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From our partners/ Catherine Feeny
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THREE ACCLAIMED SONGWRITERS CO-HEADLINE MISSISSIPPI STUDIOS AUGUST 3RD
August 3rd will bring three classic songwriters together at Mississippi Studios – performers who are no less compelling for the fact that you may not have heard of any of them. Catherine Feeny, Chris Pierce and Jim Bianco met in Los Angeles early in their careers while plying their trade at the then-unknown Hotel Cafe, which has since gained a reputation in singer-songwriter circles for helping launch the careers of Gary Jules, Alexi Murdoch, Meiko and Greg Laswell, among others. The three forged differing paths — Feeny moved to England, where she signed to major label EMI, Pierce started his own successful record label, and Bianco embarked on an endless touring schedule that marks him a troubador in the truest sense of the word.
And it’s no wonder that they diverged — while all three are deeply-rooted in the traditions of American songwriting, each brings a unique hand to the table. Feeny’s songs are exercises in vulnerability and Pierce’s in earthy spirituality, while Bianco’s strengths are humor and tantalizing sexuality. The dire state of the music industry and the school of hard knocks has sent many from their class in search of greener pastures, but lucky for us, these three are made of stronger stuff. If you are a fan of Joni Mitchell, Otis Redding or Tom Waits, this is a night you will enjoy.
About the artists:
Catherine Feeny www.catherinefeeny.com
After being dropped from her label (EMI/Charisma) in 2008, Catherine Feeny drove 12,000 miles with her husband-to-be in a 1990 Mazda 323, playing more than 40 shows in livingrooms all over the United States. She has since re-located to Portland, self-released her third solo album (“People in the Hole”) and formed unconventional protest-folk outfit Come Gather Round Us with her husband Sebastian Rogers and local virtuosos Jon Neufeld (Black Prairie, Jack Straw) and Mike Danner (Trashcan Joe). Feeny tours in the US, UK and Europe, both as a headline act and supporting artists such as Wilco, The Indigo Girls, Suzanne Vega and the legendary John Prine. Her song “Mr. Blue” was featured in the film “Running with Scissors” and reached the A-list at Radio 2 — Britain’s most listened to radio station. Feeny recently teamed with Seattle indie director Keith Rivers to make a shockingly realistic zombie short in support of her single “People in the Hole.”
Chris Pierce www.chrispierce.com
Chris Pierce who is known for his powerful and “never the same” live shows continues to tour worldwide in 2010. Chris is in pre-production for the highly anticipated follow up to his 2008 independent soul album “Walking on the Earth” which was picked by KCRW’s Nic Harcourt as one of the top ten albums of the year. The music and performance of Chris Pierce crosses over age, race, and gender as evidenced by the diverse artists he has opened for which include B.B. King, Seal, Colbie Caillat, Al Green, Jamie Cullum, Toots & The Maytals, Robert Cray and Brett Dennen, among others. He has received worldwide notoriety for song placements on the Oscar award winner Crash and T.V shows like Brothers and Sisters, What About Brian, Lincoln Heights, Army Wives and a national Banana Republic ad campaign. Chris Pierce is often described as an old soul with fresh music and is often compared to greats like Otis Redding, Bill Withers and Van Morrison.
Jim Bianco www.jimbianco.com
Jim Bianco is a regular performer at the Hotel Café and his residencies are a popular favorite. Usually playing with his full band, Bianco’s sets have a reputation for being sold-out, high energy and sexually charged events. On occasion, Bianco has rented a catwalk and invited his burlesque dancer friends to perform and throw feathers during his set. Bianco is also known for eliminating the traditional fourth wall between audience and performer by leading his band into the center of the audience during his song “Sing” encouraging audience participation, which culminates in a sing-along. Bianco averages between 150-200 shows a year, performing in major markets across North America, Europe and Japan. Depending on the tour, Bianco performs solo or with multi-instrumentalist, band mate and co-producer Brad Gordon. He also tours as a trio and with his full band. Bianco has shared billing with many notable acts including: Squeeze, Gary Jules, Shelby Lynne, Amy McDonald, Tift Merritt, Loudon Wainright III, Jenny Own Youngs and many more.
