Music
Press
This band has no press
Discography
Full-length CD "Love And Other Words" released November 2004. We have regular airplay on KBCS in Washington state.
ALBUM DESCRIPTION:
This exceptional debut release by Northwest-based acoustic duo Short & Sweet marks the introduction of a gifted pair of singer-songwriters to the acoustic folk/roots genres.
Thirteen original songs (some penned by lead guitarist Steve Amsden, others by rhythm guitarist Robyn Landis, some co-written) manage to gracefully and effortlessly traverse a diverse musical landscape stretching gently toward the borders of rock/pop, country/bluegrass and even jazz/torch, all the while holding on to its clean contemporary-folk thread.
Consistently intelligent, commanding and even cunning lyricsranging from matters of heart and soul to those of church, state, and worldare framed by confident, heartfelt vocals and ambient, sparkling guitars. Amsden delivers a passionate Springsteenesque baritone; Landiss clear, slightly wistful soprano reveals husky depths and an occasional surprise bite. On harmonies, the two produce a pleasing blend thats sweet indeed.
With emotional resonance and character, the partners cover ground from loves first blush to its impending demise, from political to personal hubrisnever too literal, rendered smartly in dexterous verse. While relatively spare in instrumentation, the music is strikingly textured with the brilliant, breathtaking fiddle work of virtuoso Paul Elliott. The steel guitar by Dan Tyacksometimes high and lonesome, sometimes rocking David Lindley-esquerounds out the impressive musicianship represented here.
Amsdens lead playing reflects a gift for creating signature hooks which, coupled with both writers ability to craft appealing and accessible melodies, gives each song a quick and lasting imprint.
From the riveting, muted fury of the eco-political indictment While Trees Fall, to the quiet, haunting resignation of Say Goodbye; from the yearning called forth by the richly-imaged, mesmeric and meditative In Your Arms to the restrained menace in the chillingly prophetic Cutthroat; from the impish hint of lounge lizardry in the taut and clever Closing Time to the tender nostalgia of Calico Creek; and from the bittersweet stirring of awakening evoked by When I Get There to the buoyant, unabashedly sticky Kiss/Met (a bright popsicle of a song telling the couples own story in three head-bobbing verses)and moreeach of these 13 tunes is distinctive, honest and engaging.
While the duo have been performing together for yearsand Amsden was a Nashville regular before taking a decade off to singlehandedly raise his three childrenthis is their first full-length CD release. Enigmatically named (theyre of identical height, and not all the songs are especially short nor purely sweet), this is a talented pair of musicians, offering a formidable recording debut sure to deeply satisfy fans of the genre. Youll want to hear more from these twoand you will.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Short & Sweet, an acoustic contemporary folk duo, consists of Steve Amsden and Robyn Landis--two outstanding singer-songwriters whose collaboration frames consistently compelling original lyrics with sparkling guitar and beautiful, expressive vocals.
The pair is known for their harmony-rich mix of quality original material and uniquely-arranged folk favorites. Their distinctive and engaging songs are capably delivered by the two artists and their guitars; they are further enriched by the stellar musicians who joined them on CD (including renowned Seattle-area fiddler Paul Elliott and Dan Tyack on steel guitar).
Steve Amsden has been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. He has performed solo and with bands all over the Western U.S. He has played at the Bluebird Caf» in Nashville and opened for such musicians as Mark O'Connor. A multi-instrumentalist who also plays banjo, mandolin and percussion, Steve is well-respected for his musicianship and is sought after as a guitarist for many local projects.
Robyn Landis has been a singer since childhood and has been performing as a musician since 1998. She studied guitar with Linda Waterfall and voice with vocal coach Kathy Sankey. She also trained as an actor and in musical theater. A professional writer all her life and a successful author in her spare time, Robyn's deft and powerful command of language is exceptionally apparent in her songwriting.
Steve and Robyn each fronted their own bands on their home island of Vashon, Washington, before landing in the same group--a folk-country band called Backroads--in 1999. They formed the duo in 2001. They released Love and Other Words in November 2004 on their own independent label, Take One Again Music.
Links