Cheryl Wheeler

Hey, after a long day, listening to this Cheryl Wheeler CD is pretty dang relaxing. Different Stripe (2003) is a compilation of previously released tracks plus two new songs. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Wheeler is widely known and well-liked in folk festival circles as a performer and has also been successful as a songwriter. Her “Addicted” was a No. 1 country hit for Dan Seals. Country singer Suzy Bogguss’ recording of “Aces” made the Top 10. Wheeler’s versions of both are on Different Stripe. Wheeler has recorded with Vince Gill, Pam Tillis, Jerry Douglas and Mark O’Connor.

The two new songs on the CD, “Walk Around Downtown” and “Gandhi/ Buddha,” are beautiful love songs; Wheeler’s voice soothes with its seasoned mellowness. “Walk…” is charming in its simplicity: “Let’s go downtown and walk around tonight/ Let’s go sit across some table and feel lucky/ You will point out something perfect in this light/ Come on, come on, let’s go walk around…” “Gandhi/Buddha” is a clever twist on reincarnation: “I must’ve been Gandhi or Buddha or someone like that. … I must’ve done something great/ to get to have you…” Lovely.Cheryl Wheeler performs at the Chico Women’s Club on March 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14 advance, $16 door.