Rosi Gowdey

That is the vibe I try to create no matter where you may hear me -- a casual, at-home-on-the-sofa feel, with songs full of small and big life experiences.

My musical roots really began with a fascination with the accordion (my very cool older cousin played). That was replaced with my first guitar after I heard Joan Baez when I was in 6th grade. 

From there, I followed Joan's breadcrumb trail to Appalachian traditional music and music designed to change the world. I credit much of my guitar style to Baez, Mother Maybelle Carter, and her big influence, Lesley (Esley) Riddle. 

By college, I was writing songs about social change, and love, the landscape of Iowa, and women's shoes (yes). I performed at local and regional venues and music festivals across the country.

Soft Hills was my 1987 album on cassette, made in my hometown, Des Moines, Iowa. Since then, I've lived and performed in Washington, DC, and now in Burlington Vermont.

A few of my songs:

“Just Right Now” invites you to sink into a sensory experience of a walk in the woods. 

With “He Made Things,” you will join me in my dad’s basement workshop, looking and smelling exactly the way it was on the last day he occupied it. 

I wrote "Soft Hills" in the 80's. It's a love song to the women and land of Iowa, and now, to the women and land of Vermont. 

"Better Angel" is a personal account, and a wish for everyone who has ever had to recover from, well, anything. 

"Perfect August Afternoon" captures a 20-minute conversation between a 6 year old boy, my guitar, and me.

There are more! Soon, I'll get a little recording done. Meanwhile, come out and hear me.

My Hiatus, and Sallie Mack

So, listen, I'm just returning to my music after a couple of decades' hiatus, and I am excited!

I guess I channeled my creative energies into a long and stimulating career in organizational leadership and development. Now, I'm officially back in relationship with my instruments, my songwriting, and the ever-illusive muse. Two years ago, as I was struggling to get my guitar to remember my songs, my acupuncturist connected me with Sallie Mack. She's a long-time Vermont musician and founder of the Ripton Coffeehouse. Sallie has done more than her part to keep the music scene of Vermont thriving through her own artistry and by helping to ensure other fine musicians are heard. 

Now, we're playing together -- originals, covers, folk, Americana, jazz standards, old stuff, new stuff. We harmonize, do some pretty decent guitar work, play a little bass and keyboards. We have fun. So do our audiences. There is always room for singing along!

Thanks for dropping in. Come back. I will post more tunes and musings as spirit moves!