Gretchen Witt

“Whatever she does, she should keep on doing it because this album is acoustic rock magic. Splashed with the thought-provoking lyrics that exude femininity and edge, catchy rhythms and a pure voice, Gretchen Witt has captured my attention. She's got the flair of Mindy Smith and Alison Krauss mixed with a little Catie Curtis and Jewel. "Smiling for Me" has some quaint piano mixed in with a dainty side, while she heats up with some acoustic rock riffs in "Criminal". Her jazzy track "Over and Done" left me bewildered because of the deep bass sounds and blues vibe. Is there anything this woman can't do musically? I doubt it. (Favorite Tracks: Criminal, So Called Bliss).” - Discovering Artists.com

“I was blown away with how impressive the album was. New York by way of Ohio singer-songwriter Gretchen Witt is skilled...melding elements of rock, folk, country, and even the blue into skillfully crafted pieces topped with mature and sultry vocals in the vein of country great Neko Case (minus the twang) or folk singer Dar Williams. Still, Witt’s voice is her own and her style distinctly unique..neither formulaic nor contrived. And it’s this unique style that allows her to imbue what may have been otherwise cringe-inducing love songs such as “So Called Bliss” and “Say So” with a real meaning that many aspiring singer-songwriters can only hope to accomplish. It’s worth catching her play at one of her favorite spots to see for yourself; this woman deserves a following.” - Red is All the Rage

“Gretchen Witt is here with her ambitious demo EP under her arm. Soft rock is the key ingredient in her recipe with a knack for writing a good catchy hook being her secret ingredient. Sure she may write a cooking book worth of great recipes like these five songs but what of her actual vocal ability? Well imagine a genetic blending of Tracy Chapman, Norah Jones, and perhaps Natalie Merchant and you’ve got Gretchen’s crooning. New York City are you prepared?” - Smother.net

“Lemme see ... young woman, acoustic guitar, song titles like Over and Done. I braced myself for a barrage of vague metaphors from a self-indulgent singer-songwriter. Instead, I found an enchanting voice, a bit breathy like Norah Jones but with more emotion, singing cushy pop melodies framed in beautifully simple arrangements. No messy metaphors here either. Her words are refreshingly straightforward.
A delicately picked acoustic guitar begins Say So, one of the best cuts. It builds to a more aggressive strum with bass, percussion and another guitar, then calms again as the lyrics implore, ‘If you still care, then say so.’ There’s a male back up vocal that comes in part way, almost as an answer to her. Beautifully done.
A melodic piano and cello compliment Smiling for Me. It’s a calming song about comforting someone, ‘I won’t tell you to dry your eyes, I’ll just look at you and say, “Baby, cry.”’ Sweet but not cloying.
She’s no delicate flower, though. Witness Criminal – ‘I don’t know why I asked you to play fair, when I don’t.’ Her guitar bursts out of the mix, just daring you step closer. No big drum set here, just subtle percussion, light bass and a harmonica back in the mix, but this is not a band I’d want to meet in a dark alley. There’s an edge that matches the lyrics without banging you over the head in a rock wall of volume.
Just when I thought I had Gretchen all figured out, the last song on the EP cranks up with a smokey cool blues tune, complete with finger snaps, walking acoustic bass and crying harmonica. Suddenly I’ve gone from the hippie café acoustic music night to a hip jazz joint. Yeah, baby, yeah.
Damn, but it’s just an EP. I can’t wait to hear a full project from this versatile singer-songwriter.” - Indie-Music.com

“Her voice is both angelic and powerful: this is top of the line.” - Ear Candy Magazine

“A soft voice and a beautiful and naked guitar is what meet the ear when you put on this 5 track EP with a new discovery for us here at Melodic.Net. And she is well worth your attention if you like Eva Cassidy with a little Linda Ronstadt-twist here and there (at her soft moments), The opening “So Called Bliss” is a nice appetizer and third out “Say So” is another favourite. That is such a soft and beautiful tune with Gretchen’s spread voice; an acoustic guitar and a sweeping slide-guitar painting the landscape. Without a doubt the best moment on the E.P and this song is worth the dollars you have to spend on the album at CD BABY if you like the softer school of female singer songwriters.” - Melodic.net

“Witt, in addition to her vocals, contributes piano and acoustic guitar work that could EASILY stand on it's own, but is well enhanced by the crew she's assembled. They all compliment each other, while no one drowns out her greatest asset... the lyrics. Criminal, which at first I was expecting a cover of the Fiona Apple single, is by far my favorite song. Seriously, I was expecting another female singer/song writer to take a stab at the song, and instead, its an original song that blew me away. It's deep, thought provoking, and just a little guilt ridden. Thank God, because even as a cover-junkie, I didn't want another of that criminal. So, what's next? Well, hopefully a full-length and a major distributor knocking at her door.” - Pucknation

“Gretchen Witt is folk bliss.” - Astro Zombie