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Field Report, Cory Chisel lead WAMI nominees
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Milwaukee folk band Field Report and Appleton-bred Americana duo Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons ...Milwaukee folk band Field Report and Appleton-bred Americana duo Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons lead the major nominations for the 33rd annual Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards, to be held April 14 at Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. 4th St.
They're the only bands up for WAMIs in each of the top three categories: artist of the year, album of the year and song of the year. Field Report landed a record deal with Partisan Records and provided opening support for Counting Crows and Aimee Mann, while Sons traveled the world opening for Norah Jones and released an album on Brendan Benson's Readymade Records, co-founded by Hartland native Emily White.
In the WAMIs' big category, artist of the year, they will battle ex-BoDean Sam Llanas, Sub Pop act Jaill, SideOneDummy band Trapper Schoepp & the Shades, local rock group the Delta Routine and Madison's Lucas Cates Band.
Nominations were chosen from ballots submitted by members of WAMI, a volunteer organization that promotes Wisconsin music. The general public can submit votes for their favorite artist, radio station, music teacher and music venue through Friday at wamimusic.com .
WAMI will celebrate the nominees at a free public ceremony at 6 p.m. March 24 at Moct, 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
The April 14 awards ceremony will feature performances by local acts Klassik, the Squeezettes and De La Buena, plus four other bands from around the state. Tickets are $15 for students, $24.99 for general admission and $50 for a VIP package, available at the Pabst and Riverside theaters box offices, (414) 286-3663 and pabsttheater.org.
WAMI also will host a free, five-venue music festival in Milwaukee dubbed "Downtown Alive" on April 13. A schedule is forthcoming.
Here are the nominees:
Artist of the year: Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, Field Report, Jaill, Sam Llanas, the Delta Routine, the Lucas Cates Band, Trapper Schoepp & The Shades
Album of the year: "Can You Hear Me" (Boxkar), "Old Believers" (Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons), "Field Report" (Field Report), "Shaker and the Egg" (Shaker and the Egg), "Music for Fine Dining" (Something To Do), "Good Folks" (The Lucas Cates Band), "Whiskey Woman" (The WhiskeyBelles)
Song of the year: "I've Been Accused" (Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons), "I Am Not Waiting Anymore" (Field Report), "In Dreams" (Ivy Spokes), "Anything" (Klassik), "No Boyfriend" (Nicole Waters), "Switchblade" (The Delta Routine)
Female vocalist: Amy Jo Doty, Chrissy Dzioba, Esh, Ida Jo, Monica Martin, Nicole Kottke, Nora Collins
Male vocalist: Chris Porterfield, Gabriel Sanchez, Joseph "Smokey" Holman, Marr'Lo Hollowell, Mike Wendland, Pat Schorr, Sam Llanas
New artist: Hugh Bob and the Hustle, Lisa Ridgely & the Fainting Room, Roxi Copland, the Goddamns
Rising Star: Bad Habitz, Borderline, Felix Ramsey, Myles Wangerin, Nora Collins, Stephanie Brill
Genre Categories
Alternative: Avenues, Daphni, Field Report, Ikarus Down, Into Arcadia, Sunspot, Tiny Riots
Americana/Bluegrass: Art Stevenson & High Water, Beef Tea, Copper Box, Dead Horses, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Sloppy Joe, the WhiskeyBelles
