“Rhythms of Durango” Vol. 3 debuts to a packed house at the Henry Strater Theatre

Editor’s Note: DurangoDowntown.com is breaking with editorial policy for our feature article this week, humoring News Editor Indiana Reed, and allowing her to pen an unapologetically biased review of Durango’s home-grown and local music release, Rhythms of Durango Volume 3.

DURANGO, Colo. – Austin, watch out. Durango’s music scene is coming on strong.

The aforementioned is paraphrased from a comment made by Gigi Love, a transplanted Texan and singer/songwriter who was one of nine artists performing for hundreds of local music fans at the Rhythms of Durango Volume 3 CD release party and show held Nov. 21.

While it was difficult to make an exact count of the number of music fans who flowed in and out of the Henry Strater Theatre (The Hank) over the three-plus hours of  non-stop music, at the end of the night, the bartenders assured us that the tab was among the highest (perhaps THE highest) the theater has recorded. A lot of folks did come out to enjoy local music, and I suspect they weren’t disappointed.

Rhythms of Durango is the compilation CD produced by the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) and designed to promote the local musicians and singer/songwriters who perform in and around Downtown Durango. Volume 3 features 19 artists of varying genres, and judging by the early feedback, it’s the best we’ve produced. The songs performed by our local artists are truly as good, if not better, than those heard on contemporary radio today. Indeed, KIQX-101.3 FM and KRSJ-100.5 FM have added many to their playlists.

Rhythms was originally an experiment – albeit a fun one. In 2005 when Pam Glasco, BID administrative assistant, and I first saw the logo developed to “brand” the organization and further efforts to help keep Historic Downtown Durango economically viable, we said it would look good visually on a music CD. Thus, the seeds were planted.

That first year we had to talk local artists into participating. We spent the week prior to Thanksgiving, stuffing jewel cases by hand, and singer/songwriter Dave Mensch, who has been extremely supportive from the start, took the CDs home and shrink-wrapped them with a hair dryer. We’ve come a long way since then.

One thing I’ve learned in the course of working with Durango’s musical talent, is that these folks like to perform, so when BID board member Rod Barker invited us to hold the release party for Volume 3 in The Hank, we were delighted.

The evening, which took on the feel of an old Friday Afternoon Club, began big with Carute Roma’s gypsy music on stage as the doors opened. In approximately 20-minute sets, Tim Guidotti, Lisa Blue, Annie Brooks, Jason Thies, Cameron Phillips (and his band Free Radical), Gigi Love and Dave Mensch performed, winding down to close with high altitude blues with Jack Ellis and Larry Carver. Sound engineer Scott “Scooter” Smith (who mastered the CD) handled the sound for each.

 Julie Schultz, publisher of Durango Magazine, voiced a sentiment echoed by many, noting that she now is able to put a face (and a music style) with a name – a sentiment that I appreciated, as it was one of our goals with Rhythms of Durango. Listen to the CD (or as on Nov. 21, see them live), experience their music, and then when their names pop up in the paper, make the effort to come downtown and support their performances. By extension, we hope this effort will also support the music venues where our artists play, as well as further their music careers, helping them secure additional gigs and sell their individual CDs. I have no doubt that if these folks truly work at their music, there will be many about which we will be saying “I knew them when…”

For those unable to join the festivities, or haven’t yet picked up a copy of Rhythms of Durango Vol. 3, I’d like to introduce the featured artists. These 19 certainly are not all of the performers we have in town – but 19 were all we could fit on the CD. For Volume 3 we did indeed have to turn many away.

Our intent all along has been to offer an eclectic mix, reflecting the wide range of music available in Durango. We also were very fortunate this year to include new, up-and-coming talent, and songs from many established artists that were either very new or yet unreleased, making this CD truly one-of-a-kind.

As we built the CD, we also looked to ensure a smooth flow, opening with an upbeat and “hopeful” song from long-time singer/songwriter Tim Guidotti. A prolific songwriter, Guidotti’s music is suited to adult contemporary radio. “Deep into the Light” is a track off his most recent CD To Seek a Peaceful Life.

 

Honey-voiced Lisa Blue is a pro in any circle. She paid her dues in Hollywood, but came “home” to Durango, making us truly blessed.  Her skill at songwriting is exhibited in the Celtic ballad, “Irishman’s Woman,” which also showcases her beautiful and disciplined voice.

 

 

Jason Thies invites listeners to “go with the flow” with his infectious song “Stone River,” an entertaining tale of a couple having a little fun down by the river. Thies’ rhythm guitar and husky vocals add to the song not easily forgotten.

