Cindy Boehler: Hello Central
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Born in Colorado and raised in Nebraska, Cindy Boehler acknowledges that growing up in a small Midwestern town made her a self-proclaimed ruralist. Growing up around music, she was singing by an early age. Attributing her mother, as well as role models like Karen Carpenter and Patsy Cline, for inspiration, Cindy’s first public appearance as a vocalist was in 1976 at her sister’s wedding.
Boehler’s motto in life could easily be “Never give up your dreams.” Her advice to other musicians with original material is to patient. As evidenced by her professional debut album in 2006, “Set It Free,” the personal satisfaction is worth the wait and sacrifice. The six original songs, co-written by Boehler and producer Steve Ivey, are the crowning moments on her debut bluegrass gospel project. Top Nashville session men included Rob Ickes (Dobro), Richard Bailey (banjo), Shad Cobb (fiddle), Andy Leftwich (mandolin), Charlie Chadwick (bass) and Steve Ivey (guitar, background vocals). Of special note was inclusion of The Jordanaires (Gordon Stoker, Ray Walker, Louis Nunley, Michael Black) on six of the 12 tracks. Boehler has also released “A Heartland Christmas” and in 2010 was included on a bluegrass compilation with Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Steve Ivey, Ralph Stanley and Bill Anderson. Under the name “Cindy Bealer,” she’s also released “Twang to Torch” with a variety of classic country, current country, pop, blues and jazz.
On her 2006 debut, Cindy’s cover of C.K. Harris’ “Hello Central” is given engaging bluegrass treatment. One doesn’t typically hear bass harmonica much, and Pat Berguson’s instrument imparts the song with some rhythmic and breezy propulsion. “Hello Central” is a call to Heaven to tell her mother that she’s sad without her here. “You will find her with the angels over on the golden stairs.” Wouldn’t it be nice if we could ring up a deceased loved one to continue receiving their sage advice and wisdom?
In a contemporary new acoustic style, Cindy also sings about finding meaning, place, and direction to make her dreams come true. She hopes that the messages will similarly provide some guidance and direction for others during life’s journeys. Considering that it took many years for Cindy Boehler to find her own musical bearing and course to Nashville, the underlying tenet of a song like “Hello Central” reinforces how strong her own maternal instinct is. After all, Boehler has seven kids ranging in age from 11 to 31, as well as two grand-daughters.
Guest Post by Joe Ross