“Barbara Stephan's (http://barbarastephan.com) "I'm Awake" is an accomplished, lushly produced (Stephan shares the credit with Joe Puerta) effort that signals what could be a stellar career ahead. Such a prediction isn't hyperbole. Anybody who listens to the middle of this record, when the stuff of classic singles such as "Footsteps on the Floor," "Taken," and "It's Not What You Do" are paraded before our giddy ears, will quickly nod to that call. Stephan avoids the bland singer/songwriter trappings that are making many music critics become allergic to the genre. First, her voice is not that of some folky manic-depressive; it is strong and pumped with a passion for living, even when she is hurt, as on "Taken." Secondly, the music is truly electric, beginning with the funky undertow of "Listen and Learn" to the crisp drumming and bluesy harmonica of "Don't Want to Wait" to the Latin flavors of "Footsteps on the Floor," wherein Stephan is reminiscent of a sober Amy Winehouse. "It's Not What You Do" is a standout because it is so irresistible, namely the chorus, which Stephan sings with such infectious glee. Dare I say she is more appealing than Sheryl Crow's attempts at this rootsy Adult Contemporary pop style? The Steely Dan-like silky webs of jazz and white funk on "Taken" will seduce you into think it is a love song unless you pay attention to the lyrics, and you find out it's about a woman being deceived by a man in a relationship. Stephan's soulful voice is given the spotlight in the title track, which oddly enough isn't the best cut on the CD but whose title does summarize the uplifting vibe of the album.” Author: Adam Harrington Whisperin & Hollerin Barbara Stephan, I'm Awake “A full album project from a local artist is a major undertaking. Especially when the album is comprised of all original songs. But this new effort from chanteuse Stephan is a fine effort of which she can truly be proud. Besides backing from some of the area's most talented musicians, Barbara meticulously did all the backup vocals herself, and the resulting sound is simply glorious. It's one of my favorite CD's released this year. The CD is available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, or www.barbarastephan.com.” - Bay View Compass “At this solo album’s best… Stephan synchronizes her personal soul music with more commercial sounds to a radio-ready effect. I’m Awake is familiar in the right places and exotic enough in others to make for a distinctive outing in a genre where distinction is most welcome.” -Jamie Lee Rake Shepherd Express “Barbara Stephan is clearly one of the most versatile vocalists around. Pop, R&B, Jazz – she sings it all – effortlessly…” -Jonathan Winkle, Executive Director Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For The Arts CHECK OUT THESE USER REVIEWS “Well, I am certainly "awake," thanks to your new CD, which I'm digging bigtime! The backup vocals are just gorgeous… it's the complete package. Simply brilliant!” -Randy, Bayview WI “Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!!!!!!!!!!! for making this amazing CD (to keep the amazing thing going). I listened to it all the way there and the way home. I still cry every time I listen to Not With My Eyes. I love that song.” -Diane, Milwaukee WI "I received your CD yesterday! It was worth the wait, love it!! Hope to see you live soon." -Ken, West Bend WI “We went to youtube to hear "Not With My Eyes" and "Footsteps On The Floor". Sounds great! Congratulations on a great project - you rock!” -Al, Milwaukee WI “I've just been listening to your CD. It's INCREDIBLE!!! You don't just sing with your voice, you sing with your soul and that can't be measured!” Randy, Hartland WI “Absolutely inspiring Barbara.” -Carmen, Milwaukee WI “You are a bad a** artist and singer. You blow folks away when you do your thang. Do you feel how powerful your talent is? I do.” -Kyle, Milwaukee WI “Powerful stuff.” -Julie, Greendale WI “It IS FANTASTIC!!! I just listened to "Footsteps on the floor". WOW! What a beautiful creation! This baby hits big time... I K N O W !!!” -Bettina, Madison WI “Wow!!!! That's fantastic! The music, the songwriting, the vocals and the video(s). I'm so happy for you..best of luck getting it out there!” -Alaria, Milwaukee WI “It just sounds amazing.” -Ellen, Milwaukee WI “You have outdone yourself.” Patrick, Milwaukee WI “You are absolutely FABULOUS!!!!! God Bless and I wish you GREAT SUCCESS!!” -Rebecca, Milwaukee WI “These songs are so good! I'm very exited for you! I knew you were a great singer and musician but I had no idea that you are such a good song writer as well.” Jeff, Milwaukee WI “nicely done... very impressive.” -Lou, Milwaukee WI “I came home the other day, and looked it up immeditaly....IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!IT IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!” -Abby, Hartland WI “This song and the video are killin'! Damn girl, I love your voice! I gotta come out and see you soon! Who did the video? Fantastic! Is this an original...LOVE IT!” -Lesley, Chicago IL “I am flabbergasted, it is beautiful.” -Tommy, Milwaukee WI “What a voice!” John, Los Angeles CA “WOW! It was fantastic!” -Sarah, San Diego CA “THIS IS AWESOME!” -Dan, Hartland WI “As always, you sound great!” -Peter, Chicago IL BIOGRAPHY Working with producer/musician Joe Puerta (Ambrosia, Bruce Hornsby)Barbara Stephan has written and co-produced "I'm Awake" and infused it with catchy, memorable and groovy tunes with a polished, powerful sound. Along with performing background vocals for national acts such as blues singer Susan Tedeschi and Jon Paris, Barbara has been a regular performer at all of the major music festivals in Milwaukee including Summerfest, Third Ward Jazz Festival, Rainbow Summer, Jazz In The Park, the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center and many others. She was also a featured performer at The Bitter End in New York’s Greenwich Village last September. Her voice has been featured on many commercials including Hyundai, AT&T. Her newly released original album entitled “I’m Awake”, is a culmination of the many styles of music she loves with influences that range from Stevie Wonder to Sting to Ella Fitzgerald. Visit her website at barbarastephan.com for more information. About the Music Everyone has their story, and Barbara is no different. This album is about coming out of dark places and finding light anywhere and in anything. The album is entitled “I’m Awake” because she has finally been waking up to the possibilities of life and has it all reflected in the music. It's all about following joy, following bliss and leaving behind everything that drags us down.