Artist Information
Biography
Mama’s Black Sheep is the musical collaboration of singer-songwriters Ashland Miller (guitar/vocals) and Laura Cerulli (drums/vocals). Touring together since 2008 and both veterans of the singer-songwriter circuit, Miller & Cerulli will make you feel like you’ve been listening to their music for years. On the heels of their well received 2010 debut recording Unmarked Highway, which was nominated for Best Debut Recording in 2010 by the Washington Area Music Assoc.(WAMA) along with the nomination of Mama’s Black Sheep for Best New Artist, comes Drivin’ On, the second release for Miller & Cerulli. “This project is for the fans” says Cerulli. “We wanted to create something interesting and fun that captures some of the energy from our live performances” adds Miller. Drivin’ On features nine originals and two covers, recorded at some of the duo’s favorite venues & festivals during 2011. Drivin’ On, typical of Mama’s Black Sheep, is an effortless blend of Blues, Country and Acoustic Rock. Miller & Cerulli are also joined on several tracks by accomplished Violinist Helen Hausmann, and throughout by Bassist and Recording Engineer Robin Elder.
Before Mama’s Black Sheep, Ashland toured for twelve years as part of the award-winning acoustic duo CommonbonD, releasing six CD's, performing on The Nashville Network (TNN), and showcasing their music in over forty states as well as overseas. Ashland's songwriting, harmonies, and creative musical arrangements have been shared on stage with talent such as John Mayer, Ritchie Havens, Catie Curtis, and Sophie B. Hawkins. Laura previously fronted her own band, Cerulean Groove. Since 2005 she has been touring nationally and internationally as a member of SONiA & disappear fear. Laura’s distinctive style has been appreciated everywhere from The Kerrville Folk Festival (TX), to The Barns at Wolftrap (VA), to the High Sierra Music Festival (CA), to The Red Roof Women’s Festival (Ontario), and even ‘down under’ at Woodford Folk Festival (AUS).
Together Miller and Cerulli create a unique tapestry of songs, weaving vibrant color and rich texture to create a dynamic conversation between guitar and percussion. Miller’s passionate voice will make you laugh, cry, feel inspired, and ultimately want more. And Bob Steel of Baltimore Out Loud writes “Cerulli opens her mouth and the world stands still as she wrings every drop of emotion out of the lyrics with her powerful, soaring voice, forged in the fire of the blues and tempered in the cool technique of her classical training." Be sure to catch this duo somewhere…anywhere. You won’t be disappointed. Drive on.
Instrumentation
Ashland Miller - Guitar/Vocals
Laura Cerulli - Drums/Percussion/Vocals
Discography
Ashland & Laura have released more than a dozen albums collectively with other projects. The debut CD for Mama's Black Sheep was "UNMARKED HIGHWAY" released in April 2010. Their newest CD, a live album called "Drivin' On", was released in September of 2011.
Links
Video
Press
Setlist
Mama's Black Sheep features the original songs of Ashland Miller & Laura Cerulli. The band also mixes in covers ranging from classics [Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Prince, Lynyrd Skynyrd] to today [Matt Nathanson, Carrie Underwood, John Mayer]. Generally we play about 70% original and 30% cover, but we can adjust that depending on the situation/crowd. Mama's Black Sheep is available for shows from 1-4 hours in length. Most sets are about 45 minutes with a 20 minute break in between sets.
Basic Requirements
Calendar
| Date | Time | Venue | City | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2012 Monday | 12:00 PM | GO TO www.MamasBlackSheep.com TO VIEW OUR CALENDAR | US |