In her storytelling style and sweet soprano voice, Bronwen's appropriately-titled 12-song debut is folksy, melodic, well engineered and full of vivid imagery.

Unfortunately (or not, depending on taste), many of her tunes are on the sad side and some written in minor-key arrangements. But they are very honest and packed with emotion -- enhanced more through the melodies and eloquent lyrics than her voice.

Instrumentally, she accompanies herself on acoustic guitar, often likewise joined by Nico Cheston. She's also ably supported by numerous talented musicians, most notably Lisa Fuglie on fiddle and mandolin and Clint Hoover on harmonica.

It is so well mixed that the supplied lyrics aren't necessary, but upon listening, for some reason you feel compelled to get them out and read them. It's as if the drive and urge to share the life she's experienced so fully becomes nearly tangible through her songs.

Highlights include the opener "Custom-made Woman" -- a medium-tempo tune that ultimately is about longing. After mentioning boots, guitars and houses, Bronwen writes: "Custom-made women are funny and kind They bring out your best and drive you out of your mind...

I'm a custom-made woman yes it's true I'm a custom-made woman but made for who..."

Further along the selections comes "I Had a Lover Once," another medium-tempo happy/sad tongue-in-cheek song that sounds very country -- and appropriately so as it concerns a look at past lovers. Dan Neale's banjo lends more country character and charm to this tune.

Her first attempt at blues (and her voice sounds really GOOOOD here as she takes it down a notch)is a cute song written about her son's attraction to action figures (yep!) called "Caleb's Blues."

As you keep listening, it's tempting to draw the conclusion that Bronwen is a country singer, although the folk element is still very strong throughout. Another song depicting that characteristic is "Sanibel Island," a cute tune about a favorite vacation spot with her own children providing backup vocals.

The CD ends with another really good tune called "A Little Worse for Wear," a time of reflection on New Year's Eve. The melody, instrumentation, vocals (and gorgeous harmony!) and lyrics all fit together so well here it's easily one of the best tunes on the CD.

Whatever category you want to put Bronwen into, some things are indisputable -- you will feel something (whatever it is); you will be drawn into the stories and more than likely convinced to listen again.

--- Les Reynolds, Indie-Music.com, 02-09-01