Cain and April

Monday, June 01, 2009
by Dave Preston

To move forward and suggest that art is the ultimate bridge between social and financial classes, would force a conversation with bold intentions and pride-shattering remarks. However, found inside this statement lies truth: We as human beings are connected by the very things that we all create and are unconsciously fascinated by what others manifest. Music interlocks meanings of life in the deepest outlooks and fun in the most literal context. Melodies and rhythms that sweep you off your feet because you never knew of their existence bring into light true musical genius. Add into the mix the full action of lyrics and watch how music becomes all the senses from just auditory, as you fly around a landscape with only the direction of sound waves.

Cain and April, a Denver-based progressive Folk duo, arrange stunning pieces and relay music directly from the source. A combination of Country, Blues, eastern European, Folk, Celtic, and straight out Rock, Cain and April’s first full-length record, How It Caught Fire, will relieve your musical cravings and set a new level of expectation. “I hope people listen to the lyrics and the emotions in the melodies and harmonies,” remarks Cain.

Ladies first: April, of Cain and April, grew up on a farm in Kansas where she was surrounded by music, as her parents both were professional musicians. At 13, April moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to study ballet, but departed for personal reasons and her love of music. “Singing had always come so easily to me, and once I quit dancing, I began to wonder why I had chosen the struggle that dancing had always been over the ease of singing. I got the same thrill of performing, the same sensation of soaring when I sang as I had felt while dancing without the arduous work and frequent pain.” Believing in the music you are a part of is an important thing, as well. “The music Mark (Cain) and I write is, I believe, intelligent without being pretentious, eclectic but still melodic, and well-arranged with beautiful, tension-filled harmonies.”

Mark Cain grew up in Nebraska where music had also played a major role in his life. In junior high, he was quick to put bands together to play at school functions and hasn’t stopped playing since. “The best feeling in the world is when I’m improvising a solo on the electric guitar, when I can feel the band moving with me as my ideas evolve. That give and take is an amazing experience. Nothing is better than improvising with a good band you know well.”

Cain and April are performing around town with the help of The Original Sinners, bassist Jay Ryan (popular open-stage host) and drummer “Sundog” Stan Grande (a sought-after percussionist for many), and drummer on How It Caught Fire.

LIVE: June 12 / Skyline Park, Nathan Perry’s Open Air open stage festival

MySpace.com/CainandApril
- Colorado Music Buzz