Discussion of the music scene in Durango wouldn’t be complete without country tenor Tim Sullivan. Sullivan’s warmth and wit comes through clearly in his up-beat song, “Wicked Good.” Though it leans toward Sullivan’s country roots, it easily crosses over to the pop genre.

And what could be more Durango than the Bar D Wranglers? In their first appearance on a Rhythms of Durango release, the Wranglers feature a classic from the Sons of the Pioneers, though their rich harmonies make it all their own. Joel Racheff takes the vocal lead with “Timber Trail.”

The country theme continues with the resonating vocals of Pete Neds, a long-time Durango performer and studio musician. “Mountains of San Juan” is one of Neds’ older songs, but he suggested it for Rhythms because it speaks to what inspires so many living in the region.

Durango is a bluegrass town, and the hot new group Waiting On Trial fits right in. The group’s song “Take Me Back” easily could have been among the songs of the now classic score from “Brother Where Art Thou?” The skill of each of the talented musicians is well delineated in this toe-tapping original number.

“Amen to the Blues” is the title track on Jeff Strahan’s latest CD. Strahan is a Texas roots rocker and with his rugged, smoky vocals pays homage to all the greats from throughout blues history

Gigi Love is traditionally pegged as a country/folk artist, but with “Everything’s Going to be Alright” she offers up a crossover tune suited to adult contemporary radio. Her infectious sound took her all the way to the spotlight at the 2004 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

 

Taking a break from his band, the award-winning Formula 151, Dave Mensch has finally laid down the tracks of one of his most requested songs, “Softly Smile.” The tune had its genesis from a fan who asked the one thing that would take his breath away. The song, performed with only Mensch’s acoustic guitar, showcases his tremendous vocal range and creativity in songwriting.

 

 

Gifted in many artistic disciplines, singer/songwriter Annie Brooks is Durango’s own Norah Jones – but better than Jones. Brooks first charmed the Durango audience in the 2007 Spotlight to Stardom, and over the year and a half since, she’s come into her own vocally and as a songwriter. “Crème de la Crème” is a campy, clever folk-pop song.

With Matthew Russell’s original piece “Van Gogh,” Rhythms begins its transition from singer/songwriter to truly eclectic. A haunting, gripping song, “Van Gogh” provides a platform for Russell’s piano expertise, as well as his storytelling abilities.

Popular drummer Steve Dejka appears to be on a mission to bring out the music in all of Durango’s youth. With the Stillwater Foundation, young performers are introduced to a variety of musical disciplines, styles and instruments. The program has matured to the level that various incarnations of Stillwater are now performing in and around Durango.  “Supergirl” is an easy, jazzy tune that features many of Durango’s young talents, including lead vocalist Frankie Gasaway.

Close your eyes and you’re in a New York jazz club as three of Durango’s jazz greats come together on the original song, “Monkey On My Back” written by extraordinary vocalist Joyce Simpson. She’s backed by the talented Jeff Sweet on keyboards and Jeff Solon on sax and harmonica.

16-year-old drum prodigy Cameron Phillips takes the spotlight in his original instrumental song “Feels Like Money.” Recording with his father Doug Phillips on guitar, Phillips’ number combines rock, hip-hop and Latin influences.

An innovative rock trio, Strange New Shoes blends funk, reggae, blues, metal jazz and acoustic styles for a unique sound in their song “Lose Your Mind.” The Shoes’ work is high-energy and passionate – effort that has earned them accolades in regional band competitions.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver add the “high altitude blues” to Rhythms with a classic tune from blues legend Robert Johnson. With a sound that is true to the genre, these veteran musicians perform “Kind Hearted Woman Blues.”

“”Korabushka” is a traditional Russian folk song offered by the “Gypsy” band Carute (Kah-root-say) Roma. An eight-piece band known to inspire dance at any gathering, Carute Roma’s Rhythms contribution truly gets those toes a’tappin’.            

Consummate pianist Lacey Black closes the CD with her melodious and haunting “Lakeside Sunshine.” Black was likely a child prodigy, and has been performing since childhood. The depth of her talent and passion is evident in every one of her piano compositions.

Rhythms of Durango Volume 3 is available for $15 apiece in Downtown Durango at Southwest Sound, Canyon Music, Durango Coffee Company, Steaming Bean, Maria’s Bookshop and the Community Concert Hall Ticket Office (as well as at the Community Concert Hall on show nights). Wholesale orders can be arranged through the BID office, 970.375.5067.

We’re already planning for Rhythms of Durango Volume 4 – the Christmas Album. Stay tuned, and thank you to everyone who supports local music.