What began as a meditation on the constellations and our irreverent mimicry has predictably morphed into a messier, more interesting enterprise. Seattle-based songwriter Ali Marcus is hard at work on her fifth-ish record, presumptively titled “Orion” - only she is pretty sure that the celestial namesake will not stick. For now, we’ll go with “Forthcoming,” so that the intentions are clear.
“Forthcoming” will be her first release since April’s “Mostly Piano EP,” and it’s tracklist has spent all spring and summer getting road-tested for, among other things, rhythm, ‘tude, and sincerity. Audiences from New York to Carolina to New Mexico to California to the Great Northwest have been responsible for determining this criteria and making the call.
Additionally, Ali has rounded up a handful of accomplished musicians to add to the new record, finally bringing the oft-requested ‘full band’ sound onto tape – well, ok, onto chip. Keep your ears peeled for drums, upright bass, and banjo among the usual guitar, piano, harmonica.
Touring plans for the rest of the year include a trip to the Bay Area for some solo shows as well as a Sweetheart Army appearance, and a four-month long regional push casually dubbed “The Coffeehouse Tour.”
What happened with the whole “Orion” thing, anyway? Well, there are still plenty of stories about Gods and Goddesses – their various pursuits and what exactly they did that landed them in the heavens for eternity. It’s turns out, though, that the heavens are merely a reflection of the land, this land, Woody’s land – more varied and stunning than the outlines in the sky will ever be.
Please visit www.alimarcus.com for all the updated information, and join her mailing list too. She sells t shirts that are beautiful and soft, vintage style, and they help to pay for things like more music. Almost half of the new album is available for free download, and all the songs can be previewed!
"Hanging on a Wire" is so good that if I heard it on the radio, I would have to stay in my car with the radio on until the DJ said who wrote the song and then I would drive directly to the music store and buy the album. Seriously. I will definitely be at one of your upcoming shows.
Ali, are the leaves turning color on your side of the mountains yet? So far it has been a glorious autumn here. We love your music. It has a newness to it,thank you for your friendship:) Shon and Cathy
The new songs are great! I want to buy the album when it comes out. (Will it feature "Minnesota" as well?). Wonderful song writing, strong, clear, voice. Thanks for doing what you do.
Hi Ali! I hope you can come to my show at columbia city theatre with Andie Francoeur NEXT wednesday june 11th @ 7:30. It's been too long! Check out my new recordings and tell me what you think! Loves
damn! I was going to try to surprise you by showing up to your show today, but I got up and out of sasquatch too late... but anyway, how're things? you aren;t playing anywhere tomorrow are you? I'm hangin round seattle until I go back to AZ on tues.
