Biography

BROKEN WINGS HEAL (ALBUM BIO) 
Caroline Aiken has released 8 albums in her multifarious career, but 2015 marks a first for the seasoned songbird. Broken Wings Heal, the 9th release from Caroline Aiken; has a story like no other, baring the soul of the songwriter like the metaphor contained in the album’s artwork, a bird being released from a cage.  
 
The inspiration for Broken Wings Heal was sparked about 29 years ago, when Caroline welcomed her daughter to the world.  But while attending college, her daughter lost direction, straying into the world of illegal drugs, was arrested, and though no one was hurt, she was made an example of by the local District Attorney, receiving a devastating ten-year prison sentence.  But this story doesn’t end up a sad one, as the experience and all it has entailed bore a new beauty that shone over the lives of both mother and daughter.  It brought them closer. It allowed time for reflection, connection and a new direction.  And when Caroline’s daughter breaks free from her cage, she will be able to soar to the highest peak, empowered to sing her own song.  Broken Wings Heal, is a tribute to her daughter’s strength, love and determination.  It’s a heart-on-the-table, hopeful and joyful album, and that’s just the beginning.
 
Engineered and Produced by John Keane (Widespread Panic, REM, Indigo Girls), Broken Wings Heal is a lush and intricate exploration of folk and rock with a little funk and jazz between the layers. Aiken’s own guitar and piano skills showcase her pure, bluesy vocals, complimented by powerful electric guitar, pedal steel and horn solos.  The title track was written by Boo Ray, but it’s message echoed Caroline’s own hopes for her daughter, and the beautiful ballad raises the spirits of all who hear it.  “Razor Wire” displays a more somber sound, with it’s delicate acoustic guitar and hopeful message.  “Mysterious Wonder” changes everything up with sultry jazz and vivacious lyrics, originally written in a group of 40 students and staff during Aiken’s time teaching at Pepperland Music Camp in North Carolina.  “Cry Wolf” makes no apologies in amping up the rock ‘n roll edge factor, while “Everything Can Change” (lyrics written by Caroline’s daughter) and finds its place among the rest as a stripped down piano number. Start to finish, Broken Wings Heal is brimming with stories, inspiring messages, and lush, beautiful music that provokes joy, hope and some real introspection.  
 Www.carolineaiken.com/Radio/ to listen to full songs. Request physical CD carolineaiken@gmail.com
 
CAROLINE AIKEN BIO
Atlanta-born and Georgia-raised musician Caroline Aiken began her career in 1968, performing with a rock band called Fathertime in Long Island, NY. She honed her skills as a songwriter and solo artist during the late 70’s, moving from busking the streets of Seattle to opening for well known acts such as Doc Watson, Bonnie Raitt, David Bromberg, Muddy Waters, and later, Little Feat, Randy Newman, John Prine, Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens, Derek Trucks and many more.  After years of touring throughout the US, South America and Europe, she moved back to Atlanta in the mid eighties where her bluesy voice, masterful finger picking guitar style, and hypnotizing stage presence anchored the city’s acoustic and folk scene and influenced up and coming artists like the Indigo Girls and Shawn Mullins.  
 
Caroline Aiken has released 9 albums to date, with the first one, 1988’s Line of Vision, featuring Bonnie Raitt on guitars and vocals on two tracks.  Her 7th recording, Are We There Yet, Mama?, released in 2005, garnered a first draft ballot nomination for a Grammy award, and as an artist she received two New South CocaCola Awards Nominations, for Best Vocalist and Best Acoustic Guitarist. She has headlined Kerrville (14 times since 1995, in 2010 with The Indigo Girls), Falcon Ridge, and High Sierra festivals, played Bumbershoot, Music Midtown (Atlanta), the GA Music Hall Of Fame mainstage (with the B52’s and Mother’s Finest) and Otis Redding Songwriting Camp.  Caroline has also co-headlined The Mendocino Music Festival along with Ruthie Foster, and is a regular attendee at the annual Folk Alliance Conference, as a performer, presenter and educator. When she’s not touring or recording, Caroline also teaches her workshop "Zen and the Art of Performance" at music camps nationally and internationally.
 
A perpetual touring artist, Caroline continues to play shows regularly throughout the US, Europe, South America and the UK, including numerous charitable events for at risk children, animals, and environmental awareness.  She’s been called an “Underground Legend” (Santa Cruz Goodtimes), and “The Real Deal” (Performing Songwriter Magazine), but perhaps the most accurate quote ever uttered was given by Artichoke Music in Portland, OR; “Spending time with Caroline is as unforgettable as it is inspirational.  She’s truly at the heart of America’s folk/roots movement and has the skills along with life experience we all desire as entertainers.” 

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