G L O R I A   A T T O U N

 

     Gloria got hooked on the guitar when she was a kid and played for a long time (until her fingers bled!) on a beat up, hand-me-down guitar.  After hearing old-time traditional music at the age of 15, she took up the banjo.  She began to write songs shortly after learning these instruments as a way to sort through her experiences and challenges.  Her North African heritage, listening to folk music of the 60’s and 70’s and music from around the world has given her songs a unique and refreshing sound.  

     Some of Gloria’s repertoire includes songs of hope and change, ballads like the Civil War song “Will & Indiana”, some light-hearted, humorous songs such as “Tips for the Apocalypse”, ethnic instrumentals, songs about her life, such as her French/English song, “Le Poisson” (the fish) about her father, and a couple of love songs thrown in the mix.  

     Gloria’s CD “Seeds” made the top ten list on WXOU-FM, Michigan and her song “Wrong Side of the Road” was featured on National Public Radio’s “Car Talk.” Gloria received an honorable mention in The Rocky Mountain Folk Festival Songwriter’s Showcase contest, was a finalist in The Ozark Folk Festival Song writing contest and also had the honor of performing for the 2009 Folk Alliance Region Midwest Official Showcase.

      Gloria is an accomplished singer, songwriter and accompanist with her long time friends in the the band “Augusta Bottoms Consort” and also plays with the jam band, “The Texas Giants”, adding mandolin, banjo, harmony vocals, harmonica and percussion.

 

     As one reviewer writes about Gloria’s most recent release “Seeds”:  “Every song is memorable, vividly coming to life, a perfect combination of Gloria’s clear, true voice and lyrics”.

 

                        Photos by Michael Bauermeister, Gloria and Ray Marklin