johnny vogelsang::bass
eldridge goins::drums//percussion
brad houser::bari sax//bass clarinet
laura scarborough::vibraphones//accordian
stephen orsak:: guitar//synth//other beautitude (production on Shudders & Rings)
Influences
stevie wonder made me want to sing.
bob marley made me want to wail.
paul simon made me want to write.
ani difranco made me want to pluck & strum.
the following made me curious about beats, rhymes, rhythm and tone::lauryn hill, fiona apple, erykah badu, joni mitchell, michael jackson, marisa monte, mos def, wilco, the roots, zap mama, digable planets & prince.
Sounds Like
*specifically, a meshing of Patty Griffin, Ani Difranco, Mazzy Star, Erykah Badu, Fiona Apple, some say Sting (vocal stylings), also Esthero, Carla Bruni and i've had some Nelly Furtado comparisons, and Sade (which makes me happy).
*metaphorically, the time right before a storm hits...the smell of rain, pressure in the air, warm breezes, electrical skin tingling...sexy.
A native of Austin TX, Suzanna Choffel grew up singing in bands and school choirs, picked up a guitar at age seventeen, began writing songs and graduated with a BA in Music Technology from College of Santa Fe in New Mexico. Her musical studies combined with her innate sense of rhythmic phrasing, poetic sensibilities, and her naturally smoky voice all work together to create a fresh and unique sound. She uses her guitar to create staccato rhythms underneath her dazzling soulful vocal melodies, all backed by a pulsing band with unique instrumentation. Her music has been described as "indie pop with urban beats", and "jazz-infused soul pop" with comparisons ranging from Feist to Nelly Furtado to Norah Jones to Erykah Badu. Since the 2006 release of her debut album, Shudders & Rings, she has been finding her name atop many a music reporter's list as "one worth watching". Her song "Hey Mister" was licensed by the City of Austin for inclusion in the Austin Music Vol. 7 compilation CD (March 2008 release). In April 2008, Suzanna Choffel won the $10,000 Grand Prize in the nationwide Famecast Pop competition.
Suzanna Choffel's red-hot band creates a fresh and original instrumental backing. The lineup consists of drummer Eldridge Goins (Johnnie Johnson, Carolyn Wonderland, Big Al DuPree, The Heathens), bassist Johnny Vogelsang (Bob Schneider, Soulhat), vibes/accordion/synth player Laura Scarborough (Lila's Medicine, Ohn), and saxophone/clarinet player Brad Houser (New Bohemians, Boombox, Critters Buggin'). The result is a smokin' hot rhythm section that can riff, improv and meander like a jazz band, yet has the stability of her strong pop-soul songs to ground them, resulting in a sensational new sound.
*thank you for listening & supporting independent music...the way music should be.
TO PURCHASE THE ALBUM SHUDDERS & RINGS GO TO:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/choffel
Your show at Boheme was awesome last night! As always, a great ending to any night. Lisa and I were talking about how talented of a singer you are and how much of a joy it is to hear you perform. Looking forward to the new CD! P.S. this is the flyer for the RAINN event I was telling you about
LoL awesome! We actually went to Boheme a few weeks back. Just so happens we're available too, Yay fun!! Do you have any new CD's out? If so, let me know so I can make sure I have $ to buy one :-)
Hey Suzanna, Tristan and German and I will be coming to Austin July 7,8,9,10 Hopefully we can see you then. Going to be staying with Leslie and Reginas so give us a call maybe we can have dinner!! Miss you!! Love, Elisabeth