Big Band/Horn Band: Group of the Altos, Big Mouth & the Power Tool Horns, Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns, Extra Crispy Brass Band, Hip Pocket, Mama Digdown's Brass Band, the Uptown Savages
Blues: Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo, Alex Wilson Band, Altered Five, Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys, South End Blues Band, the Jimmys, the Katz Sass
Celtic/Folk: Derek Byrne & Paddygrass, Folk You, Macyn Taylor, Reilly, the Sandcarvers, Whiskey of the Damned
Christian/Gospel: Danen Kane, Koine, Lightswitch, Michelle Posey & Standing Firm, Saved By Grace, the Burie Family
Club DJ/Dance: Deletah, DJ Bizzon, DJ Poizon Ivy, Loveless, Signaldrift, Tarik
Country: Chasin' Mason, Diamond & Steel, Grand Union, Madison County, Pat Watters Band, Rebel Grace, SaddleBrook
Cover Band: Half Empty, Rabid Aardvarks, Road Trip, Rooftop Jumpers, Spoiled Rotten, Star Six Nine, the Toys
Hard Rock: Annex, Beyond Fate, Conniption, Dead Modern Villains, Mad Mad Ones, Spiral Trance
Jazz: Nineteen Thirteen, 4th Street Elevator, Jamie Breiwick, Jazz Orgy, Jerry Grillo, We Six, Opus
Polka: Brewhaus Polka Kings, Brian Brueggen & the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen, Happy Schnapps Combo, the Rhythm Playboys, Steve Meisner, the Squeezettes
Rap/Hip Hop: BLAX, Jesse Lester, Fresh Cut Collective, Klassik, Pizzle, Prophetic
R&B/Soul: Al White, Charles Walker Band, Hypnopotamus, Streetlife, The Blue Olives, Tweed Funk, Weapons of Mass Defunktion
Reggae/World/Ska: Unity, De La Buena, Nabori, Phocus, R.A.S. Movement, The Invaders
Rock/Pop: Boy Blue, Dory Drive, Fever Marlene, Ian & the Dream, Jaill, Sexy Ester, Something To Do, Vic and Gab
Singer/Songwriter: Annie B., Evan Christian, Mark Croft, Old Earth, Pat McCurdy, Rob Anthony, Tony Memmel
Tribute: 5 Card Studs, 52nd Street, No Quarter, Project Pink, Reckless Life, Stoneship Eden, the Prince Experience
Musician Categories
Bass: Donn Trampe, Eric Madunic, Andy Mertens, Jordan Kroeger, J.P. Cyr, Mark Noxon, Matthew Wilson
Drummer: Alan Arber, Bill Sargent, Joe Miller, Jon Phillip, Matt Gieseke, Mauro Magellan, Mike Underwood
Guitarist: Misha Siegfried, Perry Weber, Ryan Rossebo, Scott Hlavenka, Scotty Meyer, Tom Jordan, Tom Thiel
Keyboard: Alex Drossart, Danny Moore, Jimmy Voegeli, Kevin Machan, Marc Ballini, Nick Berg, Tyler Traband
Reeds/Brass: Andrew Spadafora, Charles Walker, Eric Schoor, Jeff Maddern, Kevin Klemme, Mary Rodgers, Seth Jorgensen
Strings: Blaine McQuinn, Bob Weigandt, Ida Jo, Janet Schiff, Kimmy Unger, Peter Thomas
Industry Categories
Producer: Jack LeTourneau, Jeff Hamilton, Marc Golde, Marty Cheyka, Tony Anders, Vinny Millevolte
Recording Studio: Renwood Messenger Studios, Rock Garden Studio, Tanner-Monagle, the Exchange Recording Complex, Whitehouse Studios
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Best Local Albums of 2012
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To add one more to the growing list of "best of" lists, here are our picks for best albums. BY TYLER...To add one more to the growing list of "best of" lists, here are our picks for best albums. BY TYLER MAAS AND JOE GUSZKOWSKI 12/27/2012
There was no shortage of great music put out by Milwaukee musicians in 2012. As much is evident in the vastly different lists put out by nearly every local publication, blog and Milwaukeean with a passion for homegrown music more than 50 Twitter followers. While this list represents the tastes of just two people—with utterly no clue about local hip-hip—tasked with picking a mere 10 of this city’s great audio efforts of the year, consider it a jumping off point to help discover and discuss more local artists that deserve attention.
