"Amy Speace sounds uncannily like a 21st Century Joan Baez, her timbred voice full of genuine emotions. . .the record soars with salient vocals and poetic lyrics. . ." -- The Classic Rock Examiner
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"Eliza is a politically minded, poetically gifted singer-songwriter, who has become one of the most respected musicians in folk and Americana music circles."
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"Gretchen Peters is a precocious talent. The tag for her work is alternative country but, with a voice as haunting and controlled as this, she could sing anything put in front of her." -- Belfast (UK) Telegraph
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"Ariana Gillis is the best new emerging artist anywhere, PERIOD!" -- Dave Marsh, music critic
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"Ellis has a voice that is so powerful that you know who it is the second he comes through your radio. A new birth in American sound that makes me want to go see concerts again." -- Kristian Bush-Sugarland
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"The Lee Boys combine folk, soul, funk, blues, country and gospel into upbeat, steel guitar-led performances that inspire secular and sacred revelry." -- Billboard Magazine
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"Marley's Ghost has earned cult-band status over 20 years of spirited musicianship, multi-part harmonies and irreverent humor." -- Paste Magazine
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"Between their super-tight vocal harmonies, creative instrument choices, and lighthearted songwriting, they're a band that's really hard not to like." -- Paste Magazine
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"At the Chico World Music Festival, Talavya were a surprise hit for many folks. Fabulous technical expertise, excellent showmanship, and an engaging personality brought scores of new fans to tabla music." Dan Dewayne-CWMF
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"The Blues Broads will wow you with their unique blues and gospel styles, heavenly vocal harmonies."
"I highly recommend Val as a career/life coach. As a respected, knowledgeable and well-liked booking agent, I came to Val for career advice in the early days of my own agency. She is professional, kind, and has great ideas and contacts. She has a wonderful zen quality, that is calming and fun to be around. I would hire Val again for coaching, and it's great to know that I have her as a resource." - Cindy L.
MARLEY'S GHOST
To celebrate their 25th anniversary as a band, Marley's Ghost has teamed again with legendary Nashville producer, Cowboy Jack Clement, for a stellar forthcoming album that features guest performances from Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Marty Stuart, Larry Campbell, and more. Having recorded nine albums and performed thousands of shows nationwide, they are at once a deeply seasoned band of kindred spirits and one of the best-kept secrets of the acoustic music world. Together they are a unique amalgam of their respective backgrounds, personal proclivities, and musical abilities — a blend honed to a seamless collaboration over the many miles they traveled together down the road.
AMY SPEACE Land Like A Bird was released by Amy in late March 2011 by Thirty Tigers, Nashville. The Bluegrass Special writes that "she should be regarded among the finest songwriters of her generation.” She has performed on the mainstage at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, The Kerrville Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, appeared on Mountain Stage, been named "Songwriter of the Week" by American Songwriter Magazine and "Song of the Day" by NPR and continues to win fans across the US and Europe with her tireless touring schedule.
TALAYVA: World Music
Globe-trotting percussion ensemble Talavya brings the Indian hand-drums tabla to the center stage, distilling its age-old spirit and practice into a high-energy, highly accessible evening that reveals the instrument’s true joys. Composed by Indian music maestro Pandit Divyang Vakil, the quartet moves between rousing peaks and smooth meditative passages, expressing the various emotions of tabla. Played with the passion and power of a rock drum solo along with the sophistication and subtlety of a classical solo, Talavya is contemporary in feel, while full of the richness of classical tabla. With its blend of solos, duos and group compositions, the audience experiences each artist’s unique personality as they play complex rhythmic patterns with split-second perfection.
THE SPRING STANDARDS
An energetic force of three-part harmony circling over a rock n' roll sound with an old country aftertaste. From small towns to big cities, they explode on stage with spirit, spontaneity, and a style all their own. They are, in no particular order: James Cleare, James Smith and Heather Robb. Each member of the band is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and they use their strengths as a trio to create a sound that listeners might expect from a band twice their size. With an emphasis on three-part harmony and a variety of instrumental switching, their range and energy make each live show a unique event.
Their harmonies are astounding!
