Biography

Carolyn Wonderland
“Miss Understood”

“One of the most impressively powerful voices recently heard anywhere, regardless of sex. Able to croon, cajole, promise and growl with equal power, she plays guitar with much the same forcefulness.” – Matt Weitz, Dallas Observer

“Her voice can be as beautiful as an angel and as powerful as a class 5 hurricane, all within the drop of a hat” – Dante Dominick, Rockzillaworld Magazine

Bismeaux Productions is pleased to announce the national CD release of “Miss Understood” by Carolyn Wonderland on February 5, 2008. Produced by 9-time Grammy-winner Ray Benson, and recorded in Austin, the album follows up the critically acclaimed 2003 release “Bloodless Revolution,” and features new songs from Carolyn, as well as rare gems from Bruce Robison, JJ Cale, Terri Hendrix & Rick Derringer. Guest musicians include Jamie Oldaker, Lloyd Maines, Ray Benson, and many other Austin greats.

Orignally from Houston, Carolyn virtually swept The Houston Press awards from the time she was a teenager, for everything from Best Guitarist, Vocalist, Songwriter, Blues, to Release of the Year and Musician of the Year. Upon moving to Austin several years ago, she took up residence at the famed south Austin club the Saxon Pub, and immediately became a “most valuable” collaborator in Austin’s fertile music scene.

Benson jumped at the chance to produce Carolyn, shortly after learning that she was a favorite of Bob Dylan’s. “I went backstage to meet up,” says Benson recalling a recent Dylan gig in Austin, “and the first thing he asked me was if I knew how to get a hold of her. She happened to be in Houston, but she dropped everything and drove back just in time to meet him after his gig.”

Miss Understood is Carolyn’s seventh feature release, and from the first notes of her slide guitar on the lead track, the album is clearly a career-defining record, as she brings into mature focus her triple-threat of talents: diverse songwriting, soulful vocals and guitar goddess chops. Wonderland's songs have been featured on NBC's "Homicide" and Fox's "Time of Your Life.” She has toured with Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter, sat-in with String Cheese Incident, Robert Earl Keen, and Los Lobos, and has been a hit contributor at the Sturgis Rally and the High Sierra Music Festival.

Bismeaux Productions is Ray Benson & Asleep at the Wheel’s new south Austin label. Benson recognized the improved creative opportunities in integrating label functions in house, enjoying national distribution partnerships through RED/MRI and digital partners such as iTunes and IODA, while advancing the careers of exceptional talents such as Wonderland’s.