Jaill – Traps
Faced with the task of following up That’s How We Burn, its locally lauded (but not particularly popular elsewhere) Sub Pop Records debut, Jaill's latest album (and last release guaranteed to be put out on the renowned indie label), Traps, echoes the laid back summertime feel of its predecessor, while lending a dash of depth, both musically and in terms of lyrical content. The jury is still out on the record contract renewal, but Traps has already led to an unmatched bowling alley album release show, a bunch of great music videos, extensive U.S./international touring, lucrative local opening slots for The Hives and Titus Andronicus, a trophy from 88Nine Radio Milwaukee voters and, perhaps most impressively, a Milwaukee Magazine “Best Of” nod for the MKE mainstay. [Tyler Maas]
Juniper Tar – Since Before
I’m supposed to be writing about this year’s best albums, and Since Before is really an album, in the old school, “greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts” sense: a carefully composed, emotionally jarring meditation on time, pain, and healing. Though it’s heavy on concept, it never buckles under its own weight, with plenty of tracks like “The Dullest Cleaver” and “After The Tremors” that stand up just fine on their own. [Joe Guszkowski]
Field Report – Field Report
After the whirlwind first full year of existence that found Field Report representing Milwaukee at South By Southwest, accompanying The Counting Crows, Aimee Mann and Megafaun on various tours, and gaining considerable attention throughout the Badger State and well beyond, it’s easy to forget the means of conveyance that took Christopher Porterfield and co. from Conrad Plymouth leftovers to indie rock up-and-comers. The vehicle most responsible for the band’s quick notoriety is its tremendous self-titled debut. The 10-song Field Report is a harmony-laden debut (though parts are re-done Conrad Plymouth songs) that combines Porterfield’s strong voice and knack for telling tragic stories with rock solid, emotive instrumentation from the talented cast of players backing him. Midway through opening track “Fergus Falls,” you’ll begin to understand what all the hype is about. [TM]
Surgeons In Heat – Surgeons In Heat LP
Surgeons In Heat’s self-titled LP has all the qualities of a great lover: cool, smart, easy to get along with, and, of course, sexy. Taking cues from soul, R&B, and '60s pop, the Surgeons In Heat LP is a breeze to listen to, which makes its diamond-cut songcraft that much more impressive. [JG]
Catacombz – Mother Tongue 2
The best way to describe longtime Milwaukee scene staple Catacombz is that it's “very difficult to describe.” However, that vague and altogether horrible generalization should in no way be taken as an insult. It’s quite the opposite, actually. Catacombz latest cassette (yes, cassette) Mother Tongue 2 is the group’s latest venture into the trippy and lawless expanses of musical experimentation. Amid the various vocal effects and off-kilter instrumentation, you’ll find yet another satisfying sonic venture from one if the city’s most underrated acts. [TM]
The Delphines – God Help The Delphines EP
The feisty Delphines came out of nowhere this year to give us three cunningly dark, incredibly catchy collections of hazy garage pop. God Help The Delphines, its latest and finest release, sees the band embracing a slightly heavier approach, while sticking to its stripped-down instrumentation and gritty lyrics. [JG]
The WhiskeyBelles – Whiskey Women
It’s tough to argue that the trio of WAMI Award regulars and festival fixtures released Milwaukee’s best album by an all-female country band this year. But even without the gender and genre modifiers, The WhiskeyBelles debut full-length, Whiskey Woman, is still a damn good release. Before the album’s July 29 release, I wrote, “The seasoned cast of award-winning Wisconsin musicians and vocalists totes ample musical depth to Whiskey Woman, through experienced instrumentation and effortlessly smooth three-part harmonies. Figuratively and literally, WhiskeyBelles stand in no man’s land. The band has too much balls to even bother acknowledging the inevitable Dixie Chicks comparisons.” Title track “Whiskey Woman” and energetic romp “Pills I Took” especially stand out on this promising eight-song introduction to a dream team of versatile vocalists. [TM]
All These Runners – Vacation Days
Coming off 2010’s overlooked Rise Run Fall Sleep, All These Runners felt like a band with something to prove, and it did just that with Vacation Days. Electrified with a breathless energy, it takes on mid-twenties anxiety and heartbreak with smartly written indie pop that’s catchy as hell. [JG]
Sat. Nite Duets – Summer Of Punishment
