Judith Avers: Press

Judith Avers voted Denver's Best Female Singer/songwriter 2005!

"Armed with just an acoustic guitar and a gorgeous voice that alternately recalls Gillian Welch, Rosie Thomas and Paula Cole, singer/songwriter Judith Avers could literally sing the classified ads and still be positively riveting. Fortunately, that won't be necessary: Avers is equally adept and compelling as a storyteller, crafting heartrending tales steeped in both hopefulness and despair."

-Westword Magazine, Denver's Premier Music Mag

Many musicians use their music as an emotional outlet — a way to express what's on their minds and a way to gain some sort of peace through their expression. Judith Avers' Strong Hands illustrates songwriting as an outlet. Her album begins with the soft plucking of an acoustic guitar and the first track, "Better Off," leads the album with a tale of loneliness. Her well-established sound can be likened to artists such as Gillian Welch, Rosie Thomas and Gemma Hayes, to name a few. It is no wonder the native Kansan (West Virginia transplant) has developed a name for herself; she has played with the likes of Glen Phillips, The Fray and The Subdues while touring around the nation.

In "Two Little People," Avers sings of a couple that seems to finally get what they want and come to the realization that a big house is no better than what they had when they started out. Her other songs reflect this longing for something more, a sort of fulfillment, and whether Avers' songs are autobiographical or fictional, their impact is the same. The tonality is somber and her imagery presents the listener with an aching feeling that mirrors the subjects of her songs. Avers' voice is haunting and captivating, ranging from a low-toned huskiness to higher, more whisper-like notes.

It seems as though this album represents a certain lost someone, perhaps a friend or lover. Undoubtedly, Strong Hands symbolizes a channel of some sort for Avers, who sings, "I'll get on / I'll get by." The simplicity of her instrumentation is perfectly balanced by the honesty of her lyrics. Horns are sometimes used, and Strong Hands maintains its organic feel due to the album's simplicity. Sometimes simpler really is better, and Avers provides a shining example. (Satire Records)

This past spring, Judith Avers quietly left Denver for the hills of West Virginia. Sadly, she moved before folks really got a chance to know her, but at least she left behind this achingly beautiful disc to remember her by. Strong Hand's sparse arrangements allow Avers's beguiling voice to take center stage. If only those hands were strong enough to keep her here.
--Dave Herrera, Westword Magazine December 2005

I want to know why you are how you are. An instance of insufferable memory came gripping my senses after I had harnessed the mountainous musical sensation of this truly remarkable sound and sonnet. Her soft presence made a lighthearted comfortableness inside myself. The songs were like grandma's patchwork and by the end, she had sewn together a blanket and wrapped me in it. Soft and melodic folk lullabies folded me into the warmth of spring and left me with creases in time as she sang in one of her songs, "I would wear you if I could." A reflection of my own life as I heard her stories and my own voice begging for me to recall! recall! all that brought me to this moment. Judith Avers- tell me your story.

The mildest bean in town, The Wild Bean, let everyone in on this peaceful sound. All generations were invited into this user-friendly coffee and smoothie bar on Friday, March 9th and all showed up to fill the place. From Liberal, Kansas, Judith Avers is a strong woman with one acoustic guitar, one voice, and the simplicity of truth. She stated that she didn't know what faith was until she discovered Ani Difranco and Independent films. What do Ani Difranco and indie films have in common? They dirupt the mainstream flow, because one person decides to venture off and pursue their own vision through faith. Faith is free and life is independent...how often we forget. Judith Avers is not only a singer/songwriter, but she is also involved with a program that is designed to empower teenage women of West Virginia. Go to www.highrocks.org to find out more about this tuition free leadership program.

The beauty of listening to Judith is the ear's sensation of hearing poetry in motion; listening to folk stories enhanced by music. These songs exist in the time the song explains, and although the times change, the song remains the same. The past cannot be changed, so neither can your story...
-Danielle Fleschner

The Oklahoma Songwriters & Composers Association, in association with The Woody Guthrie Coalition, is proud to announce the Annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. This international, folk-oriented songwriting contest is held in conjunction with the 10th Annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, held in Woody's hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma, each July.

Judith Avers - 3rd place winner for her original song "What Do I Gotta Be Poor For?"

Judith Avers has won a slot on the much-anticipated CAM record compilation.

Judith's original song, "Better Off", will be joining the disc with artists:
The Fray
Born In The Flood
Yonder Mountain String Band
Hazel Miller
Gann Mathews
Nina Story

This new singer/songwriter looks as if she is here to stay.

The New Artist Showcase, one of the most popular events of the festival weekend, will be held from 12:00 noon to 4:30pm on Friday, July 27 on the Main Stage.

The following performers (listed in alphabetical order, not order of appearance) were selected from over 450 applicants:

Anthony da Costa
Beaucoup Blue
Bob Sima
Chris O'Brien
Dawn Kenney
Derek Aramburu
Edie Carey
Five2
Heather Waters
Jennings & Keller
Joe Crookston
Joe Jencks
Judith Avers
Ken Bonfield
Lindsay Mac
Nick Annis
Randall Williams
Ryan Fitzsimmons
Sandy Cash
Siobhan Quinn & Michael Bowers
Stephanie Marshall
The Whispering Tree
Vienna Teng
Zoe Mulford