Keith Moon-ish drum stylings of Erik Diaz. "She Went Down to the Garden" is a happy little country shuffle song about death with a bassoon solo that would make Karen Carpenter smile and a jew's harp tooth-bustin' jam that would make Buck Owens proud! Last, but certainly not least, Angel Pam is upstaged by her late-great musical wonder dog, Moses, in the hidden track "It's a Dog's Life." Just for the record, this song has gotten comedy radio play from DJ's all over the world. Ahhh...the irony! In live concerts, "Angel" Pam West works in collaboration with the Divine White Light to bring a healing, uplifting energy to her audience. Her most avid fans are metal-heads, bikers, classic rockers, and the really old and really young. Some say her music transports the listener to alternative dimensions, much like Pink Floyd. It's strongly recommended that the album should be listened to from start to finish in a comfortable chair with surround sound after a stressful day at work. For more history, video clips, neat pics & psychobabble, visit www.pamelawest.com, www.sonicbids.com/pamelawest & www.moondancejam.com (a very interesting archived interview). Music Rags from Across America “Pam’s stage presence is like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, and her sounds are powerful and penetrating. Her angelic melodies will give you a sense of soaring—as she did at the Stone Pony (Ashbury Park), where she recently stole the show as an impromptu guest of the legendary Buddy Miles. --Ben Jammin’, Jersey Style Magazine, NJ “Like frost stretching its crystalline arms across a sunlit window pane, Pamela West’s sophomore release Dweller on the Threshold dazzles with a display of musical brilliance…Although West may dwell on the threshold, she and her fine band reach far beyond, exhibiting amazing prowess.” --Current Magazine, Ann Arbor, MI "The first thing you hear on Evolution is Angel's beautiful voice, and that's enough to hook you before the music even kicks in. Like a cross between Hynde and Sass Jordon but with her own emotive fire propelling it, the music has a brooding intensity that caresses and drives the passionate lyrics into the listener's soul. With stylings ranging from driving rock to diva-esque pop and luscious acousticity, the diversity and feelings let you experience, not merely listen to the music." --Music Morsels, Atlanta, GA "Her lyrics are suffused with earnestness, tempered by wry wit...She veers closer to Led Zeppelin than Jethro Tull, and she does like to rock out. Songs like "Seed" and "Little Miracles" are perfect pop, "Chains of the Modern Ape Man" packs a punch and segues into the full-bore rocker, "The Golden Mean," which evokes the classic grain-belt boogie of The James Gang and Kansas. These tell what it's like for her to live in today's world, trying to maintain faith--in her muse as well as God--in a frustrating, compromising society."--Steve Bornstein, Mixx Magazine, Boston, MA "Intriguing . . . West's voice is extraordinarily beautiful. . . less proves to be more. Creative, artsy stuff delivered as deeply symbolic and meaningful brainfood."--Cleveland's Scene Magazine "Timeless" resembles the sort of traditional folk ballads that Joan Baez did early in her career, though it's far more lavish musically and lyrically."--The Cleveland Free Times "Her music is a captivating and serenely enchanting blend of psychedelia mixed with blues, folk, jazz, worldbeat, and classical influences with a penchant for autobiographical and spiritually observational lyrics backed with atmospheric textures and operatic, soulful singing." --Geoff Wilbur's Renegade, Rhode Island “After repeated listenings to Pamela West’s Dweller on the Threshold, I wish I would have had an elementary school teacher who played guitar, flute, sang, and made records and cool stuff, and just maybe I would have come in closer contact with my own spiritual insides. Each of the tracks on the disc is crafted and executed in a very soul-searching way. Her vocal lilt adds the impression of “Been there, done that” to each song. —Jam Rag, Detroit, MI “I was really excited the first time I sampled Pam's stuff online and loved it. But the CDs do not do her justice as a live performance, because the electricity you get when you're actually in the room with this woman is incredible. She's very engaging and actually quite funny with her in between song banter. If she comes to your neck of the woods, go see her, you will not be sorry.” --Pepper McGowan, singer-songwriter “You are wonderful ! I went into the studio where I found a whole ‘nother stack of packages from arists around the world and there you were. I don't have a favorite yet , I love both of the CD's that you sent. "Seed " is magical . It motivates and shines making that next breath of air wild to breath. Evolution caught me off guard. I love the mix of your vocals with the rock guitar sounds ( which I love , and Did I mention that I love your work?”