What a surprise Anna Tivel has turned into. I first heard her several years ago, 7-8 years, at Artichoke on a Songwriters Round-up night. The Shook Twins were new in town and were attending the round-up frequently. They asked for a friend to come to the stage to back them up on fiddle. That friend was Anna Tivel.
After that, we would see Anna here and there mostly backing up someone with her exquisite fiddle playing. Never thought of her as a songwriter, singer or front person. Shows how well my musician radar works.
A couple of years ago, we went to see Peter Mulvey at the Old Church in downtown Portland and found the opening act to be Anna. She played guitar and sang amazing songs with huge emotional depth and impact all with that voice, a plaintive aching sound that encapsulates loneliness, longing and joy into one sound. And the songs. Her songs are beyond my meager abilities to describe. Poetice posts from the heart, soul and mind of a sensitive, observant sage. Fantastic poetry. Take a listen to ‘Illinois’ below and you will know what I mean.
Rom the Portland Mercury:
Jeffrey Martin. We have heard Jeffrey in only bits and pieces but have been duly impressed. Here are some things that have been written about this fine singer-songwriter. PORTLAND MERCURY: “Jeffrey Martin’s music is not widely known, which is a shame, because he might be the best songwriter in Portland. With lyrics that read like Raymond Carver stories and a voice that’s one breath away from breaking completely apart, Martin’s songs are beautiful, sparse, and utterly devastating. . . . If there is any justice in the world, Martin’s music will soon reach a wider audience and inflict devastation on a much larger scale. ” -Santi Elijah Holley
No Depression article about Jeffrey
From Mike Meyer, DJ, Music Critic:“Jeff Martin was my favorite Northwest discovery last year! His fluid, expressive vocal style fits perfectly with this unique balance of universal insight and personal experiences in songs. Jeff already deserves to be mentioned in the upper tier of national songwriters.”
— Mike Meyer, KRVM-fm, Hope Chest Productions
So, as usual, the show will start at 7:30. Each artist will do a 45 min or so set with a break in between. We will have the usual snacks available along with beer and wine. To guarantee your seat, send to suggested donation to us at 7326 SE Woodward St., PDX 97206. You can reach Dan at 503.730.3189 for questions or directions. If sending a check, make it out to Dan Dover and put Anna and Jeffrey HC in the memo line.
We hope to see you at the show.
Illinois Anna
All Along Anna
Gold in the Water Jeffrey
Long Monday (John Prine Cover)