Mighty Ghosts of Heaven approach Old-time music with knowledge and reverence, while recognizing the modern filter through which they experience it. Inspired by the experimental, original, and inventive musicians of the early recording era, the Ghosts add their own unique sound to the songster tradition.
The material chosen, and occasionally written, by the Ghosts is broad and rich. The songs easily move from jug band blues to Child ballads, from stomping dance tunes to delicate dirges. Stark and close vocal harmonies are the driving force of the Ghosts music. A diverse combination of instruments, including ukuleles, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, tenor banjo and guitar are used in arrangements that emphasize texture and tone.
Back in the year Two-thousand, in the damp bayside town of Bellingham, Washington, Kati Claborn and Gus Smith started singing together. They began performing with dulcimer and baritone uke, and were soon joined by Aaron Shear, establishing the ukulele as the backbone of what became Mighty Ghosts of Heaven. Shortly before relocating to Portland, Oregon in Two-thousand and five, Linnea Spitzer added her uncommon and adventurous fiddling to the Ghosts’ sound. The band was soon filled out with Lucas Jones on the bass, and Andy Sheie on washboard.
As of this summer of 2009, the Mighty Ghosts of Heaven have evolved into, simply, the Mighty Ghosts.
"Hello all...
Lots of things happening in our worlds these days! This is just a little update to keep anyone interested informed. The Mighty Ghosts of Heaven have become, simply, the Mighty Ghosts. Kati is touring with the wonderful Portland pop/rock band Blind Pilot (check 'em out!) all over the place with the likes of the Decemberists and the Counting Crows! Eight years ago Kati and I started out performing as Gus & Kati, then Gus & Kati and the Mighty Ghosts Of Heaven... then just Mighty Ghosts of Heaven... and now, without her, just Mighty Ghosts (though heaven remains in our hearts). Linnea's begun teaching at the University and focusing more on fiddle tunes with her other band, the Greasy Chain String Band. We've soldiered forth with drummer Marni Afryl, Andy Sheie moving from washboard to guitar, fiddle & banjo, Aaron Shear remaining on various ukuleles, Lucas Jones remaining on bass, and me (Gus Smith) singing and switching to guitar. We have some very exciting things in the works and will try and keep everyone informed.
Thank you so much for your support, we'll be performing again within months"
- Gus (actually, we're already performing.... look for our presence on the web soon-G)
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Just sending out the big ol' invite for anyone who would like to party with us on Saturday August 29th at 8pm Alberta St Pub! It's an Irish Pub with good food and great drinks. Fitting, if you didn't know already Finn is Irish.
Tater & Craig will play some great duet songs and steal your hearts.
Chickweed will play our last set! Oh my!
Then Whiskey Puppy will rock the house!
We would like to thank everyone who helped us along the way, pass on the news if you can!
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
"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
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too! Ruby Jane
Hello my friend. I would like to invite you to check out my new poem called "I Am a Storm". Just click the picture below and the storm will take you to my blog. Thank you, -byron
Thanks for your friendship and supporting our music!
With a diverse array of influences, Shai PoeNt (lyricist) and Vanessa Stone (vocalist), cogitatively expand the canon of their artistic liberation. Drawn to hip-hop, jazz, rock, funk, house, and trance, the duo deliberately tease out every strand of their experiences and turns them into something others can relate to.
Please check out our new "vampire bankers" comic music video. The guy who directed this also directed Madonna's first music vid. We think it's funny. Hope you do, too. There's also a free mp3 download on http://www.ukejackson.com
Thanks for being our friend! Uke Jackson and the NY Ukulele Ensemble
We're playing a great show with Eggplant and the Joe McMurrian Quartet (now Woodbrain) next week. It's a super solid evening of music. Hope to see you there! ~~C
Thursday, April 9th : 9:30 pm : 21+ : $4
Kelly's Olympian 426 SW Washington St Portland, OR 97204
GUS SMITH
AARON SHEAR
LINNEA SPITZER
LUCAS JONES
ANDY SHEIE
上線中！
