A voice, A heart. A lifetime of experience.
In a landscape flooded with cookie-cutter folksinger/songwriter types trying to make a name for themselves, Carol Montag stands out as one not so easily categorized. Though she first put down roots in the folk genre, learning from masters like Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, and Joan Baez, on her latest release, Marigolds, Montag truly rises above the folk fray. As one critic wrote, "Carol Montag is not folk or blues or modern, she cannot be categorized, she must be heard." Another wrote, "Carol sings from the heart about places in all our hearts. She charmed us, humbled us and we all made a friend."
The subject matter of Marigolds, her fifth recording, is a mixed package, being both personal and spiritual. "I had been through a difficult time in my life, having lost both parents within a year of each other. Somehow my songwriting went to another level and changed in ways I never expected." Montag sees Marigolds as a major shift in songwriting style, anticipating further growth and development with enthusiasm and excitement, "I was thrilled to find myself writing outside the folksinger/songwriter box, it's as if a whole new world just opened up for me." Marigolds is not only a mixed package in terms of songwriting style, but also in terms of production. "Some of the songs were produced with a full band; drums, bass, piano, and additional guitars and are more rhythmic, while others are simply myself with guitar or piano."
Tom Paxton - Early in her career Montag was described by folk music legend, Tom Paxton, as a "a genuine discovery and the best to come our of Iowa since Bonnie Koloc." Paxton also had words of praise when he received Marigolds saying it is "...comparable to Beth Nielsen Chapman's Sand and Water in songwriting style, performance and production. Excellent!"
Arlo Guthrie - After opening a show for another legend, Arlo Guthrie, Guthrie personally asked Montag to return to open for two more shows the following night. Bart Haynes of the Des Moines Register said in his review of Guthrie, "It would be a sins not to mention Carol Montag, who opened the show. Montage has a voice that rivals Joan Baez and leaves on wondering: why is she still here?"
Ballet Iowa - Kenneth Oberly, former artistic director of Ballet Iowa, recognized Montag's songwriting talent and commissioned her to compose music for his "Swallows Return in the Spring" ballet. The commissioned work, which depicts the human tragedy of the farm crisis, was well received by critics. Montag performed live with the ballet company when the ballet was featured on Iowa Public Television in addition to a tour through the Midwest.
What makes a Carol Montag performance memorable and unique is the sum of its parts:
A powerful, crystal clear voice, a remarkable ability on guitar and piano, songwriting of immense depth that employs vivid imagery, and the ability to take the stage like a pro, captivating audiences and transporting them to another place and time.
Carol first began singing and performing at an early age in church in her native Iowa. She studied piano and flute while still in school and learned to play the guitar by ear. While in college she played in various acoustic groups. Eventually, she bean performing solo in restaurants, coffeehouses, colleges, festivals and concert series throughout the Midwest and Canada.
Critics and audience members often mention that listening to her sing a cappella is both mesmerizing and evocative.
"When I'm on stage I try to put myself in the place of the audience and imagine what I would like to hear if I were out there. My voice is the tool I use to help people feel the way I am feeling, to convey an emotion, a thought, or experience."
Montag has also been noted for appealing to audiences of all ages with a relaxed stage presence that puts everyone at ease. "For me, performing is a privilege and a time when I can connect with people I may not even know on a very personal level."
A native of Ames, Iowa and graduate of Iowa State University, Carol currently resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Carol is a member of the Iowa Arts Council on the performing artist roster. For information on performance fee grants, visit www.iowaartscouncil.org.