Music

Jacquie's music is a sublime blend of acoustic contemporary folk. She is a master of lyricism. Each word is carefully chosen to express the passion behind the story that is each song. Jacquie has been compared to Joni Mitchell, Mary Black and Beth Nielsen Chapman. There are elements of all these mistresses of song in her voice which is complemented by superb guitar playing.

“Singing is my soul food. It’s a way to connect with my own heart and with others through performance. Music accompanies so many of life’s really important moments and if I can create one or two of those for other people then I feel blessed.” - Jacquie Walters

Discography
The Forest (2021)
Light for a Broken World (2017)
Step Into The Light (2006)
Dreamwalking (2000)
Mihi (1996 with Pounamu)
Uha (1993 – EP with Pounamu)
Koha (1992 with Pounamu)

Jacquie Walters' Music

Latest release: The Forest

Released on 1 November 2021, "The Forest" features 12 original tracks about love, loss and gratitude. The title track is a lament for a lost loved one during level 4 lockdown in 2020. A song of gratitude for Whakatū Nelson, where Jacquie and her children live, opens the album and features Maria Oxnam on harp. James Wilkinson plays bass on several tracks and contributes guitar and backing vocals on the final track, an exuberant re-recording of "Kiss Me In The Morning" a track that first appeared on Jacquie's 2000 album "Dreamwalking".

The album was produced by Jacquie and James Wilkinson and was recorded at Bob Bickerton's studio in Whakatū Nelson.

The first track from the album to be released "Spaces Between Words" received a 5-star review from Muzic.net.

The album is available for download from Bandcamp.

1. Whakatū
2. Time Will Tell
3. Culloden
4. Swimming Lessons
5. The Forest
6. Turn Your Face To The Sun
7. Spaces Between Words
8. New World
9. Breadcrumbs
10. Siren
11. A Certain Light
12. Kiss Me In The Morning

Light For A Broken World

Light For A Broken World was released in 2017 and was recorded at Bob Bickerton's studio in Nelson with James Wilkinson as producer. It features 11 original tracks by Jacquie Walters with James Wilkinson playing guitar, fretless bass, ebow, synthesiser, backing vocals, and ride cymbal. Jacquie contributes guitar, vocals and piano.

The album features heartfelt tracks, calls to action and the processing of deep emotions.

1. Light For A Broken World
2. I'll Wear Yellow
3. The Stranger
4. Trust
5. You Stayed
6. Open The Door
7. Under The Waterfall
8. Faerie Tales
9. When The World Turns
10. The Letter
11. Look Up

Read a review of the album here

Step Into The Light

‘Step Into The Light’ features 13 original songs from the pop-like title track to the sparse and emotive ‘Harvest Of Tears’ which is based on stories gathered during Walters’ time working as the editor of a logging magazine. ‘Icarus’ is a tribute to the late New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange. There’s a touch of country on ‘My Little Girl’ and some delicate, sensitive playing from notable session musicians such as Mark Laurent (guitar) and Janet Holborow (cello). New Zealand Folk Album of the Year finalist for 2005, Chris Priestley, also makes an appearance as a backing vocalist alongside the late and dearly missed Martha Louise.

1. Step Into The Light
2. Driving Home
3. Follow The Moon
4. My Little Girl
5. Waiting For The Rain
6. Harvest of Tears
7. The Look Of The World
8. Icarus
9. Don't Cry
10. When The Fire Comes To Town
11. Just Like A Cigarette
12. Shine On
13. The Cockle Song

Reviewers' comments:

“Full of love, longing, and romance…this really is a beautiful album…A very fine songstress indeed…She’s just crafted these songs so beautifully.”
Liz Barry, ‘Good Morning’ Television 1, New Zealand.

"‘Step Into The Light' is more in the fine folk vein, the focus on meaningful reflections. And with hints of cello and violin creating slight avenues between Walters’ inventive picking and rich vocals, the songs are warm performances...‘Step Into the Light’ is an engaging listen with a fine wine on a cosy evening."
Steve Scott - Waikato Times

Dreamwalking

1. Seven Shades of Blue (Beth Nielsen-Chapman)
2. The River
3. Reconnections
4. Language of the Heart (David Wilcox)
5. Daylight Hours
6. North Berwick
7. My Love Wears Rain
8. I Can Dream
9. Hold Me In Your Mind
10. Songbird
11. Dreamwalking
12. Kiss Me In The Morning

Mihi

This album was recorded with Ariana Tikao (together they were called "Pounamu") in 1996.

1. E Hoa
2. Skeleton Woman
3. Papatuanuku
4. I Ka Ra O Mua
5. Warrior of Song
6. Women Who Stay
7. Uha
8. Dying To Belong
9. Ka Huri Te Wa
10. The Hand That Makes The Fist
11. Angry Young Man