To piggy, or “Peggy” back (if you will) off the August issue, let’s continue to explore more fantastic “women making music” who reside in Asheville and surrounding towns. I think we can all agree that “low-grade depression” is a real thing. These practitioners of music, without a doubt, contribute to our mental good health as we head into month six of our “Covid crazy” lives.
Each of these artists persist and each of them, inspiring beyond words. These women persevere and in some cases reinvent themselves. To me, they exemplify courage. I am honored to bring to your attention month after month, the female musicians of all ages who continue to pursue their dreams with vitality and creativity, notably within this downturn.
One of my very favorite people on the planet is my song sister friend, Jesse Barry. If you are a live music enthusiast new to town, you’d be wise to seek out and support any of the high powered musical cars Ms. Barry steers or rides along in. She’s the sweet strawberry in Her Rockin’ Blues/70’s & 80’s cover band “Jesse Barry and the Jam” that features astounding players all around: Kelly Jones on guitar, Micah Thomas on drums and Robert Geisler on bass. Her recent collaboration with the premiere outfit “A Social Function,” injects that 6-8 piece special events band with a shot of unparalleled virtuosity. She’s the pied piper for the dance community and their reverence for her explosive and so too, warm and sultry voice is indeed infectious; she’s got the cure for your Covid Blues. facebook.com/JesseBarryAndTheJam/, asocialfunction.com
On the fabulous flip side, is Miss Dulci Ellenberger, crooner sublime! I’d heard her with the all-girl band she writes, co-writes and performs in, “Cowboy Judy.” But my first taste of her intimate sensibility was revealed on her debut solo record, “I Can Feel It” released in 2015. Here are a few phrases I made up to describe her sound: “Nimble Pop” “Modern Retro” “Poet Singer.” Word-couplets to describe her songs and their content: dreamy gaze . . . tangible reflection . . . buoyant charm . . . groove friendly. Whether she’s working alone or with any number of her enormously gifted cohorts, what you’ll experience with Dulci are wistful or happy melodies, intricate chord progressions and pitch perfect harmonies. “Fwuit” is the name of her latest project trio that combines originals that harken to their self-described sound, “retro soul” with carefully selected and arranged covers. It features band members from “Holy Ghost Tent Revival,” Ross Montsinger and Kevin Williams. Check out all things Dulci here:
dulcisings.com
Debrissa McKinney is a singer and saxophonist with a laugh and panache that garners undeniable affection. She puts the “skidoo” in the Grammy-winning kid-hop troupe she performs with, “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.” I think of McKinney as the Emmylou Harris of Asheville. She’s in high demand in the studio and on stages for her adaptability on backing vocals and sax fills. Sensitive to a number of styles, grooves and genres this self-proclaimed “road dawg” tours with ‘23’, and horn laden Brass/Funk/Rock band, “Empire Strikes Brass” as well as “Dirty Logic” a Steely Dan tribute band. ESB, just dropped their sophomore full length release, “Brassterpiece Theater.” Pre-pandemic, she hosted the renowned “Brown Bag Songwriter Competition” that has for years, helped up and comers and newly transplanted talent launch their brands. This website empirestrikesbrass.com and this website: dirtylogic.band and this facebook link facebook.com/debrissa will keep you in the know about Debrissa!
Mare Carmody, happens to be my next-door neighbor, and happens to be one of my favorite songwriters. A purveyor of Americana Country and Blues music, she works solo and with her trio, Carver Carmody & McIntire, which features Michael Carver on vocals and guitar and Paul McIntire on fiddle. During the corona slow down, she’s been working on new songs. These snapshot moments in time are scenes from reunions over pie and coffee, or a drive to a lake or a woman musing about her lover. With the occasional live stream from her house or driveway as well as a number of outdoor socially-distanced gigs at local wineries, your chances to catch her live continue despite the pandemic. She and her bandmates will continue to host the “Hendo Showcase Brunch,” a once-a month outdoor, Sunday afternoon show featuring collaborations with well-known local musicians, held at Southern Appalachian Brewery. facebook.com/CarverCarmody, sabrewery.com
The reigning queen of Country in Asheville, Rebecca O’Quinn gives everything she does, her all. A ballerina, dance instructor, model, songwriter and guitarist, it’s her fantastic voice when I heard it for the first time that rendered me and those in the audience, transfixed. Yes, yes, she’s pretty for sure for sure. Yes, yes she’s graceful and accomplished. But it’s her natural luminescence that draws me into her performances and our conversations. Her music oozes with genuine care and nourishment. She stays true to the classic in all her classic country covers with her band The Reckoning. A benevolent Captain, OQuinn is competent at the helm. I invite you to set sail on her amphibious craft. Get on board her next excursion by visiting here: facebook.com/rebeccaandthereckoning/ or here: rebeccaoquinnonstage.com/rebecca-and-the-reckoning
Peggy Ratusz is a vocalist, vocal coach and writer. reverbnation.com/peggyratusz