Hi all!
I just wanted to fill you in on the latest news!
I'll be singing and playing in Chicago for the live dvd filming of the Chicago Blues Reunion. I join this amazing collection of Musicians when I can. They consist of:
Barry Goldberg on keyboards, from the legendary, "Two Jews Blues" band back in the day plus numerous other production and band credits from playing with Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix to producing the great blues singer Tracy Nelson and also producing a grammy nominated album for Percy Sledge. Barry also cowrote the amazing song "Use my Imagination" with the acclaimed writer, Jerry Goffin ("Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin-doesn't get much better than that in my humble opinion!) for Gladys Knight and the Pips which was a worldwide hit and still makes for some good ear candy.
Nick Gravenites on vocals and guitar from the band, "Electric Flag", one of my earliest blues influences. Nick wrote some of their best songs including, "Born in Chicago" as well as having written songs for those on the following one and only list: Janis Joplin, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush and James Cotton.
Harvey Mandel on guitars: Harvey has played with everyone from the Ventures to John Mayall, Canned Heat and the Rolling Stones. His roots are the blues mixed in with some psychedelic sounds! Wild...in a great way!
Corky Siegel: Harmonica genius who inspired me to play blues harp in the first freakin' place!!! Corky was and still is in the blues band, Siegel-Scwhall who I used to go see in the Detroit area. I would sneak in using fake Id cuz I wasn't old enough to get in; but I was old enough to understand this was some great music that I didn't want to miss! He's an amazing performer and always gives a million percent. Corky also has the eclectic "Chamber Blues" (www.chamberblues.com) which consists of a string quartet, tablas and Corky on the harp. I am fortunate enough to be invited to sing and play with Corky, occasionally; he's kind enough to let me play the harmonica with him, too! It's always a pleasure and joy to work with him as with everyone in CBR.
The rhythm section consists of:
Gary Mallaber on drums. Gary has played with the following list of icons:
Van Morrison: He played on "Moondance", what, really??!! Yes!!
Bruce Springsteen
Steve Miller: played on "Abracadabra" and many other great Steve Miller band songs.
And on Bass, Mr. Rick Reed who has played with lots of blues greats including Paul Butterfield, Willie Dixon, Kim Wilson from the Fabulous Thunderbirds, William Clarke (blues harp afficionado), and Roy Gaines.
Other featured artists on the show besides myself are:
The incredible Sam Lay: Sam played drums with Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, plus Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. He played on over 40 Howlin' Wolf songs, the Real Deal!! And wait till you hear him sing too!
Dave Mason, guitarist and amazing songwriter with the groundbreaking band, "Traffic" and his own solo efforts;
And Jimmy Vivino, an extremely talented guitarist who plays guitar and is the band leader on the nightly Conan O'Brien show on Channel Four every weekday night at 11:30p.m.. I've had the pleasure of working with Jimmy before and he is incredible!!
This show will be a one off event and is being filmed for the purpose of a live dvd that will be available on Out the Box Records and cd's in the nearish future. The show is at the following venue on March 22, 2008, just a few weeks away:
Park West
322 W. Armitage, Chicago, IL 60614
Doors open 6:30 pm.
VIP tickets available at www.otbrecords.com. VIP ticket $100 includes seating and meet & greet.
regular price ticket: $35.00
Here is a link for purchasing regular priced tickets:
www.jamusa.com
For more information on the lineup, feel free to go to the Chicago Blues Reunion website:
www.chicagobluesreunion.com
Click on recent news for info about the gig.
I look forward to seeing you in the Windy City!
Lots of Love;
Marcy xoxo
Hello all!
I hope this note finds you extremely well. About a week or so ago, I sent out an email letting you know about my song/video "O Amerika" on youtube. Unfortunately, many of you were not able to view it due to a technical problem on our side of things. We re-uploaded the video and it is now available for you to view at the following link:
www.youtube.com/marcysings
If you click on that link, it takes you to my page on youtube. You will notice there are two videos of "o amerika" there. Try clicking on the most recently uploaded video (uploaded yesterday, March 6th.) So far, I've contacted people who left me messages on youtube who said they were unable to view it before, and they can see it now. Please let me know if you still have a problem with it.
I thank you all for your continued support!
Love and Peace, always;
Marcy xoxo
Hello All!
Long time no talkie to, but I'm here to tell ya about a few things. This being nearly the end of February, my cd should be finished (recording and mixed anyway) by the end of March. I'll be going over to England to do the finishing touches the last week of March. Just before that, I've been invited to go to Chicago to appear in a live DVD being filmed for the Chicago Blues Reunion where I'll be doing a few of my songs. I'll send you the info on the location of the filming as well as the gig we will be doing the night before at a place called "The Chocolate Factory". Both events are open to the public. Once I have the info, I will forward it on to you. As a matter of interest, I was just in Chicago and some cities in Wisconsin doing some shows with a dear friend and wonderful musician, Corky Siegel of the band, Siegel-Schwall and also the very eclectic and inspirational group of his, "Chamber Blues". It was all a wonderful success; I think the most fun was the gig I did with Corky at a place called the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, Michigan. It was just Corky and I and it was kind of like doing the circus act without a net!!! Scary, but: Great fun!!
