In every life, there are inevitable times of darkness and of light. Loretta Hagen's fourth CD "Lucky Stars," takes the listener on a personal journey through loss, healing, and ultimately the promise of hope. Four years in the making, "Lucky Stars" brings Loretta's journey full circle, when faced with the heartache of illness, death, and going on without loved ones so cherished. She finds solace in the promise of new beginnings, love, and the inherent knowledge that our Lucky Stars are watching over us. Reviewers describe award winning singer-songwriter Loretta Hagen as ‘heart driven, soul filling, Folk Americana.‘ Her rich alto voice and strong songwriting skills have led her to win many awards, including a JAM Awards’ (Jersey Acoustic Music Awards) “Top Female Songwriter of the Year,” JAM nomination for “Album of the Year,” winner of the NJ Folk Festival Songwriter Competition and 2 time designation as a CT Folk Festival finalist. Loretta's third CD, “Mud and Stone,” well received by DJs worldwide, debuted at #10 on Folk DJ Charts, consistently #1 on the Roots Music Report for NJ, #5 Top 50 Folk Albums RMR, and topped many best of lists. Five years later the album is still going strong, recently receiving 4 nominations for the Just Plain Folk Awards with awards being announced late fall 2017. "This effort [Mud and Stone] is first class, top tier, a true contender as an artist to reckon with." John Apice ~ No Depression "I've always enjoyed Loretta Hagen's music since I first heard her a few years back. Loretta's songs sound incredible." Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM 89.1, Traditions Radio Show "Her lyrics are as genuine and earthy as the lady herself. Loretta's honeyed voice and uplifting melodies help us find a way through." Joe Pszonek WMSC Radio Nowhere Loretta Hagen writes songs that sound like they can come from the Heartland, but they also really come from the heart." John Platt, WFUV 90.7 FM "Loretta Hagen is back with “Lucky Stars”… a very nicely produced recording featuring eleven thoughtful and reflective songs by Loretta, that are beautifully sung with lovely accompaniment. Definitely worth checking out." Jan Hall, Folk Roots Radio with Jan Hall Loretta Hagen Lucky Stars musicians: Loretta Hagen acoustic guitar, lead & back vox 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Gary Hagen acoustic guitar , 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11 back vox 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 electric guitar 2, 7 Mark Dann bass 1, 2 ~ Teri Avella bass 4, 6, 7 ~ Andrew Hulle drums 1, 4, 6 ~ Curtis Kretz drums 8 Linda Lambiase snare 2, 3 back vox 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 djembe 7 ~ Marianne Osiel flute 11 Craig Aiken bass 3, 11 ~ Kyle Hancharick back vox 3 ~ Donna Gebbia back vox 3, keyboards 4, 6, 7 ~ Debbie Maggiulli back vox 3 Maia Sharp Tenor Sax 1 ~ Michael G. Ronstadt cello 5 ~ Tracy Grammer violin 9 All songs written by Loretta Hagen (c) 2017 Recorded and mixed by Gary Hagen Bearfort Recording and Sound West Milford, NJ Bearfort Mastered by Kim Rosen at Knack Mastering, Ringwood, NJ