Wild West - Songs to ride away on!
I first sang around a campfire and that's the feeling I aim for in my acoustic/country music. A song can be a three-minute journey, especially if you keep it simple: a voice in the dark with a story. I like a song to be as clear as a desert sky, so people can enjoy the words as well as the music.

The stories in these songs come from places I've seen, such as the American West, Southern Africa and Mexico. When I sing these songs I'm back there and I hope to take the listener with me.

A song can be a miniature movie. The song gives you everything: the story, the pictures and the feeling. The accompaniment can help you to see what the song describes, whether it’s a wild horse or an empty road.

My songs go down best in quiet venues with a listening audience – the kind of place with candles on the tables. I play at music clubs, poetry cafés and theatres, where the audience drinks in the words and the music like wine. Sometimes I sing one or two songs unaccompanied, before saddling up and riding away again on the guitar!

I took all the photos on this website, and they appear in the artwork of the CDs as well. To see photos of the places that inspired my songs, just click on the thumbnails above.

Not just a cowgirl...
As well as country, I sing a wide range of other songs on guitar and piano.
For example, I sing traditional English folk and also write songs in this style. For my piano styles, see below.
I love to choose songs to suit the venue, audience and occasion. I play a wide range of covers, from Joan Baez to Shakespeare, from medieval carols to songs from both World Wars.

Piano songs - serious and funny
My piano style is pop with a strong classical training.
My piano songs often tell stories. Some are serious; some are funny.

I write and perform parody and satire on piano, such as a Kate Bush parody called 'Bickering Sprites'. Watch the video here: BickeringSprites

Covers on piano range from Creedence to Dame Vera Lynn.

Dressing the Part
I can dress the part to suit the songs, venue and occasion.
For example:

* A saloon singer for the Wild West - corseted and glittering - see photos
* Forties glamour for cabaret - satin, vintage hair and make-up
* Forces Sweetheart for wartime songs - uniformed or shimmering

This can greatly enhance the story and the feelings in the songs.
It can also evoke another time and place, from a dusty saloon bar to a wartime piano parlour.
I am happy to discuss what an event needs and do all my own costume, hair and make-up. Click on thumbnail above to see saloon singer photos; other styles coming soon.

Reviews and Feedback
'Catherine Paver is the complete package. Songs and music that transport the listener to some far-flung place and time - and a voice as pure and clear as crystal' - Music Maker

'A true professional - a real pleasure to work with. Truly delighted the audience with her sparkling performance' - Michelle Jayman, Richmond CVS

'Very retro, very talented - and so at ease on the guitar' - Lynsey de Paul

'A wonderful variety of original songs with the serious ones blending with the funny ones and the use of the guitar followed by the keyboard - not forgetting the trumpet! A great evening of music.' - Andy Collison

Click here to read a news story about me and the UK International Songwriting Competition:

Songwriter Catherine shoots for the top