I might be a little biased in acknowledging Sat. Nite Duets—what with a member of the band comprising the other half of this blog and all—but months before I met Mr. Guszkowski, I wrote favorably of his band’s “brand of unkempt indie rock cooked up at the ‘Throwback Lounge,’ also known as [Sat. Nite member Ben] Gucciardi’s basement studio, is a recipe all its own: ’90s alternative influence, endearingly lo-fi experimentation and a heavy helping of humor.” The quirky quintet puts said recipe on display in its latest full-length Summer Of Punishment. Trading vocal duties and genres on a song-by-song basis, Duets manages its most consistent and enjoyable effort to date, highlighted by the dingy “Genghis Khan” and the affable angst of “Way Behind My Age Group.” [TM]
Young Holidays – Young Holidays EP
For music written and recorded chiefly by one guy – the singular Max Holiday – the Young Holidays EP sounds a lot like a party. Full of claps, shouts, dancy beats and a clattering assortment of instruments, it’s as virile and messy as a UWM kegger. While the songs are compact, they’re surprisingly intricate and complex, with a diverse palate that seats electronic burbles and soaring strings alongside fuzzy guitar and blown-out drums. [JG]
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Music Under Glass
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Even though winter is here, Milwaukee's parties don't stop. The Domes feature live music every week....Even though winter is here, Milwaukee's parties don't stop. The Domes feature live music every week. BY Tyler Maas 12/6/2012
Nicknamed the “City Of Festivals,” Milwaukee is known for its vast array of outdoor events, most of which feature audio accompaniment from both noted local bands and renowned national acts. But once summer turns to fall and the temperatures continue to dip into winter, the parks and festival grounds go quiet, sending Milwaukee’s music indoors until the following spring.
However, one amenity-turned-venue allows Milwaukee music fans the ability to escape the frigid Wisconsin weather, while being surrounded by flourishing foliage, fish, lizards and balmy temperatures. Enter the Milwaukee Domes.
Each Thursday, Nov. 1 through March 14, one of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (or “The Milwaukee Domes”) domes hosts an area band as part of its Music Under Glass concert series. This week, the award-winning likes of Brew City blues outfit Tweed Funk will take the stage. Featuring legendary front man Joseph ”Smokey” Holman (who captured the attention of music great Curtis Mayfield, who signed Holman to his label in the 1970s), the reigning WAMI R&B/Soul Artist Of The Year is playing in support of its sophomore album, Love Is.
But rhythm and blues aren’t the only sounds known to permeate through the city’s signature structure. Chrissy Dzioba’s band, WAMI Award-winning, all-female country outfit The WhiskeyBelles, took part in Music Under Glass’ Thanksgiving showcase.
“The venue was absolutely breathtaking, with the enormous Christmas tree and the hundreds of poinsettia plants,” Dzioba says. “The ambience gave a romantic feel to the evening. The audience was wonderful as well. Everyone in the show dome was there for the music, and they were a listening and dancing audience. It was nice to see such diverse crowd”
Just as diverse as the crowds, the variety of bands Music Under Glass enlisted to fill its lineup runs the gamut of genres. Everything from folk, to Celtic to (if you’re into that sort of thing) cover bands round out the series’ eclectic schedule.
“MUG did a wonderful job in terms of booking this year,” Dzioba says. “They have something for everyone. They had country, a Beatles tribute, blues, a polka band, and even an Elvis tribute in February.”
Though each 140-foot wide, seven-story high dome was built for a specific, and not at all music-related reason, The WhiskeyBelles left very impressed by the acoustics of the Show Dome.
“The WhiskeyBelles are known for our three-part harmonies, which also include a few accapella moments,” Dzioba says. “There were times when we were singing and the sound became so ethereal because of the reverb and acoustics that all three of us had goosebumps.”
Each show goes from 6:30-9 p.m., with periodic breaks for light shows projected on the dome’s window ceiling. Local businesses cater shows, and there are often giveaways during the event. And that’s not even accounting for the most enticing aspect.
“There is no greater cure for the winter-time blues than a stroll through the tropical dome!” Dzioba said.
The remaining show schedule is:
Dec. 6: Tweed Funk
Dec. 13: The Booze Brothers
Dec. 20: KT & The Universal Love Band
Dec. 27: Marcell & Peter Duelling Pianos
Jan. 3: U2 Zoo
Jan. 24: The Jerry Grillo Orchestra
Jan. 31: The Barrettes
Feb. 7: Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound
Feb. 14: Street Life with Warren Wiegratz
Feb. 21: Tony Rocker & The Comeback Specials
Feb. 28: Mt. Olive
March 7: Frogwater
March 14: RAS Movement
Visit MilwaukeeDomes.org for more information on the conservatory and the Music Under Glass series.
