A brave adventurer... she constructs subtle poetic or narrative changes with a spare, upredictable vocabulary.

- Performing Songwriter

Beckerman breathes new life into the singer/songwriter genre. Her songs are bold and honest, but melodic and emotional as well.

- Borders Books and Music

Latest Release
"Canyon Heart"

"'Canyon Heart' is like a clear morning after a night of hard rain."
— Robert Penick, Louisville Eccentric Observer

(see below for ordering info)

Biography

Wendy Beckerman is a songwriter whose uniqueness comes from the naturalness of her writing and performance. Her songs, sung with a straightforward vocal style, leave an imprint of unpredictable melody and evocative imagery, and are accompanied by both rhythmic and fingerstyle guitarwork. In live performance she brings heart into every moment of sound and breath, often telling playful stories and poetic vignettes as framework for her songs.

A New Jersey native, Beckerman was drawn to performing music from an early age - studying classical piano and singing in regional and school choirs.  At home she enjoyed a steady flow of acoustic recordings by artists such as James Taylor and Laura Nyro.  In 1986 she made the natural shift to guitar, began writing songs, and soon found her way to the Greenwich Village Folk Scene. Beckerman participated in the weekly Songwriter's Exchange, recorded over a dozen songs for Fast Folk Musical Magazine, and performed annually in their revue at The Bottom Line in New York City.

Beckerman's songs have been recorded by artists Louise Taylor and Hot Soup, and her easeful harmony singing can be heard on various recording projects, including those of Jack Hardy, Louise Taylor, Annie Gallup and Linda Sharar. She was a finalist in Telluride's songwriting contest, and her song In So Deep appears in the film Rubbernecking.

Focusing on her foremost passions of music and yoga, Beckerman has recorded four CDs and toured in the United States and Europe while earning certifications in both yoga instruction and Reiki (hands-on energy work). In autumn 2001, she relocated and co-founded a spin-off Songwriter's Exchange in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she currently resides.

Discography

• Canyon Heart (September 2001)

"She's recorded four CDs, and you can tell. A great singer/songwriter with a wonderful, unaffected voice. Amazing arrangements of acoustic guitar, vocals and strings. Gorgeous melodic songs with perfect harmonies. Her songs seem to aim not to impress, but to express. Very creative." — Derek Sivers, President, CDBaby.com

• Mango Moon (February 1997)

"Mango Moon is an incredible recording, one of those rare beasts that is as intellectually compelling as it is emotionally comforting.'"
— Out 'n About

• Marina's Owl (November 1994)

"This is a must-buy project... every song is melodically infectious. Most importantly, it is genuinely unique and original." — Victory Review

• By Your Eyes (December 1992)

"Beckerman has a fine talent for writing from the darker side, knows how to edit her words down to a sharp point, and has an ear for keening melodies." — Dirty Linen

Appearances
2011

News and Other Links

Vigil (Conscious Records), produced by Suzanne Vega — A compilation of songs (including two by Wendy) inspired by the events of Sept. 11, written by songwriter's meeting participants, to benefit survivors of victims of the attacks. Available at Amazon.com as Vigil: Various Artists

For a juicy slice of NY singer-songwriter history, check out the Fast Folk 2-CD Sampler released by Smithsonian Folkways. Includes several performances by Wendy.
www.si.edu/folkways

Brambus Records — Wendy's contact for European tours.
www.brambus.com

Canvas Cafe Sept. 11 Benefit CD — Features songs inspired by Sept. 11, written by California (mostly SF Bay Area) songwriters (including one by Wendy). All proceeds go to two NYC-based charities that promote art/music education/therapy for inner-city kids. Contact: September11@pacbell.net.