Paper Boats

Sometimes a sketch can be more evocative than a lavish oil painting...at least that's what Ed Woltil's muse whispered in his ear as he dived into writing mode to come up with a dozen new songs for his solo debut, Paper Boats. Not that Woltil's new collection is a slapdash affair-in fact, the award-winning songwriter's trademark craftsmanship is on full display, with all the rich melody, wry wit, and inspired wordplay that have captivated critics and fans alike since The Ditchflowers' debut CD, Carried Away, came to light in 2007. NPR featured the band on Open Mic; Performing Songwriter magazine singled the CD out as a Top 12 DIY Pick; and Creative Loafing called it exquisite...sweet, timeless pop while Popmatters.com said that every song exhibits supreme musicianship and an insightful yet earthy lyricism. But coming off the creation of their second disc-the meticulously ornamented baroque-pop opus Bird's Eye (a charming album chockablock with lush, grown-up guitar pop-popmatters.com)-Woltil felt irresistibly drawn to keeping his focus tight, personal and intimate for his solo debut. The result is Paper Boats, Woltil's defiantly gentle new CD. True to his muse's advice, Woltil maintained a fast and fresh approach in it's execution. Built around his sumptuous acoustic guitar work and emotively supple voice, production touches are kept to a minimum, bringing the writing and Woltil's soulful delivery to the fore. Although Woltil's McCartney-centric tendencies are in evidence, many of the songs here hearken to previously hidden American influences such as Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson and Jimmy Webb. Rounding out the 12 new songs to a baker's dozen is a fresh take on an old Ditchflowers favorite, Boys from Carried Away. Sunshine Drenchy Records proudly presents Paper Boats, 13 tracks of heartfelt, classic songcraft. Some critical praise for Ed Woltil and The Ditchflowers: 'The songs on Paper Boats are marvels of construction. They float, sail, and motor along - each a three or four minute work of art...a literate and intelligent, fresh-sounding collection of folky pop rock. It's a warm album, a ship's log full of life insights and observations.' -Rob Caldwell, Music to Eat 'Exquisite...sweet, timeless pop.' -Eric Snider, Creative Loafing Every song exhibits supreme musicianship and an insightful yet earthy lyricism. -Quentin B. Huff, popmatters.com ...a dozen of the most radiant pop songs I've heard in quite some time. 'Carried Away' has quality and intelligent pop coursing through it's veins. -Geraint Jones, leicesterbangs.co.

UK Fans of Elvis Costello and Squeeze may want to have a fainting couch nearby. -Curtis Ross, Tampa Tribune The Ditchflowers' brand of melody-driven folk-pop will seduce your ears with tight harmonies (Top DIY Pick).' -Mare Wakefield, Performing Songwriter 'Melodically inventive, ethereal, full of wonder, Bird's Eye feels like ... flight.' -Eric Snider, Creative Loafing.