MY SHOOTING STAR was released in September, 2009.

So, what's NEW in the recording world for Bett Padgett? A new home recording studio that took longer to learn HOW to use it than actually making the recording! Never in a million years did I expect to be doing this! THREE CD's are in the making. Yes, I do not do things simply! One is 'Bett's Mess' --- actually entitled MY SHOOTING STAR and contains songs about the ups and downs of life......no searching for love songs, but what happens in all the years after finding it! Another CD is of songs about North Carolina's history which will be entitled North Carolina: a Musical History Tour. It will take you from Murphy to Manteo, tunes about our state's marvelous maritime history to the sad story of the Trail of Tears in our mountains, some funny songs, some tragic. A CD of North Carolina's lighthouses has been in the making since 1999. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the CD about its historic relocation was just the beginning of my love affair with our state's illustrious towers. Stay tuned for further development!

Bett at home in the studio (parlor)---totally a home recording environment.

photo by Bill Padgett

MY SHOOTING STAR has been several years in the making. Recorded at Little Lake Hill Studio (home)--- it took quite a while to use the equipment. Many thanks to Hal Meeks for his technical assistance for without him this project never would have gotten off the ground. Special thanks go to Laurie Bishop whose artistic eye 'saw' the things my music was saying and she has relayed it so beautifully in the album's pictures. Most of the songs are songs of encouragement and  the wonders of life's lessons.

An 'official' release date of September 12th---house concert/birthday celebration/benefit show was great fun and a success with proceeds going to the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society and Dix 306, two organizations I am passionate about. Enjoy a few samples and review of the album or read from the entire RAYSREALM underground music critique

AMY'S JOURNEY

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

MY SHOOTING STAR

To see lyrics and stories behind the songs click here

CD # 4, CONVERSATIONS (Surprises & Other Stories) was released January 25th, 2002 at a Little Lake Hill Houseconcert. A performance before a packed audience! "CONVERSATIONS", because that's exactly what the CD is all about. A mix of styles: blues, pop, folk....songs which are: conversations.... with a husband about moving from a home they shared for 30 years;  with a son about love letters found that were written by his grandfather;  with an Alzheimer's stricken mother; with a son about difficulties from infanthood to adulthood....a song by Lui Collins about the local issue of the Coker Towers development in Raleigh, and, of course, several songs about North Carolina's history, in the Flood of '99 (Hurricane Floyd) and the Wright Brothers first flight and MORE! She draws from many talented artists on cello, upright and electric bass, flute, violin, fiddle and percussion, giving the CD a diverse sound.  Ray Dorsey of CHAOS REALM (Online Magazine) says: "Simply speaking, BETT PADGETT is one of the most heartfelt, genuine and best songwriters I've heard in the last several years. This fact came home to me on her wonderful 1999 release, a tribute to the Hatteras Lighthouse. She's now taken to new levels on this exploration based around many moving conversations. This album promises to be one of 2002's very best, and Bett's passionate vocals and elegantly understated acoustic guitar only serve to underscore that fact....wonderful!"

The Hatteras Lighthouse has won a special place in Bett’s heart.   She released a CD of songs written about  this magnificent historical monument and its perilous situation on the shore in 1999. She made several trips to Buxton and areas of the Outer Banks to get a better understanding of how the local people feel about the light and its relocation. HATTERAS: if a LIGHTHOUSE COULD SPEAK  is a tribute to what this beacon has brought to the residents of Dare County and to its many thousands of visitors. Through music she sings of its history, the relocation, the many emotions felt because of relocation, and of the appreciation felt by all who know and love the Cape Light. Dirty Linen says, "Musically, Padgett mixes folk, classical and world music elements into a satisfying blend....a fine and worthwhile recording."  Chaos Realm says, "this CD shows Bett to have not only a lovely singing voice and multi-instrumental talent but also great command  as a song writer-- -- some of the most poignant, powerful lyrics I've heard in awhile."  Cape Hatteras National Seashore will receive 50% of the profit of sales from this CD. To learn more check it out on the NC Lighthouses link.
 

HATTERAS; IF A LIGHTHOUSE COULD SPEAK

THE LIGHT SHINES

CARROLL M. DEERING

RECOLLECTIONS OF A KEEPER'S SON

       Bett received a grant from the N.C. Arts Council to help in her first  CD in 1997. It is a combination of a few funny tunes, some real life experiences both happy and sad, and several traditional American tunes. There is something on this CD for everyone to enjoy! Mostly Bett and guitar, mandolin and mandola, but is joined by Jonathan Kramer on two tunes. Have a listen to a few selections!

WAREHOUSE, NOT A HOME

OH SUSANNA!

MORE THAN TIME