“Really good songs. You two have such great harmonies, and you have the ability to really lock in rhythmically with each other. You got pocket.” - David Wilcox
— Singer-Songwriter
Brightwell & Moran
ECLECTIC ACOUSTIC MUSIC
Award-Winning Americana with an Abbey Road Pedigree
From the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Brightwell & Moran deliver a masterclass in Eclectic Acoustic folk-rock. Drawing comparisons to The Civil Wars and Birds of Chicago, this duo pairs Kelly Brightwell’s Americana sensibilities with Woody Moran’s folk-rock edge.
Winners of the 2022 Talent is Timeless Songwriting Contest, they recorded their winning track “Bare Boards” at Abbey Road Studios; their full EP Land of Plenty (Spring 2023) and the 2nd‑place International Acoustic Music Awards song “River Flow” (2025) showcase their soaring harmonies and timeless craft.
Awards & Other Stuff
Brightwell & Moran 2nd Place IAMA Songwriter Award 2025 for “River Flow”
Brightwell & Moran Performance for Portland Folkmusic Society 2024
Brightwell & Moran KOIN AM Extra 2023 television appearance
Brightwell & Moran Global Songwriter Award 2022 Talent Is Timeless for “Bare Boards”
Brightwell & Moran Recorded Award-winning song “Bare Boards” at Abbey Road Studios London
Brightwell & Moran Opened for David Wilcox 2017
Brightwell & Moran Offical Showcase at Far-West Conference 2017
Brightwell & Moran One of Best Unsigned Bands 2017 Music Connection Magazine
Kelly Brightwell Songwriter Honorable Mention Tucson Folk Festival
Kelly Brightwell Songwriter Honorable Mention Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Kelly Brightwell Songwriter Honorable Mention Just Plain Folks Music Awards
Woody Moran NIAA Gold Record Award “A Little Ain't Enough” David Lee Roth
Woody Moran Opened for Eric Gales NAMM Show Concert 2014
Woody Moran Akademia Music Awards 2016 Best Song Rock / R&B for “Chasing Midnight”
Woody Moran Album Credits: Yes, Journey, Dixie Dregs, Starr Parodi, T Lavitz, Jason Miles
Press photos
Review
"Brightwell & Moran are the real deal. This is fully revealed when they hit a live stage, captivating the audience right from the very first song. Tight harmonies; meaningful memorable melodies, lyrics and songs; audience rapport; and an impressive stage presence. Their show at Two Blue Roses in Eugene Oregon was outstanding and I can't wait to be able to book them again. Brightwell & Moran are a high quality, high energy performing duo." Jeanette Lundgren - Two Blue Roses House Concert Series
Review
"There is something really unique about the sound of this duo. Kelly Brightwell and Woody Moran blend disparate voices with fine guitar work on their fluid, expressive compositions. Think a smoky uptown New York nightclub in the early 1960's, with two great singers who weave an irresistible spell."
Tom May - River City Folk syndicated radio show.