Born: August 18, 1961 Primary Instrument: Guitar, acoustic
Char Butler's appreciation for the fine arts began through the influence of her artistic father. She was identified as having a gift of voice and started singing at local church services. She started private vocal training and playing clarinet at an early age. Her first live radio singing broadcast was at the age of eleven on a local channel in Oklahoma. She broadened her classical training by studying opera, singing as a colatura soprano at the age of thirteen. She sang with the Christian Dimensions, a local sing out group who toured the United States in the 70’s. The group was on televised in various states and recorded one album. Throughout her secondary school years she sang in many music competitions. She bought her first guitar at the age of seventeen and started performing folk songs for local entertainment, following the style of Joan Baez and Carol King.
After attaining her Masters degree in counseling from Oklahoma State University, she began in depth study on guitar through a small private university. Her song writing career began in the late 1970’s. She began working for Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma in 1985. She taught guitar for the Fine Arts Department for seven of the nine years that she worked for the university. While living in Enid, she was a music director for a local Christian Church. She taught as an adjunct professor for the university and was a vocal judge for the Tri-State Music Festival.
One of her fondest memories is being a member of the symphonic choir that performed with the Enid Symphony. Over the years she has worked with many children’s programs in Oklahoma and Arizona. Char’s main focus over the past two decades has been raising her three children and contributing her time and support in school and various programs. Her most recent work has been as the music director and movement choreographer for Crosstown, a local children’s church theater.
Natural healing methodologies are also among her hobbies and interests. Meditation and clearing of the mind is considered to be one of the most important aspects of life. Char feels that the quote, “Be Still and Know God” is very significant in her own life. It is my goal to be profound rather than profane. I am a cross between Sheryl Crow and Jewell and for older listeners Stevie Nicks and Olivia Newton John. The songs I write are peaceful and uplifting without negativity. I totally believe in transcending positive thought. I write songs that express love, hope, peace, misunderstanding, losses and healing. I write songs about spirits, which I believe are among us and upbeat songs that have positive words put to a soft rock beat.” -- Char Butler
Taken from her album Secrets of the Heart, the songs “My Life (I Love You)” and “Tonight” glide by with dreamy textures and somewhat ethereal vocals. With its sublime piano and subtle electronica touches, “My Life (I Love You)” is probably too gorgeous and evocative for commercial radio. Do they still play songs as sweetly arranged and fetchingly sung as this? I’m reminded of the Cranberries without the post-grunge guitars and Irish accents. “Tonight” is reportedly a success on Adult Contemporary radio stations, and I can easily see why. The singing is reminiscent of Paula Cole’s without trying to be (it just is), and the arrangements are more down-to-Earth, a warm bed of acoustic guitars as Butler’s soft voice drifts to the clouds. Daydream the afternoon away.
http://www.charbutler.com
Published in: Singer/Songwriter Reviewson March 30, 2008 at 8:19 pm Comments (0) Tags: Adult Contemporary, Paula Cole, the Cranberries
Char Butler is a ’soothing, otherworldly voice’ Filed under: Acoustic, Adult Contemporary, Easy Listening “ Tags: Acoustic, Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow “ hellhoundonmytrail @ 8:33 pm By Lucinda Coyne Artist: Char Butler Title: “My Life”-”Tonight” [promo single] Grade: A Web: http://www.charbutler.com I haven’t checked, but these songs are probably available on iTunes. Also included on her album Secrets of the Heart, “My Life (I Love You)” and “Tonight” embody exactly the kind of music that the Calm Cafe champions. Just because it’s Easy Listening doesn’t mean it isn’t hip or creative. We’re not about Barry Manilow here. Char Butler is a creative kin to Sarah McLachlan, that of the soothing, otherworldy voice, especially “My Life (I Love You)” with its transcendent vocal performance. “Tonight” is just as impressive but in a different way, opting for the rootsy acoustic pop of Sheryl Crow. Both are well-produced and engaging, and a positive sign that this artist is going places.
Comments (0) March 28, 2008
Secrets of the Heart
Char Butler
Indie/Quantumelody Productions
2007
Tracks: 01; My Life (I Love You)4:39: 02;Tonight 3:44: 03; I'm Your Woman 3:24: 04;Forgiveness (Hold On) 3:44: 05;Face of the Wind 3:27: 06;If We Change 3:48: 07;I Feel Good 3:18: 08;I Can't Cry 4:02: 09;Surges 3:31: 10;Shed My Sorrow 4:23: 11;A Story Called Love 3:38: 12;Are You Real 4:01:
: Char Butler: Lead Vocals. Amber Lacey Secondary Lead Vocals. Char Butler: Harmony Vocals. Char Butler: Clarinet. Char Butler: Acoustic Guitar. Krys Van Slyke: Bass. Mike Kaminski: Keyboards. Ken Mary: Drums and Percussion. Joe Rusinek: Electric Guitar. Ken Mary, Mike Kaminski: Strings. Jim Korakis, Ken Mary: Programming.
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
Primary Instrument:
Guitar, acoustic
Location:
Gilbert, AZ
Credentials/Background:
I am not taking students at this time. I taught guitar for about sixteen years. I started students with a classical orientation, including music theory. I have taught beginners through university level students.
