Weaving a Webb of Music
Songweaver Amy Carol Webb Does it Her Way

By Michelle Stolzenburg

“An act to watch – taking up the road Carole King, Janis Ian and Joni Mitchell have trod.” – Billboard Magazine

With a quote like this what more would need to be said about Amy Carol Webb? To South Florida and the local music scene she is considered one of the best-kept secrets and a gem to the community.

Singer and songwriter Amy Carol Webb, known as the Songweaver

Well, needless to say the cat has been let out of the bag and Amy’s music has lately been capturing people’s attention in every venue and festival she plays. Her music has been an inspiration to everyone who has been lucky enough to catch one of her live shows along the way. Not only are her lyrics heartfelt with an almost spiritual essence about them but musically her performance allows one leaving the show with a feeling like they just left a revival of some sorts and for the first time they have a sense of purpose in their lives.

Webb’s experience as a musical pied piper stems from her upbringing—her father was a music teacher and gospel preacher and her mother was a live radio singer. At age five she encountered her first live stage performance, by age eleven she acquired her first guitar.  By 14 she was well on her way to becoming an established artist and learning the craft of her trade from any musical component that crossed her path or any festival or community event that would allow her to perform.

Her musical influences are diverse, from Leonard Cohen to Leonard Bernstein, from Gershwin to Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt to Beverly Sills, yet there are many similar aspects that each of these artists possess that were a good springboard for the young musician to embrace, such as creating a good story to tell, developing music that inspires the listener and performing to an audience like it was your last.

Webb, also known as the Songweaver, has been using these key elements to establish what she has learned from her musical heritage to the high standards that she has instilled into her music to this day.  To further establish herself as an artist to watch she has traveled around the globe performing all over the United States, Japan, Canada and Mexico thus establishing a solid fan base, whether she performs by herself or with a band. She has shared the stage with Richie Havens, Janis Ian, Nestor Torres, Michael Smith, Vance Gilbert Ray, Wylie Hubbard, David Roth, New Christy Minstrals and many others, and still today tours up to 45 weeks a year.

Amy Carol Webb, who will perform in Miami Springs on April 7

Trying to categorize Webb’s music into one specific genre would be a mistake because she has the capabilities to shine as a performer in any avenue she chooses to embrace.  Whether she’s performing in the stage production Harry Chapin’s America to singing the blues at Tobacco Road, she’s an artist who’s willing to try it all. While most artists are manufactured by their labels, Webb is a true artist who defines the essence of individuality.  She possesses theatrical dramatics, creates music that has an air of social consciousness, and gives every song she writes a beautiful musical integrity that you would think more labels in the music industry would be inspired by and use as a foundation for promoting their artists.

When Webb isn’t performing, she’s teaching workshops to the community on how to tap into their own creative and musical potential and is also a member of ASCAP’s sponsored songwriters in the round showcase, where she uses her songwriting skills as another vehicle for getting her music heard. In 1998 Webb was named the Songwriter of the Year at the South Florida Folk Festival, which just proves that natural talent does shine through.

Webb is just one local example of how women today are creating a niche in the music industry in the areas of composing, songwriting and merely striving to be better musicians. If this isn’t enough to pique your interest about Amy Carol Webb, then come see for yourself when she performs April 7 with her band at the Springs Riverfest, on the circle in Miami Springs, or check out her different workshops this month at the Natural Wellness Point in Hollywood.