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On Tap Today Your daily first look at what's happening around Milwaukee
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On Tap: More than turkey
By Jackie Loohauis-Bennett of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 22, 2012 5:30 a....On Tap: More than turkey
By Jackie Loohauis-Bennett of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 22, 2012 5:30 a.m.
A time for giving thanks, for eating, and for doing something already.
Push yourself away from the table, and get out and about this Thanksgiving. Best bet: Tonight's "Music Under Glass" at the Mitchell Park Domes Domes, featuring the music of the Whiskey Belles, and extended hours to 10 p.m. to celebrate the holiday.
While you're there, take in the Dome's holiday "Let it Snow" show and play "count the poinsettia."
Or sit back and savor not only stuffing, but the smooth jazz of Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen at The Packing House.
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WhiskeyBelles has vintage country sound
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A group with "whiskey" in its name inspires imagery of a hard-hitting band rocking a seedy bar in fr...A group with "whiskey" in its name inspires imagery of a hard-hitting band rocking a seedy bar in front of a rough-and-rowdy clientele. But thanks to its crisp vintage country sound and angelic vocal harmonies, local all-female trio the WhiskeyBelles goes down smoother than the brown booze from which it takes its name.
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Album Review: Whiskeybelles - Whiskey Woman
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Since we formally introduced you to the likes of homegrown country outfit Whiskeybelles, the all-fem...Since we formally introduced you to the likes of homegrown country outfit Whiskeybelles, the all-female trio has been busy accepting WAMI awards, playing strenuous stretches of shows and festivals throughout the state, and putting the finishing touches on their debut album, Whiskey Woman.
Whiskey Woman springs to life in no time with the album’s raucous and appropriately appointed title track. The energetic intro song, “Whiskey Woman,” is an upbeat homage to classic country, complete with a fiddle solo, ever-present banjitar backing and an array of references to liquor and bar room brawls.
Following the toe-tapping table setter, the ’Belles ease back a bit, both in terms of pace and lyrical content, with a trio of slower efforts highlighted by positive third track “Genuine” in which the strong and distinct voices of Chrissy Dzioba, Kimmy Unger and Sara Moilanen meld into a single airtight harmony in the chorus, “Good friends are hard to come by/I plan on keeping mine/my life is genuine.”
The pace is, again, hastened with should-be Hank Williams b-side, “Pills I took” and its grappling vocal hook “I still don’t know what they were/I don’t know where I got ’em/they sure did make me feel good/they keep my heart from feeling blue/kept my thoughts away from you.” Within three minutes, the song somehow manages to simultaneously stick in your head while it tugs at your heartstrings. It, and, really, the majority of Whiskey Woman’s eight songs seem to pay familiar sonic tribute to country, bluegrass and general Americana music, while remaining something all its own – and not at all in the gimmicky “Whoa, this band is only girls!” kind of way.
Though lacking any percussion, the seasoned cast of award-winning Wisconsin musicians and vocalists totes ample musical depth to Whiskey Woman, through experienced instrumentation and effortlessly smooth three-part harmonies. Figuratively and literally, Whiskeybelles stand in no man’s land. The band has too much balls to even bother acknowledging the inevitable Dixie Chicks comparisons, but sing too high and, at times, about topics too lily white to be likened to obvious influences Johnny Cash and Williams. But therein exists the beauty of the ’Belles: the band’s knack for ably navigating from mainstream country to classic country without missing a step.
If one flaw can be found in Whiskey Woman (aside from a few select trivial, boyfriend-centric melodies) it’s that there isn’t nearly enough of it. At eight songs and a smidge under half an hour, the album leaves you as soon as it captures your full attention. Still, this is an encouraging next step for one of Milwaukee’s most active and more diverse classically trained acts.
The WhiskeyBelles will play its album release show at Lo-Cash Live (124 W. National Ave.) Sunday, July 29 from 1-4 p.m.
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Meet The WhiskeyBelles
The WhiskeyBelles meets up with our Real Milwaukee intern at Summerfest.