ARIANA GILLIS New CD November 24th! Audiences instantly respond to Ariana's powerful voice, to the raw emotion, brilliant lyrics and irresistible hooks that are the hallmarks of her music. From daring, upbeat tunes to intense ballads, this is a singer-songwriter crafting songs that people connect to and want to hear over and over. Talented and savvy, she is still in her teens and has already had a major label offer, as well as smaller label interest. She’s got the whimsy of a fashionista with a grounded sense of style that at the same time, validates her philosophy as an artist. Her latest industry awards underscore her growing critical acclaim. 2009 Canadian Folk Award for Young Performer of the Year 2010 - 2 NMA Awards: Won Album of the Year and Top Female Vocalist.
ELLIS PAUL (Canada Only)
Ellis was asked to write and record a song to be used in an international film, "LIFE Before Death", that is part of the Global Access to Pain Relief Initiative's efforts to bring pain relief medications to underprivileged areas of the world. Ellis is backed by Grammy Award Winning Sugarland's band members on the tune. Also on the horizon is the follow up to Ellis' NPR Top 10, "Parents Choice" Awarded family album "The Dragonfly Races", slotted for release in late November/early December of this year and entitled The Hero in You. The new album will focus on true American Heroes throughout history.
THE BLUES BROADS (Festivals | PACs)
Tracy Nelson, Annie Sampson, Angela Strehli, Dorothy Morrison and Deanna Bogart will wow you with their unique blues and gospel styles, heavenly vocal harmonies, and an honest, no-nonsense approach to their craft. Each has a story to tell through her music, but the surprise will be how this tour de force ensemble will gel their disparate talents into one big, beautiful illustration of woman power.
New CD out January 31st! Wistful yet optimistic, Hello Cruel World was recorded at the East Nashville studio of Patty Griffin with producer Doug Lancio and guests including Crowell, Kim Richey, Will Kimbrough, and the rhythm section of Robert Plant’s Band Of Joy. The album's eleven tracks showcase Peters' warm voice, full-bodied with a delicate quaver that calls to mind Emmylou Harris. Respected Nashville songwriter Gretchen Peters was also nominated for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed by the songwriting community. Candidates are considered for induction when their first significant works achieved commercial success at least 20 years ago and who have positively impacted and been closely associated with the Nashville Music Community and deemed to be outstanding and significant.
SARAH LEE GUTHRIE AND JOHNNY IRION
Their release one of the sweetest, most artfully crafted pop-rock albums in 2011 a few months back. Bright Examples, produced by Vetiver’s Andy Cabic and featuring performances from Vetiver's drummer Otto Houser, Gary Louris and Mark Olson of The Jayhawks (background vocals), singer songwriter/guitarist Neal Casal (guitar, photography), Kevin Barker and Charlie Rose (pedal steel, flat picking guitars), and Rad Lorkovic (piano), is a glowing example of what a deep appreciation of songwriting and carefully arranged, light-handed playing can produce. Bright Examples is the sort of album one reaches for when other music just doesn’t seem to fit and one needs a friendly ear that understands the human condition in a compassionate, insightful way.
THE REFUGEES Their new CD, THREE, will be released in January 2012 on MC Records (Koch). THREE features the trademark Refugees sound but with the addition of drums (Scott Babcock) and special featured performances on three of the songs by the world-renowned Sam Bush. The trio of women that is The Refugees emerged on the music scene as a verifiably unmatched force of talent, diversity, and experience. Each successful in her own right as a solo artist, Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland and Wendy Waldman formed their unique and innovative group in 2007 and since that time have been wowing audiences, radio DJs, and music critics alike with their soaring harmonies, indelible musicianship, and unforgettably humorous stage presence.
Individually, The Refugees have logged more than three decades in the industry, with nineteen solo albums and multiple Grammy Award nominations to their credit, featuring musical styles that blend country, rock, folk, blues and Americana. To describe them as eclectic would be an understatement. These three women have utilized their intense drive and relentless passions to create an entirely new sound.
