When Melissa Reaves puts on a show, she does more than entertain audiences‐ she gives them an authentic rock n’ blues experience. Hailing from Boone, North Carolina, Melissa’s music has southern charm, but she’s no belle. This steel magnolia has well over a decade of songwriting experience and has created a sizable international following with her biting lyrics, experimental guitar work, powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence.
Melissa’s prominence on the independent scene has garnered attention of various media outlets including CMJ, The Oxygen Chanel,On-Line TV, the Discovery Channel and NYC’s Manhattan Mirror, which raved, “Melissa sings the blues all heart and soul…she delivered the goods and shook the place.”
Charlotte’s Creative Loafing has joined in the applause of Melissa’s electrifying live presence saying Melissa has, “a powerful, well-trained voice straight from the Janis Joplin school of wail and a guitar burn that’s efficient and snug.”
A tireless performer, Melissa plays over 200 fiery shows a year. She’s shared the stage with artists such as Robert Plant, Cyndi Lauper, Sarah McLachlan, Little Feat, Sheryl Crowe, Vassar Clements, Doc Watson and Peter Tork. Her tour dates have included shows that brought the house down at venues as diverse as Lilith Fair, Midem International Music Conference and a National Endowment for the Arts showcase.
Melissa’s discography includes Fall From Grace (1995), Lullaby for Belle (1998), Sentimental Anthem (1999), and inclusion on the Go On Girl 2 (2000) compilation. Her most recent release, Rough Cuts (2004), is a slight departure from her high-octane live material offering audiences a heartbreakingly soulful example of Melissa’s phenomenal range as a musician. The experimental pedal work and Melissa’s avant-garde nature give her shows an unexpected edge.
Melissa often admits, “Each show is completely freestyle. It’s unfolding before the audience and me at the same time. I’m climbing with no ropes.”
The result of Melissa’s wide-open performances is a unique musical experience that reveals the rare talent of an artist who is on the verge of major recognition.
