MICHELE GEDNEY
Bio
Michele Gedney spent the last 23 years as one half of the award-winning duo Open Book with her late husband, Rick Gedney, known for their honest and contemplative lyrics, melody invention, and weaving vocal and guitar harmonies.
Sadly, Rick passed away in early 2023 and Michele made the decision to complete and release the album that they had finished recording, helping her in navigating her loss and to begin creating a new life as a solo artist. The duo had released four albums which received national airplay and critical acclaim. Their fifth and final album, Leaning In, made the Folk Alliance International radio chart for January and April of 2024.
Michele is a co-founder and teacher at Dar Williams “Writing a Song That Matters” retreat, entering its 13th year. Michele’s songs have received numerous awards and her song “Go” has been released by Cry Cry Cry (Dar Williams, Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell) on their 2020 album, Live at the Freight.
Michele is writing and performing new material as well as selections from her catalog with Open Book. She has been writing and arranging vocals and guitars for other musician’s recording projects, and has been enjoying some successful co-writing opportunities.
Audio
December 13, 2024 Article in The Gazette by Tom Staudter
QUOTES
“I love this album by Open Book and loved singing on it. Michele Gedney is a co-leader of Writing a Song That Matters and wrote the song “Go” that Cry Cry Cry covered. We lost Rick Gedney last January, but he is so warm and present on this album.” Dar Williams
“…the low-key power of haunting melody, the satisfaction of adroit wordplay entwined with skillfully understated musicianship. (Michele’s) distillation powers are impressive indeed.” Robert Burke Warren, Chronogram Magazine
“In the case of Michele's song writing…there are strong poetic and contemplative threads running throughout…reflected in Michele's smooth and silky vocals” Graham Dixon, BBC Radio3
“Serene and quietly compelling…” Michael Eck, Chronogram Magazine
“I've always been inspired to see how you can paint a beautiful portrait with such simplicity in your arrangements. i am also a very big fan of your voice.....its purity and innocence has always slayed me against the wisdom and complexity of your cinematic poetry. Please keep showing us "the way". - Listener review, 2023
“A powerful message — personal, universal, skillful, beautiful.” Listener review, 2023
“Michele's pristine tone, at times reminiscent of Shawn Colvin's, just soars.” Sam Tallerico, WVKR Radio
“Most everyone remarks on Michele's unique voice. I can't describe it as anything but angelic” Rick Rock, Founder of Tribes Hill Music
“Aside from “A Meadow” and David Gray’s “Silver Lining”, the other songs on “Leaning In” are written by Michele, and they are all winners: the countrified melodies of “Windows”, and “Find Each Other”, the beguiling title track, and the stellar folk-pop “Calendars” its message of regret buoyed by the up tempo rhythm.” Thomas Staudter, The Gazette
VIDEO
Michele playing her song, January Knows, accompanied by Kellie Lin Knott.
Michele performs “How It Feels To Love” at Move Studios, Cold Spring, NY
Michele performing "Follow The Sound" at The Towne Crier w/ KJ Denhert's band, The Evening News.
Recent Awards/Recognition
2011-2024 - Songwriting Teacher at ‘Writing a Song That Matters’ with Dar Williams
2017 - Winner of Connecticut Folk Festival Songwriting Contest
2020 - Morrissey Guitars - representing at various luthier’s conferences
2020 - Song “Go” recorded and released by Cry Cry Cry (Williams/Shindell/Kaplansky) “Live at The Freight”
2024 - “Leaning In” on Folk Alliance International Charts in January and April
SHARED THE STAGE/RECORDED WITH:
Al Hemberger - Billy Masters - Buddy and Julie Miller - Christine Lavin - Dan Bonis - Dar Williams -Doug Yowell - Ellis Paul - Freedy Johnston - Ian Matthews - Jay Nicholas - Jeff Allen - Joe Crookston - John Sebastion - Jon Pousette Dart - Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman - KJ Denhert - Lucy Kaplansky - Lincoln Schleiffer - Livingston Taylor - Lloyd Maines - Marco Giovino - Mark Murphy - Marc VonEm - Martin Sexton Michael Visceglia - Mike LaRocco- Modern Man - Pete Heitzman - Radislov Lorcovic - Richard Shindell - Rob Clores - Rob Mathes - Sara Milonovich - Sharon Goldman - Shawn Pelton - Sloan Wainwright - Stacy Earle Steve Hass - The Kennedys - The Levins - Terence Martin - Tom Camp - Will Lee - Zev Katz and many others
contact
Booking and Inquiries: harmonysing@gmail.com
HIGH RES PHOTOS