Back to my cd: recently, I put a song from my new cd called,"O Amerika" up on myspace for a day for those interested in hearing it. Now, we've just done a video for it and it's up on youtube!!! If you'd like to see it, here's the link:
"O Amerika" | www.youtube.com
Please feel free to comment on it and pass the link on to your friends, family, neighbors, hey, even those you may not know or necessarily like! You never know, it could touch them in some positive way. The song is a commentary on the state of my wonderful nation of America lamenting the path we are currently on, but also offers hope that we will soon get back on track.
If you heard the version I put up on myspace, you will notice this one is different as far as the instrumental arrangement. It will be morphing both sonically and visually as time goes on, kind of like performance art. I hope you will enjoy it.
I'll be back soon with gig info, etc.!
Love and Peace always;
Marcy
Merry Christmas everybody!
Ahoy there maties!
I hope you're all well and had a wonderful summer. I betcha were wondering what in the world was going on in my wild, wacky world of moosik???? In case you were, I'm here to tell ya.
First of all, I've been over to England twice since May doing some shows and most importantly, doing some writing and recording for my own cd. A wonderfully talented man named John Themis is producing it. John has most recently been seen and heard performing with none other than the great, Cat Stevens, otherwise known as Yusuf, doing loads of gigs that have been broadcast worldwide in the name of world peace and saving the planet, you know, those little issues! Anyway, John and I began seriously working on my cd and we've written about 3/4's of it now. We'll continue our work at the end of October. I am very excited about this. It will be out at the end of this year or beginning of next. You can always check my website: www.marcelladetroit.com or my "spaces" for the latest news on releases, gigs, etc. the "spaces" are:
www.myspace.com/marcelladetroitofficial
www.myspace.com/marcelladetroit
And can someone please tell me, why do people keep "phishing" my "space"???? don't they have anything better to do with their time?? the mind boggles! I hope you've all been enjoying my blogs. More to follow.
As soon as I finish my writing and recording for my cd in the UK, I'll be doing a series of shows at the Soho Revue Bar at the beginning of November, after my writing and recording.
Lots of love;
Marcy xoxoxo
This Tuesday October 2, 2007, 7:00pm
It's the Sixth Anniversary of
The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase
...because there's nothing like a great song!
"It was 6 years ago, on October 2, 2001 that the first MainStreet Songwriters Showcase took place, at the now defunct Cafe Madrid on Sherman Way in Canoga Park, in the area known as MainStreet Canoga Park. In the wake of the 911 attacks, I felt a strong need to begin something that would affirm life, music, creativity. Thus the MSSS was born. And this week, we're celebrating that anniversary with cake and balloons, FREE tiramisu, and as always, outstanding original music! In light of the occasion, I myself will take one of the featured artist slots. Joining me for my set will be Andrew Kelsey on bass and backup vocals and Bill Willets on drums. The other featured artist, appearing for the first time on the MSSS stage, will be the incomparable Marcella Detroit, a terrific songwriter and backup singer, best known for co-writing Lay Down Sally with Eric Clapton. Come join us for a great evening..."
-Garret
Featured Artists Appearing This Week:
Marcella Detroit - bluesy pop-rock chanteuse
Marcy Levy, aka Marcella Detroit, was born and raised in the Motor City. She grew up listening to Motown, later getting into some heavy folk blues, electric blues and rock. As a teenager, armed with a fake ID, she'd often sneak into clubs in the most dangerous parts of Detroit to listen to the likes of Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Janis Joplin. From Motown to Janis, from classical music to the blues, all these varied influences show up in the mix that comprises her unique musical style. Bottom line, the girl could sing. Man, could she sing. She sang for years on the road with some of the greatest artists of our time including Bob Seger, Leon Russell, and later most notably with Eric Clapton, joining his band after the 461 Ocean Blvd album and traveling the world with him for the next several years. It was during that time that she began writing songs as well, co-penning Clapton's massive worldwide hit, Lay Down Sally which to date has aired on the radio over 3 million times. Marcy eventually moved to Los Angeles, becoming one of the most sought-after session singers in town, and working with the likes of Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin (her biggest vocal influence and inspiration), Arif Mardin, Tom Dowd, Glyn Johns, Barry Beckett, Phil Collins, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Leiber and Stoller, and Burt Bacharach--a veritable who's who of the music industry. She's also performed with the one and only Elton John on his Duets For One CD, covering the Motown classic, Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing. In 1989, Marcy joined the British pop-rock band Shakespear's Sister, and co-wrote and sang the song Stay, which kept them at number one for 8 weeks in the UK. Since then she's been writing and recording with numerous artists and songwriters, and getting cuts all over the world. She's currently working on her own original CD due to be released later this year. For more, visit www.marcelladetroit.com.
