Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Pamela McNeill is always writing, for she is, at heart, a songwriter. With her fourth album written and almost completely recorded, she had plans. Instead, fate intervened, her course shifted, new songs were born — and we are the better for it. The resulting “Heartaches and Miracles” recognizes the sorrows and celebrates the fleeting joys in this life.
In the winter of 2009, Pamela and her community of friends were sideswiped by the tragic unexpected passing of a close friend. Consumed by this heartbreak, Pamela needed to mend. As she began to work through her emotions and heal, these very personal songs began pouring out. Pamela told her husband, co-producer and musician Dugan McNeill, that their originally planned project would have to wait a bit. Inspired by the raw emotion and intensity of the songs she had written, she thought, “I need to do this now.”
This labor of love is an inspired work — about a particular place in time, in the wake of one of life’s uncertainties. It returns to the heart of the matter and the truths uncovered in times of hardship and despair.
Throughout the healing process, Pamela responded in the best way she knows — through music. She wrote most of the songs at the piano; a “lifesaver” when she was young, it again gave Pamela the genuine, basic connection necessary to express her soul’s longing. Authentic in intention and inspired by Pamela’s singular writing voice, the album addresses the trials in life, and the unexpected benefits to enduring such trials.
From the shimmering anticipation of “Miracle” to the plaintive, yet hopeful refrain of “Rainbows”, Pamela conveys heart and soul. She knows hardship, survival and redemption — and sings of them in “Not Giving Up”. Perhaps even more importantly, she knows that everyone just wants to be heard.
In her soul-searching journey, the message is clear: within the heartaches, miracles can awaken and surprise you. In “I’m Ready” she realizes, “It took the tears from a heartache to finally see the beautiful meaning of life’s mystery.” With the voice of a fiery angel, Pamela brings it all home — and in telling her story, she tells our story.
- Juanita Hickerson
Press:
"Country-rock siren Pamela McNeill cooks like grease on the griddle.”
- Mpls/St. Paul Magazine
“Pamela McNeill writes the kind of tunes the Dixie Chicks used to record before they got angry.”
- Minneapolis Star Tribune
“…Amazing…”
- St. Cloud Times
“Pamela McNeill stole my ear every time she sang. Very hot.”
- Michael Johnson – National Recording Artist (“Bluer Than Blue”)
“Fans know Pamela McNeill loves them every bit as much as they do her. Warmhearted as the day is long, McNeill gives of herself both onstage and off.”
- Dwight Hobbes, TC Daily Planet
“The first time we saw Pamela McNeill perform, we thought, 'Wow! Who is this woman who sings like the love child of Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde?' We still think the same and are now also amazed at her brilliant and beautiful songwriting.”
- Lori Barghini & Julia Cobbs from FM 107's the “Lori & Julia” show (WFMP 107.1 FM Minneapolis/St. Paul)
“The World Beyond” (from “Nightingale”) is a KILLER song! I absolutely LOVE this song and I don't say that very often.”
- Brian Oake - Cities 97 (KTCZ 97.1 FM Minneapolis/St. Paul)
“…McNeill packs one helluva punch. The style is originally home-cooked, countrified rock done to a smoldering turn. The execution is emotive, articulate, full-throated vocals. And a world of stage presence.”
- The Pulse of the Twin Cities
“With a voice that is alternately smoky and raspy, sweet and clear, McNeill cuts to the heart of the human condition.”
- Duluth News Tribune
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