A gifted singer-songwriter is growing in Boston. Bethel Steele has been writing music since the age of 14, continuing through high school, college and a short post-collegiate career in the sciences. When Steele moved to a small town outside of Poughkeepsie, New York the music that had been written and played behind closed doors finally showed it's face to a listening audience.
After a few months of playing in the area, Bethel recorded an 8-song EP, the result was "Beautiful Woman." "It was literally the result of an ultimatum," says Bethel about the 2006 release. "One of the bartenders where I played most often told me that he wouldn't let me perform again if I didn't have something to sell. So I recorded 'Beautiful Woman,' burnt some copies of it, used a picture of a sunset that I had taken a few weeks earlier and 'released' the CD the next time I played at that bar."
Steele has recently released a full-length studio album, 'Come Home.' This effort is the result of more than a year of being in and out of the studio, bringing a range of musicians and different sounds to the soulful lyrics and driving rhythmic guitar that has become a trademark of Bethel's music. The album has tastes of a country upbringing, dashes of pop and rock, but is nailed in the folk genre. "'Come Home' is a reflection on my moving to Boston," Steele reveals, "I was torn between wanting to be out in the country with the open fields and wanting to have a community to be a part of, both musically and otherwise."
Bethel has been showcased as a solo artist and as an opening act for nationally- and regionally-touring artists and has busking throughout the Boston subway system. A live performance is a journey with Bethel - you get the ups, the downs and everything in between as pictures are painted with colorful words and melodies.
"Come Home" and "Beautiful Woman" are currently available on this website as well as CDBaby.com.