--Halie O on the Go, Internet Radio 2000 -- Evolution review Nicky Baldrian PAMELA "ANGEL" WEST 'Evolution' (INDEPENDENT) From light weight pop rock songs through to pieces of piercing classical music and Celtic elements "Evolution" is ten songs of breathtaking haunting musicality, built for the more mature rock fans. Pamela West is a hugely inspiring lady, her voice is almost operatic, I can't make alot of comparisons as she has an original style, but if I was to say any artist then it would have to be Kate Bush and perhaps Liz Larin for the more poppy edge songs like "Dust Devil Man" and "Wilderness". Her music is almost spiritual and there is one piece of music on track six which is called "Red-Winged Blackbird" which I totally fell in love with. "Red-Winged Blackbird" is a stunning piece of music that sounds like a movie theme, the song is based around a lovely piano melody, it's a slow soul searching and very haunting, piece that evokes pure emotion and will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. She has also released an album called "Dweller On The Threshold". "Evolution" is an enticing collection of original music from this unique singer/songwriter. For more information on the music of Pamela West email her at pimpamjam@aol.com or visit her website www.pamelawest.com Artist Bio: Pamela West Instrumentation: Vocals (4.5 8va--trained in opera, musical theater & blues/jazz), World positive message, social consciousness Lyrics, Ethnic & Traditional Flutes, 6 & 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Bassoon, Piano/Synths, Harmonica, Hand Percussion. Artist Biography Originally from Amish country in Ohio, “Angel” Pamela West began performing for Heads of State as a teenager, and entered the U.S. Army bands as a symphonic bassoonist, graduating with military honors and a Presidential qualification from the Armed Forces School of Music in 1987. At the University of Akron, she double majored in performance and education, studying bassoon, piano, conducting, voice, theory/composition, and creative writing/literature while playing bassoon in several NE Ohio orchestras. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, Gamma Alpha Kappa in 1996 with a B.S. in Education and a teaching certificate from Ashland University. Pamela, however, was heavily influenced by the classical art rock and psychedelic pop of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s--bands like Led Zeppelin, The Moody Blues, Traffic, Spirit, Yes, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd. Inspired to write because of profound life changes, she left the classical scene to pursue her original music in 1994. She added 6 & 12 string guitar, synthesizer, and a collection of flutes to her repertoire, performing as a solo artist, in duets, bands, and as a session player. She has since written and produced nearly 75 original songs in over 14 genres of music. A multi-instrumentalist and powerful, versatile singer, West’s live performances are captivating and serenely enchanting, exploring American Blues Rock, Classical European, Latin Jazz, Middle-Eastern, Tibetan, and Appalachian Folk influences. She has toured the United States East Coast and Midwest, England, the Caribbean, and spent the summer of 2004 performing in Vienna, Austria. Pamela's 1997 debut release "Evolution" and her 1999 sophomore release “Dweller on the Threshold” garnered rave reviews internationally, and has received independent and internet airplay and sales in Europe, Russia, Hungary, England, Costa Rica, Australia, Poland, Yugoslavia, Belgium, the Netherlands, and throughout the U.S.A. She was a featured artist on MP3.com and her live studio single, “Live to Sing,” held the #1 spot in the psychedelic chart for over six weeks, in addition to several songs in the top 20 charts of several other genres. She was briefly signed to Michael Quatro’s Quatrophonic Records in Detroit, Michigan prior to her relocation to New York City in 2001. Currently, Pamela West is releasing her first children’s concept compilation album called “Are You Ready, Get Set, Let’s Go!” and has begun writing her 2nd children's album, "Unicorn Crossing." Her third independent release is being recorded at Check Other Media in Jersey City, and Ralph Lawson Audio in Akron, Ohio. A new improvisational project "The Ethereal World Orchestra" is taking shape as a verve pipe jam session among musician's musicians in Woodstock. She is also composing and recording instrumental music for Cleveland radio personality, Reverend Elizabeth Howell, to be used in a line of hypnotherapy/meditation CDs. The first "Crystal Palace Meditation," features Tibetain Singing Bowl therapist Peter Blum. In addition, she performs flutes, bassoon, hand percussion, keys, and backing vocals with husband Leland Door's up-and-coming Catskill-area progressive art rock jam band Water Witch. The band is in rehearsal for its second album, to be released in late 2006. She continues to be a member of the progressive studio band Bed Whistle, from her home town of Cleveland, Ohio, featuring the talents of Chris Frohring and Hot Tuna drummer, Erik Diaz. In addition to national clubs and festivals, she has peformed for patients in New York City hospitals with Musicians On Call (www.musiciansoncall.org), hospice/nursing homes, school children, homeless teen