Louise Kirchen

Over the years we’ve been treated to bits and pieces of the musical charms of Louise Kirchen– – a clever lyric here, a poignant melody there, a harmony vocal or the occasional solo. Now finally we get a whole package full of Louise’s wondrous songwriting, classic country singing, and some beautiful instrumental back up. It’s been worth the wait.

– Joe Sasfy

Listening to these recordings I felt as if a secret buried treasure was being revealed in a surprising alternate universe.  Like the nostalgia of loved-but-forgotten standards from long ago somehow blended with the pleasure of discovering something beautiful and brand new.  I always love hearing Louise sing, her songs are consistently first-rate, and the production and playing are wonderful on every cut.  Thank you for this little jewel.

– Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Fans who saw Louise sing harmony to husband Bill Kirchen on gigs or their charming “Cabin Fever Reliever” streams might have had an inkling. Or the more attentive could have noticed her songwriting credits on albums by him and others. But few could have predicted such a strong debut of expertly crafted originals. Her unaffected vocals and spot-on melodies sit comfortably alongside some of the best musicians in Austin or any town, as she delivers a solid country outing with eclectic overtones.  

Rather than fill every hole with licks, this A Team, including piano great Floyd Domino, serves the song and the singer. Marty Muse provides crying pedal steel, while Rich Brotherton pulls double duty, producing while playing acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments. And Tele master Kirchen is, as ever, unpredictable but tasteful.  

“Big Hat, No Cattle” swings so perfectly, it could’ve fit into Bob Wills’ repertoire, while it wouldn’t take too hard a nudge to land “Mud On My Boots” in rockabilly territory. “Just Friends, That’s All” features mandolinist Paul Glasse, and “Honky Tonk Song” is just that – and a standard of the genre waiting to happen.  Already itching for a follow-up. 

– Dan Forte, ASCAP/Deems Taylor Award-winning music journalist for February 2022 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine

It's a true Texas Honky Tonky sound! The back-up is stellar and Louise's voice definitely leads it. I hope this CD gets proper promotion because people need to hear what a real country singer sounds like. I'm excited for her - and for all Country Music lovers.

– Ginny Hawker, Rounder Recording Artist

Great album! Get a copy any way you can!

– Floyd Domino, Alseep At the Wheel, Merle Haggard

I can't express how delighted I am to have helped Louise Kirchen bring this magnificent collection of songs to the world at large. We had THE BEST time working on this, and are as pleased as we can be with how it turned out. Please give a listen, and buy a copy!

 – Rich Brotherton, Producer, Ace Recording, Austin TX

Stellar work, she's a modern day Cindy Walker! The album really is great, such well written songs, Well worth the wait!

– Ben Jones, Beat Root Revival

Congratulations are in order, my friend! The writing is superb - "Mud on My Boots" may have to end up in my repertoire! You and Rich (Brotherton) did a stellar job bringing these songs to life. They - and you - are deserving of the bright light this will shine on your music.

– Christine Albert, Chair Emeritus Recording Academy (NARAS), Albert & Gage, Swan Songs

This is a beautiful batch of original songs by Louise Kirchen, singing her butt off too! A lovely record that reminds me of Anita Bryant Paper Roses classic country.

– Sandy Rogers, rattlerecords.com

Fabulous songwriter and singer! Hard to believe it's her first album. Great musicians on board too!

– Jim Thompson, band leader, composer, playwright @ Halfway There, the Musical