Linn Records New Signing: Judith Owen

Linn Records is delighted to announce a major new signing, Judith Owen. The Welsh vocalist is now based in the United States where she has established herself as an artist of repute.

The deal arose following a live performance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006 witnessed by Linn Records A&R who were hugely impressed. This was followed by an impromptu meeting at a concert performed by Linn Records artist Ian Shaw.

Variously compared with Joni Mitchell, Barbra Streisand and Dusty Springfield as well as with friend and harmonizer Cassandra Wilson, she maintains a distinctive voice of her own. And what a voice! From subtle and shivery to strong and sensual, Owen works her way through an impressive array of sounds and styles. And the songs are just as original and far-reaching as the singer - ranging from Celtic balladry and richly-layered poetic odes to dusky jazz and simply beautiful and devotional songs.

The daughter of an acclaimed British opera singer, she began composing songs as a teenager to assuage her grief following her mother's untimely death. The ensuing musical journey resulted in a chance encounter with actor, satirist and kindred creative spirit, Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, This Is...Spinal Tap, Le Show), to whom she is now married.

Since her late-1990s emergence on the world stage, fans, critics and even Hollywood have been captivated by the truth-seeking lyricism and all-encompassing artistry of Judith Owen. Her self-penned material brings to bear her singular sense of humour and raw emotionalism that is at once poignant and funny.

"I do love the human condition and I can't write about anything else", says Owen. "I'm fascinated by what I know and see in myself, and in other people. I think this album embraces that thoroughly - how you just have to enjoy the ride, every second of it."

She is currently working closely with iconic British folk rock legend Richard Thompson - together they worked on the revered "1000 Years of Popular Music" project. She also maintains strong links with such artists as Julia Fordham, Cassandra Wilson, kd lang and Ian Shaw. John Fischbach, engineer of Stevie Wonder's classic 1970s album "Songs In The Key Of Life", is also a close associate.

Of Owen, The New York Times said "She has the kind of wailing folk-jazz voice that slices away surfaces to touch vulnerable emotional nerve endings and leave you quivering. Her naturally jazzy fluency coincides with a melodic song-writing style that at times suggests Burt Bacharach."

Sassy and intelligent...Judith Owen is the female Randy Newman Jamie Cullum

One of the most passionate, mesmerising, thoroughly creative vocal artists on the scene today Cassandra Wilson

She is one of the great talents of her generation, unique in a crowded profession Richard Thompson

A charmer and a seducer, a rocker and a jazz chanteuse Variety

Look out for Judith's debut album on Linn Records coming soon.