shelters, and community music events. In December of 2003, she was made an Ambassador of Music through a not-for-profit humanitarian organization called Airline Ambassadors. (www.airlineambassadors.org). Her song "Evolution" from the 1997 album was featured on the national music compilation for Congressman Dennis Kucinich's presidential campaign. In addition, she is a featured artist in a national Breast Cancer awareness campaign, sponsored by Clearchannel Entertainment Worldwide. Pamela West has also successfully implemented and continues to develop community arts and music programs for children. She is the founder of The Community Music Network, an organization designed to increase public awareness about the powerful applications for grass roots music and arts development. She currently teaches music, movement, and rhythm for infants to ten year olds through the Saugerties Art Lab (www.saugertiesartlab.org) and her School of Music & Creative Development, located at Evergreen Bed & Breakfast & Live Performance Venue (www.evergreenartscenter.com) in Fleischmanns, New York, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. FEATURE PERFORMANCES: RADIO/TV/CABLE: "Just Plain Folk" 91.3 Akron, Ohio (2004); The Joe Franklin Show, Sept 2003, “The Daily Beat” Metro Channel Music & Entertainment Show, NYC 2001; Q104.7 Classic Rock, NYC 2001; Brooklyn Cable Access, 2001; Halie O on the Go Internet Radio (1 hour interview feature 2000); Planet Music Internet Radio (1 hour radio feature 2001); Rock Radio Network (London, UK 1999); WRUW “Live in Cleveland” May 1998, Case Western Reserve U. FESTIVALS & SHOWCASES: The United Nations New York City (2004 & 2005), Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival, NJ 2003 & 2004; Global Entertainment Summit with Polarity/1, 2002; Breastfest, Cleveland 2002; Moondance Jam Classic Rock Festival, (70,000 in attendance) Minnesota 2000; Philadelphia Music Converence 1997; Cleveland Undercurrents; EAT’M (Las Vegas), Buffalo Jams, MI; Hippie Fest, OH & PA; winner of solo artist competition at Ohio Music Festival. NATIONAL CLUB VENUES: Fleischmanns Theater, opening for Rusted Root's Michael Glabicki (2004); BB Kings, opening for Jeff Healy, NYC 2001; Hard Rock Cafe, NYC 2001; The Stone Pony with Buddy Miles, Asbury Park, NJ 2001; The Red Lion & CBGB’s (NYC); YUM is the Word Women’s Music Showcase, 2001 Majestic Theater (Detroit, MI); The Blind Pig & The Ark (Ann Arbor, MI 1998-2000); Brighton Center for the Performing Arts, 1999 (Ann Arbor, MI); Mama Kin (Boston); The Jewish Mother for Robert Plant (VA Beach); Wilbert’s Bar & Grille opening for Rick Danko (Cleveland, OH, 1997); The Chameleon Club (Lancaster, PA); Alliance Festival, El’n’Gee (New Haven, CT); Cleveland Bicentennial Celebration (1996) COLLEGE PERFORMANCES: Michigan State and U of Michigan (1999-2000); Wayne State University (Detroit, MI 1999); Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH 1998); Ashland University (1995-1996); University of Akron (1994-1995, 2001). INFLUENCES: Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, Traffic, Spirit, Yes, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Glass Harp, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Joel Cage, Pink Floyd, Rush, Beethovan, Mozart, Franz Schubert, Stravinsky, CSN&Y. Website http://www.pamelawest.com Discography RECORDING CREDITS: Stefanie Seskin & Blue Number Nine, Jersey City, NJ (2005) -- Bassoon Session Water Witch, Water Witch (2004), Woodstock, NY (Flute, Bassoon, Backing Vocals, Hand Percussion) Are You Ready, Get Set, Let's Go! Pamela West Children's Album (NYC) 2003 Lattice of Weeds (2003) Bedwhistle, Cleveland, Ohio (Bassoon Session) Aren't We All? Part of the Tribe, Santa Monica, CA (2000) (Flute, Backing Vocals) Evolution (1997) & Dweller on the Threshold (1999)--Angelfly Records Here's Looking At You, Pumpernickel Humphrey, Cleveland 1998 (Vocals) "Love You Madly" single released 1996, Rodell Records. Grape Umbrella Chris Otto, Seattle 1994 (Flute, Bassoon, Backing Vocals) Other Musical Projects: Water Witch w/Leland Door (Catskills, New York) Tripnotic Rock -- www.sonicbids.com/waterwitch Bed Whistle (Cleveland, Ohio): Progressive, psychedelic studio project with Chris Frohring & Hot Tuna's Erik Diaz The Ethereal World Orchestra: An improvisational world/new age instrumental project featuring talented, eclectic artists from around the world. Musicians past & present: Michael Quatro-- Synth/Piano (prodigy brother of Suzi Quatro) Keith Christopher--Bass & acoustic guitar (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Willy Nelson, Georgia Satellites) Michelle Saacks (Brittish piano prodigy -- Reggie Washington & many jazz greats) Matthew Curran--electric Guitar. (Jimmy Page/Jimi Hendrix young guitar prodigy) Chris "Bedwhistle" Frohring -- Producer, Prolific Genius, multi-instrumentalist & songwriting partner in 1990's Erik Diaz -- Percussion, Sound Engineer, acoustic guitar, vocals (Hot Tuna) Tom Guarino -- acoustic guitar & vocals Tracy Ramer -- electric guitar Byron Nemeth -- Producer, Electric & Flamenco Guitar (Amon Ra, Electro Motive Force, Byron Nemeth Group).