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : "The Refugees offer up a terrific combination of engaging, passionate, and poetic songwriting, high-caliber musicianship, and gorgeous vocals. The combined musical pedigree of Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman is unparalleled. Don't even think about missing an opportunity to catch them in concert." -- Anil Prasad
OLD MAN LUEDECKE (US Only)
One of Canada's best-loved and most intriguing roots singer-songwriters. His memorable melodies, poetic sense and easy charisma appeal to anyone searching for new growth from old roots, but it's Luedecke's contemporary lyrics coupled with the irresistible rhythm of the old time banjo that connect and make him so loved with his audiences. In 2009 his album, Proof of Love, won the prestigious JUNO Award for Roots Solo album. In 2010 he won again for the CD, My Hands are on Fire and other Love Songs in the same category. Old Man Luedecke will be heading back into the studio in Nashville this January and will be working with Tim O'Brien at the helm as producer on his new CD due out spring 2012.
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"...his Americana is one part bluegrass sprightliness and one part heart-wrenching Appalachian lament. On this fourth full-length release, he continues the run of excellent songs and expert pickin' that he started on his 2005 debut." -- All Music Guide
Studio album released May 3rd! Red House Records released Eliza Gilkyson’s first studio album in three years on May 3rd, 2011, Roses at the End of Time. Pushing the boundaries of folk music, Eliza cleverly disguises her sly social commentaries within catchy acoustic ballads, edgy folk rockers and fresh electronic atmospheres that paint a vivid image of life’s struggles and triumphs in a world that she feels is “poised on the edge of moral, economic and environmental bankruptcy.” Eliza is a politically minded, poetically gifted singer-songwriter, who has become one of the most respected musicians in folk and Americana music circles. The Grammy-nominated artist has appeared on NPR, Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, eTown, SiriusXM, Air America Radio and has toured with Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter. She has been inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame alongside legends Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, and Nanci Griffith. Eliza has also been touring extensively this year with Red Horse, a super-folk group featuring Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, and Lucy Kaplansky.
RED HORSE
Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, and Lucy Kaplansky—join forces in a new supergroup known as Red Horse. Onstage, as on their new eponymous CD from Red House Records, this impressive trio of veteran songwriters teams up to cover each other's songs and breathe new life into old favorites. Awash in gorgeous harmonies, the blend of new and old songs mixes traditional folk and contemporary americana, originals by John, Eliza, and Lucy as well as interpretations of gems like Neil Young's "I Am a Child" and the traditional tune, "Wayfaring Stranger."
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"Three of the most revered songwriters in folk music come together...Inspiring and paving the road for countless musicians and songwriters on the road today, having these three talents converge on one record is a folk fan's dream album." -- All Music
WALKING WOODY'S ROAD: New Show for Festivals and PACs In 2012 we celebrate the 100th Birthday of Woody Guthrie! To celebrate we have developed a brand new show called "Walking Woody’s Road" with Jimmy LaFave and friends. The show features new songs and narrations written by Woody Guthrie that have never been heard. The words and music of Woody work well as a featured part of a festival or the show makes a great workshop theme. This show travels usually with 4 artists. We can offer you several to choose from, but Jimmy LaFave is the main producer of the program. Others available are Slaid Cleaves, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, Eliza Gilkyson, Kevin Welch, Ellis Paul, Terri Hendrix, Michael Fracasso, and several more who had been part of another show called “Ribbon of Highway, Endless Skyway” which we retired after 10 years to make way for this new collaboration. Its a great way to celebrate 100 years of all things Woody.
Val Denn and BMA Tours Announce Merger for an Arts Presenters division.
The following packages are available for 2012/2013/2014 season: Voices of the Wetlands Allstars: Tab Benoit, Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Waylon Thibodeaux, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone Delta Guitar Slingers: Michael Burks, Lurrie Bell, Sherman Robertson Bluegrass Package: Larry Keel, Drew Emmitt, Danny Barnes Mardi Gras Package: George Porter Jr., Papa Grows Funk, Eric Lindell Chitlin Circuit Review: Bobby Rush, Denise LaSalle Bob Margolin’s Vizztone Review: Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, Mac Arnold, Matt Hill, David Maxwell, Diunna Greenleaf, and Gaye Adegbalola Also available for dates in conjunction with BMA Tours are: Otis Taylor Orchestra, The Lee Boys, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Elvin Bishop, Tony Trischka, Danny Barnes, Bonerama, and Alvin “Youngblood” Heart.
For more information on these artists please visit BMA TOURS.
