Off the Record

Music News

Leeann Atherton

In the Land of the Rising Sun

Peace,
Leeann

Leeann Atherton's
Full Moon Barn Dance
3600 S. 2nd Street
Austin, Texas 78704

Full Moon Barn Dance

 Album:
Gypzee Heart /  Artists: Gypzee Heart /  11
tracks / Eclectic

Gypzee
Heart’s music on their self-titled CD has liberal doses of folk, country and
blues influences, yet the duo of Leeann Atherton and Zhenya
give us so much more, through their collaborative
writing, very good vocals and inspired melodies. “Show Me In,” a soulful
conversation about letting someone into your life and your heart, allows the
light to shine brightly on Atherton’s emotive vocals, and the earthy and
solid rock based singing of Zhenya. The folk rock, “Show Me In,” begins with
percussion produced by hand slaps against the body of an acoustic guitar,
and the pace is laidback.

The second track, “Thank
You,” features the slick picking of a banjar, the four string ancestor of
today’s banjo. Although I am sure Zhenya who penned this song solo, and who
sings it as a duet with Atherton, probably will not appreciate our
mentioning this, the lyrics and vocals take a backseat to the nimble music.

The best track on the
album is the third song, “Live Musical Capital Of The World,” a tribute to
Atherton’s hometown of Austin, one of the friendliest, most eclectic and fun
cities in America.   The music is constructed with an interesting blend of
reggae beats, a blues acoustic guitar shuffle and some more banjar. There
are references to the city of Austin’s unofficial rallying cry, “Keep Austin
Weird,” and the lines, “Feel the music all about / seven days a week
music everywhere,” do well to describe a city in which in even the
tiniest of venues or in a park by the river or a café by Lake Travis, you
will find bands or solo artists that will rival those found anywhere else in
the world. Once known as the home to blues and country artists, Austin has
grown over the years to become one of the music industry’s cornerstone
cities. As Atherton sings, the listener is treated to the sounds and sights
of Austin, and the city would be wise to incorporate this tune in their
tourism commercials, as they seek to lure visitors to the city.

The prettiest song on the
album, “EveryDay Journal,” comes at the midpoint. As the words flow
reflectively from Atherton’s lips, the ballad recalls starting a journal at
the age of fifteen and the people who have passed through her life. This is
a song that deserves be shared with your closest friends, because if you are
lucky enough to have special memories, this song will evoke them within
you.  The music is uncluttered, bare and simple, and that is what gives this
song its charm.

As lyricists Zhenya and
Atherton paint beautiful word pictures on the canvass of, “Lazy Sunday,” and
as a duet they add texture and color. Again the music is a hybrid, with
subtle R&B influences complimenting beautiful folk guitar work. The music is
gentle, and you might easily imagine lying on your back on the grass, as you
watch idle clouds slowly drift across a summer sky.

The album also has a
wonderful tune, “Romale,” which is based upon a traditional-gypsy song, and
the artists create an incredible listening experience for their audience.

Although Gypzee Heart featuring

Leeann Atherton and Zhenya was first released in 2007, I suspect that it
has not been brought to the attention of many of our readers, and is well
worth the investment.

Gypzee Heart effectively bridges several musical styles.

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Reviewed
March 2009

This Sunday Feb. 15, another Love Fest at the Barn with open mic. from 4-6, Trio Los Vigilantes (serious romantic singing), Porter Davis (groove me, baby), and super sweet heart Guy Forsyth grace the stage and bless & christen our new pews and dance floor! I heard there will even be a chocolate fountain...

March Barn Dances-
Wed. March 18 Traveling Barn Dance Women's Review at Maria's Taco Xpress Wed. March 18 with Kim Miller, Leeann Atherton,  Erin Harpe (Boston), Katzenjammer (Norway), and more sistahs
Sun March 22 SXS2nd Barn Dance with
Gary Nicholson (many Delbert and Bonnie Raitt cuts)
Ray Bonneville
Katzenjammer (Norwegian Grammy Girl band)
Randy Weeks
Chris Wall
Ruby Jane
Leeann Atherton
Stop the Truck
and more to come
_________________________________

Gypzee Heart at Segovia  - start Valentines week by treating yourself to beautiful music in a cool restaurant/bar with affordable food. It's a tapas bar!

Leeann shows...
every THURSDAY- Blues & Soul Review at TC's Lounge come to the east side and get down. Complimentary soul food. BYOB. Webberville Rd. and E.12th  10pm

every FRIDAY Marias Taco Xpress 7pm

Sat 21st Shandeez Grill  Anderson MIll Rd
Sun 22 Unity Center at Dessau Rd. 10am and
Central Market Westgate w/Flying Balalaika Bros. noon

http://www.myspace.com/leeannatherton

SUNDAY NOV 9 4PM
FULL MOON BARN DANCE

BENEFIT FOR DALE PETERSON

Dale Peterson will be at the Barn Dance, please come and give him some loving and your support. He is in need of lots of rehab. and is STILL on the long VA waiting list; but I saw him eat his first bean & cheese taco last Sunday, and he stood up to give me a hug. Music, dancing, and hugs... the best cure...

Potluck, Silent Auction, Raffle, Good Times for a Good Cause.

BANDS
4:00 Out Of the Blue
4:45 Shelley King
5:45 Slim Richey & Meaux Jeaux
6:45 Leeann Atherton 
7:30 Rockin' Gospel Project
8:30 Tim Curry Trio
9:00 Whiskey Business

Hope to see you. Please spread the word!

Full Moon Barn Dance
3600 S. 2nd St.
2 blocks north of Ben White & Banister

$10 Love Donation with Potluck
$15 Love Donation without

Peace,
Leeann Atherton
leeannatherton@gmail.com
 
www.fullmoonbarndance.com
www.myspace.com/fullmoonbarndance
 
www.leeannatherton.com
www.myspace.com/leeannatherton