Pete Seeger, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Judy Collins, Roly Salley, Happy & Artie Traum, Bob & Evelyn Beers, Arlo Guthrie, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Annie Lennox, Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, Maighread Goan, Donal Lunny, Pat Keane, Micheal O’Domnaill, Johnny Cunningham, Aly Bain, The Weavers, Jack Power, Cliff Edwards, Harpo Marx, Taj Mahal, Woody Guthrie, Malvina Reynolds, Jim Kweskin, Fritz Richmond, Spud Siegel, Dave Carter, Crispin Mungure, Jesse Winchester, Eric Andersen, Jon Koonce, Craig Carothers, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Dave Van Ronk, Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, The McGarrigles, Gordon Bok, Rosalie Sorrels, Utah Phillips, Garrison Keillor, Ted Mack, Stephen Foster, Doc Watson, John Hammond, Loudon Wainwright, Dave Carter, John Hartford.
"Travis John" won the Grand Prize for songs that make a difference in the world, presented by Noel "Paul" Stookey’s "Music to Life" competition at the 2006 Kerrville Folk Festival. "Pearls" is a favorite of the real grandfather of folk, Pete Seeger who bought a bunch to share with his friends and says, "It’s wonderful!" The music of Kate Power & Steve Einhorn lands in the heart, takes root and grows. Good medicine.
"Pearls" was created commemorating their young neighbor with the haunting "Travis John" and a dozen top songs from their popular releases.
"Travis John" is dedicated to the memory of Corporal Travis John Bradach-Nall, one of the first young Oregonians to be killed in Iraq by a landmine. This song has attracted attention in local newspapers and television because of its compelling words, music & story (see story below). The song is based on the true story of this young soldier killed while clearing land mines in Iraq. Along with "Travis John" leading the album, a dozen favorites from our other 4 albums follow this poignant piece.
Travis John Bradach-Nall lived in our neighborhood. He graduated in our son’s high school class. He joined the marines for noble reasons. Travis was killed by a land mine in Iraq on July 2, 2003. He was 21 years old.
We are all connected in the fabric of life. When we heard of Travis’ death, it felt like the death of one of our own. He joined the marines to be the best he could be in troubled times. The oldest boy in his family with his mother, Lynn and his brother, Nic, Travis had everything a parent could hope for in a son. It was terrible to lose him with his whole life still waiting for him.
Deep in the Wallowa Mountains of eastern Oregon I wrote this song. I was teaching at a writer’s retreat with Steve. It was July 10, 2003. I remember because I’m one of eight children and that’s my mother’s birthday. I was feeling a strong sadness for Travis and his family knowing that his memorial was being held back home in Portland that day. They said 7 limousines carried the members of his large family to the memorial. Playing on my banjo with the deer grazing near me outside the cabin where I taught songwriting at Fishtrap, a song started up in one direction but, as often happens, this song came out instead.
I felt then, and I still feel, that this song came from Travis, that it really is his song and it’s sung in his voice. I just sang it out loud for him. It doesn’t matter which side of the war you stand on, the loss left is just as deep for the ones who loved their young soldier. We give this song to Travis’ mother, Lynn and his brother, Nic along with the rest of his kin who loved him and will miss him being here.
Steve and I recorded this song to lead a small collection of songs we’ve sung over the years and recorded on various albums. We recorded "Travis John" on August 3, 2003 at Billy Oskay’s Big Red Studio in the Columbia Gorge. We wanted it on record so we could send it to radio stations and homes all around the country. We spent a day recording all of it, just Steve and me and Billy at the board.
The next time we saw Billy, he had a "spooky" story to tell us. Word had gone out about Travis’ song and Travis’ uncle called Billy to remind him that Travis had been on his crew and had actually helped him build "Big Red Studio" a few short years ago. Travis John’s uncle was the foreman who built Billy’s studio. Billy was stunned. He remembered Travis well; hammer in hand and a grin on his face. He was a good worker. Suddenly, more pieces came together; our communion with this song grew in another way we couldn’t have predicted. Coming full circle we manifested his song in the studio Travis had helped to build.
We hope here that by releasing Travis John’s song into the world, he will be remembered; for the difference he made, for the ones he loved and left behind, as well as the rest of us strangers who have come to know him in the wake of his young life.
BICYCLE SONGS! Oregon grown, two bicycle songs: one that swings with safety tips for safe riding and the other to welcome you in from the road. Inspired by Cycle Oregon. Now available at cdbaby for download. Only $1.98 for both songs!
New album "BRICK & MORTAR" is available now at cdbaby! You can download the whole album right into your ipod or order a CD for delivery. "BRICK & MORTAR" is a collection of new songs from two of Portland's favorite songwriters. From the cowboy saddle of "Wallowa" to the flirty romance of "Crush", the solitary sound of one man's voice in "Travis John (The Return)" to the compelling singalong of two thousand bicyclists riding Cycle Oregon in "Under the Moon", "BRICK & MORTAR" is a new crop of one dozen songs live on ukuleles, banjos, guitars and Kate & Steve singing together the way they do in the studio over a few short days with legendary engineer, Bob Stark at the board at Kung Fu Bakery in Portland, Oregon.
