Pretty much the entire Tucson music community. And you too!
Valiants Rhythm section: Gary Mackender - drums; Nick Augustine - bass. Special guests include Heidi Wilson - sax; Sidney George - sax; Buzz Busse - harmonica...
Influences
Skip James, Bo Diddley, Rainer, Billy Gibbons, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Meters, Aerosmith, Joan Armatrading, SRV, Little Feat, Led Zep, Virginia Woolf, Socrates, Jesus, Buddha, Martin, Malcolm, Che, George Lucas...
Sounds Like
Howlin' Wolf meets Virginia Woolf with the Meters as a rhythm section. Original Tucson desert/swamp rock/blues. My songwriting has been compared to Lyle Lovett and Cheryl Crow. My sound is more "roots" than "alternative." My aspiration is consciousness-raising and vibration-lifting with feet firmly planted on the ground of earthy grooves and top-notch musicianship.
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Mitzi Cowell has been playing guitar since the age of 13, when she first learned traditional fingerpicking. Quickly moving on to the electric guitar, her favorite 70's rock bands led her back to the old masters of the essence of the sound she wanted to create - the blues - with an emphasis on the transcendentally earthy music of the Mississippi Delta. Delta blues is the rhythmic, harmonic, and emotional basis from which she's never strayed far, even when she's tried.
For over 20 years Mitzi has played and recorded with numerous blues, R&B, classic rock, funk, variety, and original projects. Travelling to New Orleans in 1989, she quickly became immersed in the blues and R&B scene there, gigging constantly. When she returned to Tucson in 1990, she brought with her a looser yet more sophisticated rhythmic sense and a new musical vision. She began to express this sound in bands like Slant Six, the Visionary Blues Band, and the Mitzi Cowell Band, and on her 1998 solo debut "33."
In 2004, Mitzi had a political awakening that bounced her into the company of Bruce Springsteen and other formerly-non-political artists compelled to speak out musically about the current state of affairs. This resulted in the 2006 release "Ways and Means."
Mitzi's recent tenure in Toronto, Canada as a graduate student in political theory is at the root of many of the social/political/spiritual lyrics and sounds on the latest EP-length CD "Love's so..."
Currently, Mitzi plays a variety of tasty blues arrangements and original music with her band, the Valiants. When she can, Mitzi jams with the incredible Carnivaleros and the most lovable Wayback Machine, and many others around Tucson. That's how our scene is, you know. You ought to visit. Really. She also appears at open mics and jams in Toronto when there.
Recordings:
"33" 1998 www.CDBaby.com/mitzi
"Ornamental Oranges" 2003 (EP. Contact Mitzi for a copy)
"Ways and Means" 2006 www.CDBaby.com/mitzi2
"Love's so..." (EP) 2009 (soon to be out on CD Baby)
Recent collaborations/tracks:
The Carnivaleros "Lost in the Graveyard" 2006. http://www.carnivaleros.com
Cantrell Maryott "Moving Not Leaving" 2006. Co-producer, player. http://www.cantrellmaryott.com
Ice 9 "Partners in Crime" 2007. Player
Sabra Faulk "28 Churches, 5 Bars" 2007. Player. http://sabrafaulk.com
The Wayback Machine "Barrio Jam" (2005) and "Welcome to the Family" (2007) Player. http://www.waybackmachineband.com
namoli brennet's upcoming release (tba). Player. http://www.namolibrennet.com
Hey Mitzi, It's been real busy here preparing for Corkfest and the Day of the Dead art shows and playing with numerous bands. It looks like I'm going to have a permanent position with the Memphis P-Tails. Also played great shows recently with Joe Daddy and Felix y los Gatos.
Still working on getting our P-T cruiser fixed after a fender bender a couple weeks ago. The other driver who was at fault wanted to keep the insurance companies out of it. But so far he has only come up with half the cost of the repairs.
We're very exited because my daughter Aiysha is going to come up for a visit at the end of the month.
Hey Mitzi, I love your new EP! The songs are amazing and the playing is awesome just as we have come to expect from a Mitzi Cowell recording. It was a real treat getting to play with you and Tom Bodean on your last trip through New Mexico. Can't wait til the next time! Much love and respect, j.d.
Hi Mitzi, thanks for the add. Wish I was in Tucson this summer so I could see and hear you play. Instead I'll listen to your EP. Great stuff. Looking forward to a new album...
Hey Mitzi, I hope your birthday was as much fun for you as it was for us. What an amazing band you have! We made it back to New Mexico in one piece and now it's back to the grind. I have a gig in Taos tonight and it's supposed to snow big time! Much love & respect, Jeff
Hey Mitzi, I hope the drum gathering went well last Sat. I had a gig in Santa Fe but I was thinking about you. Looking forward to seeing you soon at Old Pascua. Also I've been hearing rave reviews about your Mardi Gras show! Much love & respect, Jeff
I hope your Holiday Season will be filled with Love, Light, Joy and Peace. And I hope the New Year will bring lots of new blessings! I treasure your friendship and appreciate your kindness. Much Love & Respect, j.d.
Hope you have a great Halloween! I'm stoked because my band is playing at a couple big Halloween partys. And Sun. I get to play conga in the Day of the Dead Parade in the South Valley. All the best, Jeff
Hey Mitzi, it was good seeing you at the 17th st market. You guys were great. Congrats on getting your degree and I hope we can get together soon. Your fan and friend Doug.
Hey Mitzi, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing you all the best in 2008. Have you seen where they are going to reissue the 63 Dano guitars? You can check them out or preorder one on eBay or danguitars.com. They are gorgeous and very afordable and available as guitars, baritones or basses. I'm still trying to tame my Hodad. It is a realy fine bass and I love some of the presets. Love and blessings to you and all the wonderful folks in Tucson. Jeff
