MUSIC

“The interplay between Anderson’s vocals and George Castelle’s beautiful, sturdy guitar work has an intimacy and warmth not often captured on record.” — Michael Shannon Friedman, reviewer for The Charleston Gazette

“Colleen Anderson's self-produced collection of songs and poems is an eclectic mix of styles and emotions, and she is fluent in all of them.” — Dirty Linen Magazine

The character of your voice along with the exquisite instrumentation, blended vocals and heartfelt words provide for a great uplifting of the spirit. — Mike Anderson

Trail through the Trees (CD, 2020)

This brand-new album was produced by Julie Adams of Mountain Stage and recorded by Dan Bailey at Elmridge Productions. I’m proud of them and of the 12 songs in this collection. It’s an eclectic mix — there are some songs about trees, of course, along with some love songs, a couple of protest songs, some West Virginia songs (including the only cover song on the album, by the beloved Hazel Dickens), and one or two that just don’t fit readily into any category. You can download or stream the songs on most streaming services. To buy the physical CD, send me a message via the contact page on this site and we’ll make it happen!

If You Love My West Virginia

This anthem was first performed a cappella at a public hearing in the West Virginia House of Delegates in February 2014, following the January 2014 chemical spill that contaminated water for 300,000 citizens in the state’s capital and surrounding areas. The song is a plea for all West Virginians to show our love and loyalty to our home by protecting its clean water and intact mountains. This single recording features George Castelle on guitar. To listen, visit this YouTube link.

Going Over Home (CD, 2001)

Guitarist George Castelle and I worked with our producer, Jim Martin, for almost two years to produce this collection. Most are my compositions, although we also included one Kate Wolf song (“Give Yourself to Love”) and the traditional ballad from which we took the name of the album. Several of these songs have been featured on Public Radio International's internationally syndicated live music program Mountain Stage as well as on The Folk Sampler. The album includes guest performances by Bob Thompson, Jim Martin, Julie Adams, Charlotte Moellendick, Laura Harbert Allen, and some other great musicians. You can stream or download on most music services. To buy the physical CD, send me a message via the contact page on this site.

Fabulous Realities (CD, remastered 2006)

Originally recorded in 1991 as a cassette tape, with the guidance and technical help of our talented producer, Jim Martin, Fabulous Realities has been remastered and is now available as a CD. The album includes 11 original songs and two narrative poems. One song, “West Virginia Chose Me,” has been recorded by a number of other performers and was also included on two special collections, Songs of Home (produced in 2002 by the West Virginia Lottery) and The Road Home. You can stream or download the songs on most music streaming services. To buy the physical CD, send me a message via the contact page on this site.

POTLUCK: A Celebration of Women, Wisdom, and Home Cooking

What is POTLUCK? It's an hour-long live performance...a feast of stories, songs, and poems that will satisfy your soul, lift your heart, and tickle your funny bone. Karen Vuranch, Julie Adams, and I have gathered our very best and very favorite pieces about cookery and community (and the connections between them) into a performance that's full to the brim with laughter and love. A few copies of the POTLUCK CD are still available. To buy the CD, just send me a message on the contact page at this site.