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April 17, 2009
Dangerous Fruit takes folk in a new
direction
Folk music is usually pretty
traditional. Last week, I made it to Tracy Grammer’s show in The
Dalles. This was a very traditional show, I must say. One person,
one guitar, one mic. There were lot’s of personal stories,
including stories about touring with Joan Baez (a major-folkie),
intertwined with 3 chord songs. That show certainly represented
one version of the folk genre.
OK, now for something
different. Songwriter Stephanie Schneiderman will be in town the
end of this week. She’s a full time musician, touching on the
folk, roots, Americana
and singer songwriter genres. You may also know her from her work
with Portland’s Dirty
Martini.
I believe
the last time I saw Stephanie, in fact, was at a folk festival.
Back in 2006, in Stevenson. Attendance was pretty light, but it
was still a pleasant day. Anyway, there was some amazing Irish
music, and lots of other good talent. My own band had fun. I
remember the sound engineer sat off to the side on the stage to
watch us. Stephanie’s set was right in with the traditional folk
sound, too.
Now, here’s the different part. Stephanie’s new album, “Dangerous
Fruit,” is still Stephanie. But this time we’re adding a whole
genre of electronica. Think processed loops, ambient noise,
synthesizers, textures and lots of breathy vocals. I believe my
ears did detect some guitar.
I gave the new CD a listen in
the car last week – and it’s definitely what I would call a “rainy
day” CD – you need some overcast skies or at least a really good
crisis to ponder while you’re listening to this one. This CD
definitely sets kind of a funky mood, and this continues
throughout the disc. The last two or three songs perk up a little
bit, but there wasn’t a lot of what I’d call “variety” to this
project. But if you’re ready for some tunes that make you feel
like you’re just hanging out in the club, this will work for you.
So, is this still folk music?
Will it work for the CEBU Lounge crowd?
I’m just hoping that it’s
going to be possible to hear the guitar above the ambient noise.
Read Jim’s interview with
Stephanie here.
Comments? Send them
to: jdrake@hoodrivernews.com
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