Tag: traditional

Red Tail Ring – Friday, October 18, 2013

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Red Tail Ring

Red Tail Ring is the musical brainchild of two old-time-minded Michiganders – Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo. The collaboration blends the loving attention of revivalist fervor with the playful creativity of starting from scratch. Whether rendering a traditional tune or one of their many original compositions, the duo infuses each song with musical imagination, haunting harmonies and instrumental artistry on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, jawharp, and plain-old foot stomping.

“We love pushing the boundaries of what a traditional song can be,” says Beauchamp. “It informs how we write our original songs. There’s a real energy exchange between the old and the new.”

There’s a real energy from these two young but seasoned performers. They love making music in all senses of that word – playing and performing and writing, putting their own stamp on traditional tunes and infusing their new creations with an authentic traditional spirit and sound. On stage together, Laurel and Michael create something rare as they use every facet of their voices and instruments – including guitar, fiddle, banjo, octave mandolin, mandolin and jaw harp – to connect with audiences.

I first heard Red Tail Ring in showcase at FARM in fall of 2012 and was so impressed I offered to host them on the spot. Then I got to hear them in full concert performance at WFMT’s Folkstage was thrilled by their performance. Check them out at the links below – I think you’ll like what you hear. Then get in touch to get an invitation.

http://www.redtailring.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Tail-Ring/191858664170133
http://www.youtube.com/user/redtailring

Music at 7:30 p.m. Potluck and socializing at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a dish and beverage to share. Wine or beer are welcome. Water, glasses, dishes and silver provided.

For more information and an invitation, please contact Lee by e-mail at windycityhouseconcerts@gmail.com or at 773-334-5776.

Suggested artist donation $20 (All funds go to the musician.)

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Friday, April 27, 2012: Jeni and Billy

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Jeni and Billy

“This is either the most sophisticated simple music or the simplest sophisticated music I’ve ever heard.”

That comment, heard after a Jeni & Billy performance, sums up the appeal of the duo’s “New Old Music.” With exquisitely spare accompaniment and performances that are never rushed, Jeni & Billy’s harmonies harken to a lost time and reverberate with a rare honesty, as they inhabit the lives of miners, preachers, ramblers, lovers, and plain-living folks.  Their music is quiet enough to be heard and just loud enough to be unforgettable.

Sharing the duties of songwriting, arranging, and performing, Jeni & Billy bring to the work very distinct musical backgrounds that both draw from the deep well of Appalachian roots music.

In recent years it’s been practically considered a given that the writing of coal-mining songs is a thing of the past, but lo and behold, along comes an album of new songs related to, or inspired by, the coal-mining lifestyle. Jeni Hankins is the granddaughter of coal miners, so she is well steeped in the tradition. Her mournful vocals compare favorably with other Appalachian old-time folks singers . . . the accompaniment is always very spare, and the performances are never rushed . . . Jewell Ridge Coal is a very worthy addition to a genre that may not be so antiquated after all. – Paul-Emile Comeau – Dirty Linen

Jeni and Billy call their music “New Old Music” on their facebook page and that is just what it is. Jeni and Billy write their own songs, but in the style of traditional country, Appalachian, old-time, country blues, bluegrass and folk music. Jeni was born in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia and traces her vocal style to Virginia Lowe, the blind music minister of the Friendly Chapel Church on Smith Ridge, VA. Billy grew up in Baltimore but spent his weekend nights high atop a hill in the nearby community of Oella — the home of Appalachian migrants who came to the city looking for work in the mills. There, among people much like Jeni’s grandparents, he fell in love with country music.

Steeped in roots of traditional music, Jeni and Billy perform their songs and tell their stories with heartfelt grace and genuine warmth that will reach anyone who hears them.

I first discovered Jeni and Billy online and then got to hear them in person at Folk Alliance, both in Memphis and at FAR-West, the Western Regional Folk Alliance conference. Regular attendees of house concerts know the close connection between musicians and audience members in general. Jeni and Billy exemplify that warmth. When I first met them in person, it felt like we had been friends for a long, long time, instead of just online correspondents.

Please join us for an evening of wonderful, unique music and warm friendship and camaraderie. You’ll be glad you came.

Listen to Monica Gomez’ October 2, 2010 interview with Jeni on her “State of the Arts” show on KTEP-FM.

https://www.facebook.com/jeniandbilly
http://www.jeniandbilly.com

Suggested artist donation $20

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-571-9178 or by e-mail at lasalturashouseconcerts (at) gmail.com.

Saturday, January 21, 2012: Hard Road Trio: Steve Smith, Chris Sanders and Anne Luna

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Las Alturas House Concerts is proud to present The Hard Road Trio (Steve Smith, Chris Sanders and Anne Luna). Many of you are already familiar with the Hard Road Trio, or a least Steve and Chris. For those who have seen them recently, you already know they just keep getting better.