About Kate Power & Steve Einhorn, Quality Folk
"Even with my world view, it makes me feel good!" - Craig Carothers, Nashville
Quote from Tracy Grammer ... "Kate & Steve are my favorite folk duo. Their music embodies reverence -- for the craft of songwriting, for the folk tradition, for the audiences they sing to and for this complicated, terrible, beautiful world that we live in. Kate's earthy banjo and her emotive voice ring with compassion and hope; Steve's spot-on guitar leads and wry sense of humor are grounding, organic, the perfect complement. But all time stops when they sing together. Close your eyes and listen to that blend, friends -- that's where the love really shines through. ~tg
Quality Folk = Kate Power & Steve Einhorn; americana from the heart of folk. Keepers at the gate for more than 25 years at Artichoke Music in Portland, Oregon, Mr & Mrs Artichoke are out from behind the shop counter and on the road to life inside the music they've served up for more than 40 years. Writers, artists, musicians, teachers, raconteurs; they turn the calliope of the musical theater of everyday to life with their songs and stories. The smile of the audience lingers long after their last song is sung.
"TO VERY TOP QUALITY FOLK! Dear Kate and Steve, Your song for Travis John makes me cry. I LOVE your CD! Playing it OVER & OVER. Thank you SO MUCH for sending it to me - you are terrific. Love, Naomi Nye"
"Your music is wonderful! Keep on!" - Pete Seeger
Coming of age as young teenagers in the folk scene of Washington Square and the West Village in NYC, this pair found each other years later to become one of Portland, Oregon's beloved folk duos. Stirring writing and harmonizing with everyday life has brought them a long and story-filled distance from the place where it all began.
Music to Life grand-prize winner at Kerrvillle 2006 for "Travis John", Kate's songs are inspired. Life in tandem with music partner, husband Steve Einhorn, they write, play and perform music that leaves audiences feeling good, promoting positive change at the crossroads One life in music. Two lives in harmony. Kate Power is a voice whose song is growing.
Migrating to Portland in 1977, Kate Power was born in a large Boston Irish family to musical parents. She was raised during the folk revival in "metropolitan New York" (New Jersey) and played concerts, coffeehouses & festivals from the age of 15. Lead singer & multi-instrumentalist in the Portland Irish band, "Wildgeese" (1982), Kate stepped into the forefront of the folk music scene in the Pacific Northwest while growing her audience worldwide through recordings with Hearts O'Space (Celtic Twilight 3, Lullabies; Celtic Twilight 4, Celtic Planet, Celtic Woman 3: The Irish)), A&R Italy (Celtica) and independent releases with Steve Einhorn (Dancing in the Kitchen, Harbour, Now & Then, Tales from Puddletown, Pearls: The Tribute Collection). DADGAD guitarist, banjoist, ukulele picker and bodhran & bones aficionado, Kate's first instrument is her voice sounding echoes in "songs from the beginning of time" - Kim Stafford.
Steve Einhorn, cut his teeth on jugband music playing gigs at the Bitter End in New York with the Appalachian Philharmonic Jugband he started at 13.
Founding member of Boston bluegrass favorite "Foxfire" a few years later, Steve Einhorn blazed his trail west to Portland via Mexico, arriving in 1978.
Originating in a family of thespians in Teaneck, New Jersey, Steve discovered guitar and began his professional life in folk music at an early age and never looked back. He has played dates in clubs, festivals and concerts over 40 years. His first recording on Kicking Mule, Whole World Round (re-released 2003) triggered an audience that would span the globe. Steve Einhorn picks up his guitar with reverent confidence that comes from a lot of experience and brings the song home to roost. Combining roots with an original slant, Steve's sound is one that engages the ear and satisfies the heart. Funny, authentic, seasoned and grounded, these two render harmonies that lift off to bring their listeners in close by the fire.
Steve has been sharing his musical adventures with musician partner & wife, Kate Power since 1994.
Owner of Portland, Oregon folk shop, Artichoke Music, for 25 years (1981 - 2006), Steve has returned to art and music full time.
Kate Power & Steve Einhorn, Quality Folk's Friend Space (Top 20)
Kate Power & Steve Einhorn, Quality Folk has 390 friends.
"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
Maybe there's a chance our paths will cross this time around. Will be in Portland soon! Really looking forward to it, as always. Have some songs up on myspace now from the new CD. Any chance you're in town and can make it out to the Artichoke Show next Thus June 18th? It would be a great full circle kind of thing to see you in the audience :)
You two are AWESOME!!! I love the sounds of those ukes and guitars and banjar! Thank you so much for gracing the Parlour last night. Oh, Kate, I think a little kitten made off with your watch! Big LOVE!!! xoxo Kitty
Hello! We'd like to invite you to come see us play on Friday, February 13th @ the Hawthorne Theatre lounge - show starts at 9 PM & there's a $3 cover - it'd be great to see you there - CHEERS!
Hi Kate and Steve i hope you come down to los osos sometime i loved when you guys came down =) I admire the music you guys play. You are an inspiration and i cant wait to see you guys again. Best of wishes, Loren Acosta
Hello Kate & Steve, Thank you for being friends with WRMusicReview!
We recently teamed up with our friends @ HunnyPot Radio on their most recent show this past Monday, Nov. 3rd featuring live performances by Obedient Waves & Hot Pink DeLorean, and would LOVE to share the week-long re-broadcast and download (see Hunnydrip Blog) with you and yours!
Click Below to listen to the re-broadcast and to learn more about Hunnypot!
I'd like to invite you to come see us play this upcoming Friday (9/12) at the 9 Muses Acoustic Pub on Belmont with AMADAN's acoustic side-project band, THE REELKEEPERS. We're starting around 7 PM and the door is $5. We're driving up from Corvallis & would really appreciate the support. Thanks a lot & hope to see you there!