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Fair has plenty of local acts
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The WhiskeyBelles perform in the Tap Milwaukee Studios. Members include Sara Moilanen(left to right)...The WhiskeyBelles perform in the Tap Milwaukee Studios. Members include Sara Moilanen(left to right), Chrissy Dzioba, Kimberly (Kimmy) Unger.
By Piet Levy of the Journal Sentinel
July 27, 2012
Eight Wisconsin acts to see at the Wisconsin State Fair:
Steve Cohen with the Greg Koch Band: Two of Milwaukee's best bluesmen join forces for a series of State Fair shows. (7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 and 5, 8 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4, Lakefront Brew Pub and Eatery, free with admission.)
Ethan Keller: The singer-songwriter won top prizes from both the RadioMilwaukee Music Awards and Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards last year. (2 p.m. Aug. 2 and 6, Sprecher Stage, free with admission.)
Chasin' Mason: The local country band has been rebranded with a more Nashville-ready sound under the guidance of new, Grafton-based talent development company K-Nation. (8 p.m. Aug. 10, Budweiser Music Pavilion, free with admission.)
King Solomon: With native Jamaican JD Rankin providing lead vocals, six-piece King Solomon reigns supreme within the Milwaukee reggae music scene. (7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-5, 8-11 and 4:30 p.m. Aug. 12, Tropics at the Fair, free with admission.)
Pat McCurdy: The Milwaukee music-comedy institution has been a local favorite since the '70s. (5 p.m. Aug. 6 and 12, 6 p.m. Aug. 9 and 7 p.m. Aug. 3, Charcoal Grill Roadhouse Stage, free with admission.)
Ryan McIntyre: A seven-time WAMI winner, the breezy singer-songwriter plays more than 200 shows a year - eight of them at the State Fair this year. (12 p.m. Aug. 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 8 p.m. Aug. 5, Major Goolsby's Heartland Stage, free with admission.)
Something to Do: The ska group has a zippy new album out, "Music for Fine Dining," that should go well with fairgoers noshing on fried food on a stick. (4 p.m. Aug. 11, Major Goolsby's Heartland Stage, free with admission.)
The WhiskeyBelles: The traditional country trio benefits from three lovely vocalists. (3:30 p.m. Aug. 3, Saz's Ribs. 4 p.m. Aug. 5 and 5:45 p.m. Aug. 6-7 and 9, Major Goolsby's Heartland Stage, free with admission.)
- Piet Levy
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Country, Folk and Americana: Together At Last
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The Whiskeybelles is not your typical Milwaukee band. Not even taking into account the band’s entire...The Whiskeybelles is not your typical Milwaukee band. Not even taking into account the band’s entirely female populace, the outfit expertly toes the line of talented original act and more-than capable cover band. Its upbeat and experienced melding of country, folk and Americana proves a welcome resident to dive bars and massive outdoor festivals alike. And at the tender age of two, the trio has managed to garner growing consideration from local promoters… not to mention a few Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards along the way.
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Chrissy Dzioba, guitarist/vocalist with the Whiskeybelles
Chrissy Dzioba of the Whiskeybelles performs in the Tap Milwaukee studios.
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July 2012 WAMI Featured Artist – The WhiskeyBelles
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Introducing the WhiskeyBelles
Debut album, “Whiskey Woman,” Due out July 29, 2012
“Excelle...Introducing the WhiskeyBelles
Debut album, “Whiskey Woman,” Due out July 29, 2012
“Excellent harmonies and outstanding camaraderie and charisma…” – Scene 262
“I mentioned their perfect harmonies. I mean they were perfect.” – The Sixth Station
“Upbeat and experienced melding of country, folk and Americana…” – Milwaukee Magazine
All-female traditional country and Americana trio The WhiskeyBelles release their debut album, “Whiskey Woman,” on July 29 featuring driving original material, pitch-perfect three-part harmonies and their own hot fiddle, guitar and bass playing.
Their first release follows three years of incessant gigging in front of enthusiastic audiences and kicks off a full schedule of gigs this summer including coveted opening slots for country stars Montgomery Gentry and Kentucky Headhunters.
