Well Worth the Wait! Debut CD Attracts Accolades and Awards.

Performing and writing for over 25 years, singer/songwriter Ralston releases an award winning CD. Positive Reviews and recognition are the response.

After performing regularly in West Michigan for more than three decades, Bowles' much-anticipated recording debut, "Carwreck Conversations," (www.allmusicguide.com); has been released to the public.

What took him so long?

"I just never really felt the need to (record an album)," said Bowles, of Grand Rapids, who began performing at coffeehouses and folk festivals in the late 60s. "It was all about the live music.

"And all the stories I ever heard about music as an industry, it wasn't nearly as organic as the music was. It was mostly just the fear of locking down something (a version of a song) so that's the way it always is."

His fears are misplaced as his music has made it's way to the ears and playlist of Bob Harris (www.bobharris.org)on the BBC in the UK and various independent sations around the globe from Maine to New Zealand. Others who heard advance copies of the disc insist it was worth the wait. Reviews are appearing on-line echoing the same response. (www.americana-uk.com)

Ralston was selected as one of the 32 finalists for the prestigious Kerrville Annual New Folk Songwriter Event from the 600+ entrants from around the world. His CD also received 3 Jammie Awards which included Best New Album in West Michigan as well as a Silver Addy for it's packaging design.

"Carwreck Conversations" is chock-full of the smart and catchy, rock- and folk-tinged material that has long made Bowles a coveted performer throughout the Midwest. Ranging from Lyle Lovett-like tracks to the striking, unforgettable folk-rock hook that drives "James Dean," the CD was recorded at Camp David studio in Los Angeles with producer Marvin Etzioni and engineer David Vaught at the helm. A singer-songwriter, producer and founder of the band Lone Justice, Etzioni has worked in the past with the Counting Crows, Peter Case and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Ralston has supported the Hothouse Flowers and T-Bone Burnett but last summer his career took a bigger jump when he found himself filling in for Grammy Award winner, Shawn Colvin. Her plane was delayed over Chicago because of weather so he was called on to fill in and delivered a standing ovation performance to the 900+ audience who had gathered in the newly opened Fredrik Meijer Gardens Outdoor Amphitheater for the concert. Shawn was rescheduled later that season and the promoter invited Ralston back to open for her.

Ralston can be found on several internet radio stations or just check out his website for his schedule.
www.songramp.com
www.ralstonbowles.com

CD's can be ordered on-line through www.pastemusic.com
www.fishrecords.co.uk or
www.ralstonbowles.com with PAYPAL.

Cuurently accepting offers for fall dates
booking@ralstonbowles.com