Steve is a virtuoso on mandolin, guitar and banjo and a fine singer and songwriter, internationally known as a performer and teacher. Chris is a singer and songwriter and guitarist and teacher, but that doesn’t convey the beauty of her soaring voice. Anne Luna is one of my favorite bass players, as well as a singer and songwriter. Her playing (on a full size acoustic bass several times bigger than she is) adds a rich, full sound to the trio, always tastefully supporting the music.

Steve, Chris and Anne are each fine musicians on their own. As a trio, they are even more than the sum of the parts. Regular touring over the last couple years has tightened up their playing. Beautiful harmonies, tight ensemble playing and blistering instrumental solos make for an exciting show.

We are looking forward to a great evening to kick off the last few shows at Las Alturas House Concerts. Please come share in the music and company. RSVP via email or phone and we will see you soon!

http://www.desertnight.com/steve-smith-and-chris-sanders.html
http://www.reverbnation.com/stevesmithandhardroad

Details:

Saturday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to
share are welcome.

Please RSVP to Lee at lasalturashouseconcerts@gmail.com
or by phone: 575-522-5197.

Suggested artist donation $20

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Monday, October 25, 2010: Jim Malcolm

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Jim Malcolm

Jim Malcolm’s voice has been described by Dirty Linen magazine as “one of those pure warm Scottish voices one never tires of listening to”. He was the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and a 2008 nominee for Scots Trad Music’s Singer of the Year.  For seven years he was the front man for the legendary Scottish group the Old Blind Dogs.

The Scotsman said, “Jim Malcolm will just melt you in your seat.” They are absolutely right. I first saw Jim Malcolm here in Las Cruces at another house concert and was just blown away. His singing and playing are magnificent, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of Scottish and Celtic music and he writes wonderful songs. He is also a fine storyteller with a great sense of humor. You will enjoy this show even if you are new to Scottish music.

http://www.jimmalcolm.com

Suggested artist donation $18

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at lasalturashouseconcerts (at) gmail.com.

Sunday, October 10, 2010: Jeni and Billy

macbikegeekLeave a comment

Jeni and Billy

“This is either the most sophisticated simple music or the simplest sophisticated music I’ve ever heard.”

That comment, heard after a Jeni & Billy performance, sums up the appeal of the duo’s “New Old Music.” With exquisitely spare accompaniment and performances that are never rushed, Jeni & Billy’s harmonies harken to a lost time and reverberate with a rare honesty, as they inhabit the lives of miners, preachers, ramblers, lovers, and plain-living folks.  Their music is quiet enough to be heard and just loud enough to be unforgettable.

Sharing the duties of songwriting, arranging, and performing, Jeni & Billy bring to the work very distinct musical backgrounds that both draw from the deep well of Appalachian roots music.

In recent years it’s been practically considered a given that the writing of coal-mining songs is a thing of the past, but lo and behold, along comes an album of new songs related to, or inspired by, the coal-mining lifestyle. Jeni Hankins is the granddaughter of coal miners, so she is well steeped in the tradition. Her mournful vocals compare favorably with other Appalachian old-time folks singers . . . the accompaniment is always very spare, and the performances are never rushed . . . Jewell Ridge Coal is a very worthy addition to a genre that may not be so antiquated after all. – Paul-Emile Comeau – Dirty Linen

Jeni and Billy call their music “New Old Music” on their facebook page and that is just what it is. Jeni and Billy write their own songs, but in the style of traditional country, Appalachian, old-time, country blues, bluegrass and folk music. Jeni was born in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia and traces her vocal style to Virginia Lowe, the blind music minister of the Friendly Chapel Church on Smith Ridge, VA. Billy grew up in Baltimore but spent his weekend nights high atop a hill in the nearby community of Oella — the home of Appalachian migrants who came to the city looking for work in the mills. There, among people much like Jeni’s grandparents, he fell in love with country music.

Steeped in roots of traditional music, Jeni and Billy perform their songs and tell their stories with heartfelt grace and genuine warmth that will reach anyone who hears them.

I first discovered Jeni and Billy online and then got to hear them in person at Folk Alliance, both in Memphis and at FAR-West, the Western Regional Folk Alliance conference. Regular attendees of house concerts know the close connection between musicians and audience members in general. Jeni and Billy exemplify that warmth. When I first met them in person, it felt like we had been friends for a long, long time, instead of just online correspondents.

Please join us for an evening of wonderful, unique music and warm friendship and camaraderie. You’ll be glad you came.

Listen to Monica Gomez’ October 2, 2010 interview with Jeni on her “State of the Arts” show on KTEP-FM.

http://www.myspace.com/jenihankinsbillykemp
http://www.jeniandbilly.com

Suggested artist donation $15

Music starts at 7:00 p.m. Socializing from 6:00 p.m.

Light refreshments provided, BYO wine and/or potluck refreshments to share are welcome.

For more information, please contact Lee at 575-522-5197 or by e-mail at lasalturashouseconcerts (at) gmail.com.