The Belles are widely known for captivating shows featuring their own takes on classic and obscure vintage country, Americana, folk revival and roots country tunes, with a few originals sprinkled in. They’ve been compared with the Pistol Annies, Be Good Tanyas, Dixie Chicks and The Trio (Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris & Linda Ronstadt).
Finally ready to record their first album, The Belles decided to focus on originals. While their songs reflect traditional country themes, The Belles tell their own stories with their own imagery and music. Many of the song titles hint at the joy, misfortune and love they sing about, from “Borrowed Trouble” to “The Other Girl” to “Pills I Took.”
Vocalist and acoustic guitarist Chrissy Dzioba said that she and vocalist and bassist Sara Moilanen wrote the six originals separately. Vocalist and fiddler player Kimmy Unger rounds out the group, with her playing prominent in many songs and the three musicians jointly working out arrangements. Six of the eight songs are originals, with the exception of the title track, “Whiskey Woman,” written for The WhiskeyBelles by a friend who is, perhaps surprisingly, a pastor. “Pills I Took” was written by aMadison,WIband, Those Poor Bastards, and made famous by Hank III.
The Belle’s new focus on writing and recording is the next step in their development as a band, Chrissy said. “When you write and bring your originals, it’s really about what’s going on inside, about human relationships and feelings,” she said. “But we also bring fun and energy to our songs. We can sing about troubles but also have a good laugh about the way the world just is.”
Outside of The Belles, the three musicians are in heavy demand as members of a variety of other groups, including folk-rock bands, a Celtic rock group and a symphony orchestra.
For the recording, The Belles were joined by well-known sidemen, including Victor DeLorenzo, co-founder of the Violent Femmes, on drums; multi-instrumentalist recording vet Allen Cote on lap steel; and Paul Bast, contemporary bluegrass musician, on Dobro. “While we usually play out as a trio, we wanted this record to have the benefit of these great musical voices, which really complement the tunes,” she said.
Chrissy said that audiences will be hearing the new original tunes at shows all summer, and that The WhiskeyBelles will be contributing more originals down the line. “The Belles have always had our boots firmly planted in the best country songs ever written,” she said. “We’re now adding originals to this wonderful tradition of song and bringing even more of ourselves to our loyal fans.”
The CD Release Party will be held on Sunday, July 29 2012 at Lo-Cash Live inMilwaukeefrom 1-4pm.
Track listing:
Whiskey Woman
Borrowed Trouble
Genuine
The Other Girl
Pills I Took
California
Kisses (Honey Do)
This Ain’t It
http://www.whiskeybelles.com/
http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=333263
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Whiskeybelles/214949510202
http://www.youtube.com/thewhiskeybelles
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Straight up oldschool at Humboldt Park
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Right after that, we get Milwaukee's answer to the Dixie Chicks, the Whiskeybelles-- and in keeping ...Right after that, we get Milwaukee's answer to the Dixie Chicks, the Whiskeybelles-- and in keeping with the oldschool theme, they're wonderfully tuneful, loose, but have perfect three part hamonies, no fake accents, and a set list that includes some nice originals along with covering Hank (Senior, that is, do I have to specify Hank Williams Senior when I'm talking about oldschool?) and Loretta. The Loretta Lynn covers especially suited these women -- a bassist, a guitarist and a fiddler -- as they were as sassy and salty as the Queen herself. I mentioned their perfect harmonies. I mean they were perfect. Yet -- and this is their gift-- the Whiskeybelles are wonderfully loose, making it sound and look easy so that the audience is engaged and involved. Really good set. My only complaint is that they may have gone on too long. This is the kind of music that needs to be a 45 minute set, leaving an audience begging for more. They went for at least an hour, and by the end of that, we were ready for something else. But that's a minor complaint. I would have enjoyed two 45 minute sets from them, and they're definitely on my "go see them again" list.
