Downtown Tucsonan - December 2008 - (Page 13)

Downtown OLD BISBEE RECORDS By Jamie Manser www.Myspace.com/oldbisbeerecords tuart oliver’s discerning ear, musical acumen, great vibe, and dedication – along with his graphic design artistry – has enabled the musician to start a beatific record label that unearths and immortalizes the talent of southern arizona. Hatching the artist cooperative with dylan charles, the goal and reality of the label is about creating an “equal opportunity thing.” Herein we cover the label’s recent releases. Live S KATE BECKER PROJECT Old Bisbee Records Released november 21, 2008 www.Myspace.com/thekatebeckerproject the self-titled album is a fabulous combination of cool jazz, cabaret, beat poetry and blues – created by Becker and the resplendent musicians she brought together for her first full length release. collectively the artists cut dynamic, multi-dimensional songs with impeccable timing and phrasing – which isn’t shocking considering the ridiculously good instrumentalists (read the names on the album cover) playing the tunes. the music is cerebral without the pomp. It’s an interesting, groovy listen. Becker, as a vocalist and a writer, is selfassured and open, as well as humble and reflective. she takes in the beauty of her surroundings and outputs fantas- tic words that evoke a scene, a mood and feelings that are spiritual, human and earthy. In Litha she sings about the blaze of the desert’s dog days: Summer queen, slow us down. Your heart is hell in this old town. Easy does it, Litha. Burn only what needs to die today. Ghostly canine howls, flap your wings you great horned owl. Scented smoke, ancient soul; Power of light, descend once more. “the sonoran desert is magic,” Becker says of her songwriting process. Informed by her surroundings, she finds her emotions particularly affected by the summer rains. “I always write music during monsoon, it’s very inspirational for me because I’m in touch with my source. I write musical poetry, there’s always music with it. It doesn’t always become a song. “when I sit down to write, it’s generally inspired by something I heard – a sound that wants to come out – and then I look for lyrics to go with it or it’s an emotion.” the songs on the album were conceived by Becker and born with the help of upright bassist, Gerald Massoud. “I would sing him a melody and give him a rhythm, and explain where I wanted it to go and Gerald would make it actual music. It’s changing a bit now because my guys like to come up with melodies and music for me because they know what I like. “But we start with bass and the primal side.” the current line-up includes Mike Hieber (bass), damon Barnaby (guitar), and aaron Emery (drums). The Kate Becker Project performs at Plush on December 14, The Hut on December 21, and as part of FIRST NIGHT on December 31 at La Placita Village. SILVER THREAD TRIO Old Bisbee Records Release date: december 18, 2008 www.Myspace.com/silverthreadtrio Exquisite a capella vocalists, caroline Isaacs, Gabrielle Pietrangelo, and Laura Kepneradney, deliver the americana goods on the group’s 15-track debut album. Ethereal, confident, and with gorgeous tones, the trio’s harmonies enrapture and belie the dark lyrical themes. Gifted singers covering old traditional folk songs will do that. the disk opens with “Railroad Boy,” an unrequited love, suicide song. the next few songs follow similar suit of human angst. It’s not all dark though; there are melodically upbeat tunes, such as covers of “chicken,” “Jinny Get around,” “single Girl” and “Hang My Guitar.” Beside playing guitar (Pietrangelo and Kepner-adney) and the spoons (Isaacs), the ladies are accompanied by local luminaries Jimmy carr, dante and Marco Rosano, sean Rogers, Rudy cortese, and stuart oliver. oliver also recorded and mixed the record, along with designing the art work. The trio celebrates its CD release at Plush on December 18. On December 31 the ladies perform at the Scottish Rite Temple as part of First Night. THE DUSTY BUSKERS - PADDY O’FRAGGLE Old Bisbee Records Release date: december 18, 2008 www.Myspace.com/thedustybuskers with winning two 2008 tucson weekly taMMIE awards, almost three years of performing, and the upcoming release of their inaugural LP, the Buskers have a lot to celebrate this year. Fiddlin’ uncle Phoenix and dusty squirrelfisher (guitar & harmonica) started the band as a street playing duo, which morphed into a four piece - joined by the Mighty Joel Ford on washboard and cousin dylan on mandolin. Goofy names aside, the musicians are a talented bunch that channels its energy into highly raucous romps of the Irish drinking song variety – even as most of the members don’t imbibe spirituous beverages. the tracks are foot-stomping fun that sounds great, with or without a Guinness stout or Jameson whiskey! The CD release takes place at Plush on December 18. Other gigs include The Hut on December 6 & 21, and First Night on December 31 at La Placita Village. december.08. downtown tucsonan 13 http://www.Myspace.com/oldbisbeerecords http://www.Myspace.com/oldbisbeerecords http://www.Myspace.com/thekatebeckerproject http://www.Myspace.com/silverthreadtrio http://www.Myspace.com/thedustybuskers http://www.Myspace.com/thekatebeckerproject http://www.Myspace.com/silverthreadtrio http://www.Myspace.com/thedustybuskers

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