About

A Thousand Shades of Blue is Candace Bellamy’s first original EP. Since moving to Austin from Tennessee six years ago, Candace’s life has taken numerous fascinating turns. A successful physician who works for the military and a men’s maximum security prison, she first pursued singing nine years ago as a hobby. After taking voice lessons, she began performing in community theatre productions in Tennessee and then formed a rock and blues band.

Candace decided to move to Austin to get more involved in music. She sang in multiple R&B bands, appeared in the critically acclaimed “Porgy and Bess” at Zach Scott Theatre and was a worship leader at Gateway Church when she was approached to perform a musical showcase at the Waldorf in New York City. There she met Kevin Spirtas, an actor on the popular daytime television drama “Days of Our Lives,” who told her about his one-man show in which he told stories about his acting experiences. This inspired Candace to develop her own one woman show, “Follow the Red Lips”, which she also performed in New York City.

Having multiple musical experiences under her belt, Candace returned to school to complete a one-year music program at the University of Texas, while continuing her day job. During this time she met Ruth Carter, an amazing songwriter who has written for multiple artists including Stevie Ray Vaughn, Brian Setzer and Robert Palmer. Her collaboration with Ruth resulted in the songs on the CD. Candace and Ruth also collaborated with Jimi Calhoun a bass playing legend who has graced the stage with Dr. John, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Wilson Pickett, Sly Stone (and the list goes on).

Some of Austin’s elite play on Candace’s first original EP including Denny Freeman on guitar, Jimi Calhoun on bass, Frosty Smith on drums, Mike Thompson (Eagles) on keyboards, and Bill Carter on acoustic guitar. Also included is a song cowritten by JJ Plasencio (Sixpence None the Richer) and featuring his beautiful cello playing.

 

Buzz About A Thousand Shades of Blue

“Candace Bellamy A Thousand Shades of Blue Bellamy’s calling card is her voice, a smoky, soulful instrument of joy well-suited to a variety of cover bands locally, as well as A Thousand Shades of Blue. The album’s fortuitous placement of six gorgeous co-writes by Bellamy and Austin veterans Ruth Carter (Robert Palmer, Stevie Ray Vaughan) and bassist Jimi Calhoun makes this a memorable listen (“Sweet Sweet Soul,” “Just One Girl”). Soul with class and elegance.” -Margaret Moser, Austin Chronicle

 

“Candace Bellamy has a sweet, sweet soul. She’s the kind of singer who you could definitely enjoy listening to while sitting down at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles while sipping on a glass of wine. Her music is material you can really hear. She’s like a mesh between Rachael Yamagata and Aretha Franklin. Aside from being an excellent, sassy vocalist, Bellamy’s journey to the spotlight is far from ordinary, and I know we say that a lot, but just hear me out. Bellamy was a physician. She made a complete 180 in 2002 (around there) and hasn’t looked back since. She discovered her true calling, and if you listen to her covers and her new, first original EP A Thousands Shades of Blue, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Bellamy is a true talent, and for that she’s our BeatCrave Fav. Check her out!” - Laura Aguirre, BeatCrave

 

“Candace Bellamy’s A Thousand Shades of Blue is a record that moves in the opposite direction of much of mainstream gospel music. Whereas many artists have embraced the R&B/hip hop fusion sound of modern music with its auto tuned vocals and pop culture references, Bellamy’s EP A Thousand Shades of Blue gets its voice and inspiration from a more traditional place. The six tracks on this excellent EP come brimming with the blues, folk, soul and a little jazz. The plainspoken lyrics belie the depth of thought contained within…….. To read complete review please go to website ” - Howard Dukes, SoulTracks.com