Posted by Veronica Rusnak at 2:14 PM
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Whiskey Woman Press Release
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INTRODUCING THE WHISKEYBELLES
DEBUT ALBUM, “WHISKEY WOMAN,” DUE OUT JULY 29, 2012
“Excellent...INTRODUCING THE WHISKEYBELLES
DEBUT ALBUM, “WHISKEY WOMAN,” DUE OUT JULY 29, 2012
“Excellent harmonies and outstanding camaraderie and charisma…” – Scene 262
“I mentioned their perfect harmonies. I mean they were perfect.” - The Sixth Station
“Upbeat and experienced melding of country, folk and Americana…” - Milwaukee Magazine
All-female traditional country and Americana trio The WhiskeyBelles release their debut album, “Whiskey Woman,” on July 29 featuring driving original material, pitch-perfect three-part harmonies and their own hot fiddle, guitar and bass playing.
Their first release follows three years of incessant gigging in front of enthusiastic audiences and kicks off a full schedule of gigs this summer including coveted opening slots for country stars Montgomery Gentry, Kentucky Headhunters and The Lost Trailers
The Belles are widely known for captivating shows featuring their own takes on classic and obscure vintage country, Americana, folk revival and roots country tunes, with a few originals sprinkled in. They’ve been compared with the Pistol Annies, Be Good Tanyas, Dixie Chicks and The Trio (Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris & Linda Ronstadt).
Finally ready to record their first album, The Belles decided to focus on originals. While their songs reflect traditional country themes, The Belles tell their own stories with their own imagery and music. Many of the song titles hint at the joy, misfortune and love they sing about, from “Borrowed Trouble” to “The Other Girl” to “Pills I Took.”
Vocalist and acoustic guitarist Chrissy Dzioba said that she and vocalist and bassist Sara Moilanen wrote the six originals separately. Vocalist and fiddler player Kimmy Unger rounds out the group, with her playing prominent in many songs and the three musicians jointly working out arrangements. Six of the eight songs are originals, with the exception of the title track, “Whiskey Woman,” written for The WhiskeyBelles by a friend who is, perhaps surprisingly, a pastor. “Pills I Took” was written by a Madison, WI band, Those Poor Bastards, and made famous by Hank III.
The Belle’s new focus on writing and recording is the next step in their development as a band, Chrissy said. “When you write and bring your originals, it’s really about what’s going on inside, about human relationships and feelings,” she said. “But we also bring fun and energy to our songs. We can sing about troubles but also have a good laugh about the way the world just is.”
Outside of The Belles, the three musicians are in heavy demand as members of a variety of other groups, including folk-rock bands, a Celtic rock group and a symphony orchestra.
For the recording, The Belles were joined by well-known sidemen, including Victor DeLorenzo, co-founder of the Violent Femmes, on drums; multi-instrumentalist recording vet Allen Cote on lap steel; and Paul Bast, contemporary bluegrass musician, on Dobro. “While we usually play out as a trio, we wanted this record to have the benefit of these great musical voices, which really complement the tunes,” she said.
Chrissy said that audiences will be hearing the new original tunes at shows all summer, and that The WhiskeyBelles will be contributing more originals down the line. “The Belles have always had our boots firmly planted in the best country songs ever written,” she said. “We’re now adding originals to this wonderful tradition of song and bringing even more of ourselves to our loyal fans.”
The CD Release Party will be held on Sunday, July 29 2012 at Lo-Cash Live in Milwaukee from 1-4pm.
Track listing
Whiskey Woman
Borrowed Trouble
Genuine
The Other Girl
Pills I Took
California
Kisses (Honey Do)
This Ain’t It
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Tweed Funk and The WhiskeyBelles
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The Milwaukee-based WhiskeyBelles take classic country music and strip it down to its essentials—aco...The Milwaukee-based WhiskeyBelles take classic country music and strip it down to its essentials—acoustic guitars, tight-knit harmonies, and tales of hard living. Mixing original material with more traditional covers (think Hank Williams and the Carter Family), the Belles may bear comparison to another all-female three-piece, the Dixie Chicks, but thankfully never take themselves quite as seriously.
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I'm With The Band
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It can be a lot of hard work but being in a band and performing live should be a lot of fun. One ban...It can be a lot of hard work but being in a band and performing live should be a lot of fun. One band that makes their performance look like more fun than legally allowed is the Whiskeybelles. On their website the Belles call their music "Roots country music, born of gin halls and juke joints." Blessed with decent chops, excellent harmonies and outstanding camaraderie and charisma the Whiskeybelles delight audiences every night out.
