Downtown Tucsonan - July/August 2008 - (Page 23) Do no i nwe dnf r tm o a w 1n. L i v e c tu o p ge 4 this May, Mitzi graduated summa cum Laude from uofa with a double major in Political science and Religious studies. this fall, she will begin her post-graduate studies in Political science at the university of toronto via a fellowship. on sunday, July 13, a going away jamboree takes place at the Hut, 305 n. 4th ave. starting at 7pm, the line-up includes the wayback Machine, Mitzi cowell Band, the carnivaleros, and the Valiants - wrapping up with a jam that will likely be of the kicked out by a fantastic conglomeration of local luminaries. at the chord, she suddenly turned to us and asked, ‘anyone got a pen?’ I offered my fine point sharpie. she hastily scribbled ‘a Major’ on one of our paper napkins, underscored it several times, ran up to the front of the stage and offered it to the guitarist. I’d like to say he read it, and that the song ended triumphantly with the chord change we all know and love. But, no. Mitzi returned somewhat downheartedly to our blanket as the band finished its set, and the festival went barreling on. I guess I was so impressed with Mitzi’s ability to name the chord--either from rote memory or the uncanny musical knowledge she has--that I tucked the napkin into the brim of my hat. I’ve always had a hard time with chords, which is probably why I play drums. and believe it or not, the note is still there, over 15 years later, so every time I put my hat on I read “a Major,” written by Mitzi’s own brilliant hand.” - Karen Falkenstrom “I think Mitzi is, as you said, a fabulous human being/musician. I first saw her play almost four years ago when I was working at green fire bookshop (now defunct) and I was immediately impressed by her musicianship, as a songwriter and as a guitarist. since guitar playing is often a male-dominated arena, it’s great to see a strong female presence that can more than hold her own on the gee-tar. she definitely does just that - she can rip it up or lay low and play subtly, tastefully and skillfully. Mitzi cowell is my guitar hero.” - courtney Robbins “Mitzi cowell is a goddess of the guitar, but not in the usual sense. she is neither flashy nor over the top. what she is, is a pure musician who understands the art of the solo and what it can do to transform a song and taking everyone around her--musicians and audience-- to the next level. she can do this because she plays with a sense of joy and heart that unfortunately is lacking in many other supposed hot shit guitar players. she is a treasure and in her time away from tucson she will be missed.” - Jim Lipson “I met Mitzi when she worked at Bannerman Graphics I was in the t-shirt business at the time and we never really talked music years later, I come to a jam at Jim Lipson’s house of the wayback Machine and there is this killer guitar sound going on. I turn around and it’s Mitzi! well I can’t believe she is just a spanking that thang. we re-introduce ourselves and have been playing together when ever possible. she is my first call for the amosphere!” - amochip dabney (two-time Grammy nominee) The calendar at www.DowntownTucson. com will keep you posted on the line up and other show details. Love Notes “the first time I saw Mitzi play was back in 1990. It was a poetry reading with two bands afterward at the orts space on stone. Her band, slant 6 played first. Mitzi stood 10 feet in front of the band and rocked her amp on 11. I was floored n flabbergasted!!!! Little did I know I’d have a chance to play guitar along side her 18 years later, and I’m stILL in awe!!!! MItZI cowELL RocKs!” - Michael P. “Mitzi and I met about 1991 and we hit it off instantly musically and personally. we fairly quickly started up a band with Jeff sipe and cantrell Maryott called the Visionary Blues Band. we also had a trio with harpist doug chance around that time. she’s always had a natural feel for that guitar of hers, like she was born with it. after I came off the road with the Mollys in 2000, I formed the carnivaleros and Mitzi joined up in 2004 or so. there were many times toward the end of the night during the final number that we’d both be out on the dance floor laughing and playing our asses off. I’ll miss her she’s gonna tear it up in toronto.” - Gary Mackender “Mitzi, original Badgirl, brilliant, earnest and brave. I’m lucky because I’ve got 18 years of Mitzi stories to choose from. one of my favorites happened at Valley of the Moon. there was some kind of festival going on; I don’t remember what exactly. It was hot, and a bunch of us were picnicking on a blanket, listening to the music. the band was doing a cover of the Zombie’s “time of the season” the guitarist was fine right through “It’s the time of the season ,” and then he just couldn’t find that very crucial, defining chord change at “ for loving.” He tried a couple different ones; no luck. after the second go around, still no luck. Mitzi had been watching avidly--with that intense concentration only Mitzi seems to be able to maintain for such long periods of time and through such over stimulating moments--but she was growing increasingly restive. at the second unsuccessful attempt july/august.08. downtown tucsonan 23 http://www.ethertongallery.com http://www.ethertongallery.com http://www.tucson12.tv http://www.tucson12.tv http://www.DowntownTucson.com http://www.DowntownTucson.com
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