Lew Doty: Press

INSIGHT is a weekly feature written by Peter Link, Composer, Record Producer
and Creative Director of Watchfire Music.

Lew Doty & the Whiskey Voice

I love a good whiskey voice. Now lets be clear here right off the bat. A whiskey voice doesn't necessarily mean that the singer has imbibed too much whiskey; rather it exemplifies a sound - natural, grainy, raspy, real - probably a vocal sound with a little more air in it than usual.

When it comes to whiskey voices, for my money, Joe Cocker leads the pack with singers like Michael McDonald, James Ingram, and Rod Stewart a touch behind. Tom Waits goes far beyond them all, but that's another story.

Women can have whiskey voices as well. Kim Carnes (Bette Davis Eyes) comes to mind as well as Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson to some extent. Joe Cocker's counterpart, Janis Joplin was probably the queen of the whiskey voices and as we all may surmise, hers probably did come from drinking too much whiskey

A number of years ago, I heard another whiskey voice that I fell in love with. I first heard Lew Doty singing on an internet radio station that I frequented. I became a fan because each time I heard him sing, I would ask, "Who is that guy?" The answer was always "Lew Doty."

Not only was the voice captivating, but so were his songs. He has a way of really getting to the Inspirational point and nailing down the right idea into just the right musical framework in each song. He has that honest and absolutely real quality that comes from a strong spiritual thinker and a marvelous whisky voice.

When Watchfire Music was born, Lew was one of the first artists we signed. He's one of my favorites.

Thank you for blessing me with your genius!! You have enhanced my life immeasurably. Your songs are so profound and gorgeous. and your voice has gotten even better. (I didn't think that was possible.) Such a gift.

Lew Doty embodies a rare chemistry among musicians, wisdom, humility, and heart. He has performed at my seminars and delivered a rare presence. His newest CD highlights his clever, touching, and humorous lyrics, melded with light rock and well-orchestrated arrangements. If music is a source of upliftment for you, Lew is your man.

Wind and Water is another great example of spiritual music done right. I am particularly drawn to Still Small Voice and the title song. Masterful stuff.

I LOVE it!...you have got a few big hits here...all of them are great...the production and songwriting is just great.

Lew Doty has produced a wonderful collection of twelve songs about faith in God and trusting the divine in yourself. The divine takes many forms on this CD (from a song based on the Lord’s Prayer to a number about Buddhism), but always offers acceptance, guidance and joy. This exceptionally well-produced CD features Doty’s deep, smooth, full voice, and his own original work. In a straight-ahead folk rock style, the songs range from very upbeat tunes to ballads; they all rely heavily on acoustic guitar and percussion. Doty’s lyrics range from profound to affirming, and are bound to inspire.

ONE is absolutely wonderful! I AM AN INSTRUMENT is stunning. What a great job Lew and Vinnie have done.

Doty sings to God with a heart on fire

Meeting Lew and his music and being with him was one of the highlights of our year. We will work together again as Spirit calls. I can’t wait for the new CD. The better it gets, the better it gets.

I am breathless and speechless! Every cut on Lew’s CD is brilliant and thrilling and inspiring. It is WORLD CLASS. It is universal. It belongs to and represents all of us. Lew’s voice is a prayer. The arrangements are exceptional! The musicians are inspired and technically astounding. This work is totally perfect in every way...

Lew has created a magical work. It has been a very long time since I have heard such excellence – writing, production. It is absolutely terrific. He should be incredibly proud!

If you want a lift up and a real trip in the celestial harmonies, let Lew Doty sing for you. You’ll love his CD.

ONE is absolutely fabulous. I have heard a lot the last few years and it will be the one I carry in my personal collection.