We're easily influenced, so here's a short list: Cephas & Wiggins, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Fred McDowell & Johnny Woods, the WIYOS, Etta Baker, Skip James, Hoagy Carmichael, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Billie Holiday, Mississippi John Hurt, Precious Bryant, Tracy Chapman, Loretta Lynn, Paul Simon, Lyle Lovett, Ali Farka Toure, Gene Harris, Reverand Gary Davis, Merle Haggard, Bessie Smith, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little/Big walter, Dennis Gruenling, Joe Filisko, Paco Shipp, Taj Mahal....
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In a blues scene dominated by bluesmen, blues women, Grit Pixies, promise to deliver more sound per square inch than your average blues duo – in cute dresses to boot. With one guitar, two voices, multiple harmonicas, and plenty of personality, all brought together by a single microphone, Grit Pixies play traditional and original duets, inspired by harmonica/ guitar duos of both the present (Cephas and Wiggins, Annie Raines and Paul Rishell) and of days past (Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Fred McDowell and Johnny Woods). While this talented pair, based in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, have only recently taken their show on the road, they have already been featured at the The 1st National Women in Blues Festival (with a return invitation for 2007), played at venues including the Grey Eagle in Asheville, and frequently play at moonshine parties throughout the Appalachian mountains -- in the process receiving praise from reputable musicians and kids alike.*************************************************************
ELIZA LYNN (guitar, banjo, vocals): ************************************ An “all-too-rare discovery”; “infectious swing”; “haunting” - SING OUT! Magazine. "Enormous talent" proclaims Putumayo World Music of Eliza Lynn, who most recently has recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London for XM/Worldspace's live worldwide broadcast. Eliza sings with a "big, room-filling voice - think Peggy Lee meets Bonnie Raitt - [and] wields her guitar and banjo against a sensual, sassy backdrop of jazz-flavored blues, old-time country folk and classic Memphis soul." (Harp Magazine) Eliza - voted best singer/songwriter in the 2007 and 2006 Asheville Mountain Xpress Reader's Poll - released her debut CD, Frisky or Fair, in 2005 to critical acclaim. It showcases Eliza's "near-perfect blend of honesty and integrity in songwriting... music that envelops you like wisps of smoke." (The Beat, SC) Eliza plays clawhammer banjo and Piedmont blues guitar influenced by respected blues guitarist John Cephas. In early 2007, Eliza was invited by the prestigious Putumayo World Music to contribute her track "Sing a New Song" to their July 2007 release "Americana." ****************************************************************
JILL FROMEWICK (harmonica, washboard, vocals) ********************** Since Jill’s introduction to live blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in Atlanta, her fascination with listening to harmonica players has turned into an obsession with playing. She has since studied with harmonica greats including Phil Wiggins, Annie Raines, and Joe Filisko, and incorporates modern and traditional influences in her individual approach to playing country blues. She’s been a regular guest with many bands in Asheville and beyond, ranging from blues to bluegrass, and including Michelle Malone, Shannon Whitworth band, The Biscuit Burners, Snake Oil Medicine show, Town Mountain, and the Mad Tea Party. Jill has recorded on Eliza’s CDs, “Frisky or Fair” & "The Weary Wake Up", Peggy Ratusz’s “It Takes a lot of Faith”, and soon-to-be-released projects by Songs from the Road Band (SFTRB) and Asheville’s Lance Mills.
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"Grit Pixies have talent, style and chops. These young women are a great example of the growing movement of new bands keeping a tradition alive and simultaneously breathing new life into it. Great players, singers, performers and writers, these gals are a hot new act not to be missed."
- The WIYOS
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"These young women may be the new face and sound of blues in this century." - TIMES ARGUS, Vermont
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"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
Hi everybody, just here to say our new RORY GALLAGHER HAWK BOOSTER is ready for shipping. Have a listen if you get a chance, All the best, Stevie Flynn.
Grit Pixies! I bought the new cd and I love it! Thank you for introducing me to the Piedmont blues! Now if we can get you to perform in Columbus, Ohio! Cheers! ccw
Hello Asheville!...Just letting you know my band is playing at Jack of the Wood Friday, March 20. Come on by for some sweet swingin' jazz. 95 Patton Ave, 9:30-12am
It was really sad to hear Laura Blackley playing Cephas and Wiggins on WNCW's "Spoonful of Blues" at lunch today because of John Cephas's passing away yesterday. It's much better when they're honoring somebody's birthday. And he's one I never got to see in person.
At least we have people like you to keep the memory and the music alive! Keep it up!!