Garret Swayne - crafter of song
Garret Swayne has become an eminent figure in the LA acoustic music scene in recent years. As host of the MainStreet Songwriters Showcase, he's been a driving force in the emergence of a genuine songwriter community in Los Angeles, bringing deserving writer/performers to public attention. But he's also an award-winning singer and songwriter himself, widely recognized as a master song craftsman and a compelling all-around performer. His songs are profoundly intelligent, but at the same time, they resonate with a full palette of real emotionality. They span the whole range of human experience, from deeply wrought ballads of inner revelation; to broad, laugh-out-loud satires of popular culture; to wistful tales of love and redemption. If there's any common theme, you might say it's about Connection-finding the tones, touching the chords in our heart that connect us to one another. A compelling lyricist, and an elegant tunesmith, you usually leave a Garret Swayne show with his songs pleasantly embedded in your brain. Joining Garret onstage for the show will be Bill Willets on drums and Andrew Kelsey on bass and backup vocals. For more, visit www.garretswayne.com or his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/garretswayne.
Open Mike:
The MSSS Open Mike follows the Featured Acts, starting usually a little after 8:30. All creative souls are welcome, but you need to sign up before 7:30 when the first Featured Act begins. Remember, it can be anything creative or entertaining-it doesn't necessarily have to be musical! (And Cafe Bellissimo often scouts the MSSS Open Mike for talent to perform there on other special evenings.) If you're a comic, a poet, or a storyteller, we'll give you 6 minutes to do your thing. If you're a singer, musician, or songwriter, you'll get 2 songs; try to keep 'em around 3 minutes each. (No sprawling epics okay, unless you're willing to play just the one song.) We want to keep the Open Mike moving along out of consideration to the other participants, so please don't monopolize the stage. Keep your total stage time around 6-7 minutes. That way we can get through more people.
The Venue:
Cafe Bellissimo (link to map)
22458 Ventura Blvd. (1 block west of Shoup)
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818-225-0026
Directions: from Hollywood/Downtown LA... take the 101 north/west. Pass the 405. About 10 miles past the 405, exit at Shoup (which is one exit past Topanga Canyon Blvd). Come down ramp which dumps you out onto westbound Ventura Blvd. Cafe Bellissimo is on the left one block past the light at Shoup.
There's never a cover charge at Cafe Bellissimo, but a $10 minimum on food or drink is requested, to support the establishment and keep the Showcase running. The food at Cafe Bellissimo is truly outstanding and they offer Showcase Nite Specials, which makes an evening at the MSSS one of the best dining/entertainment values around.
The Host:
That's me, Garret Swayne! I'm normally there just to keep things moving smoothly along. But, time permitting, I usually squeeze in a few of my own songs over the course of the evening...one of the perks of being host!
So join us this Tuesday night for an outstanding evening of the best original music LA has to offer-The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase. Remember, there's nothing like a great song!
Peace and blessings all...
Garret Swayne
garret@garretswayne.com
www.garretswayne.com
www.myspace.com/garretswayne
The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase is held every Tuesday night at Cafe Bellissimo, in Woodland Hills. Hosted by acclaimed singer/songwriter/recording artist Garret Swayne, The MSSS features the finest up-and-coming songwriters, singers, poets, musicians, and comedians in Los Angeles in a relaxed casual atmosphere. Each week, we'll feature one or more original acts, followed by a general Open Mike. Participants in the Open Mike should sign up between 7:00 and 7:30.
Our intention is to support and promote the creative community of Southern California. During the performances, we ask that the audience be respectful of the artists and those who wish to listen. We want to create an atmosphere that honors the song and the performer. So please, no loud or distracting conversations during the show.
Cafe Bellissimo is renowned for its fine Italian cuisine, singing waiters, and casually elegant ambiance. It features a wide menu, including appetizers, salads, complete dinners, and desserts, not to mention the best pizza in the Valley. It also has a full bar. For more information or directions, call 818-225-0026.
UK UK UK UK UK!!!!! LOndOn England......
November 8 - 11, Thursday - Sunday
Soho Revue Bar is celebrating its first birthday in style by bringing sophisticated glamour back to the West End with THE SOHO DIVAS REVUE, a spectacular cabaret evening featuring acclaimed and award-winning stars both from the UK and America.
West End and Broadway star Caroline O'Connor, acclaimed New York vocal impressionist Jimmy James and singers Marcella Detroit and Natalie Williams will all perform together in one sensational show.
Venue:
The Soho Revue Bar
11 - 12 Walkers Court
Soho, London W1
Doors: 6.30pm
Performance: 7.30pm
www.sohorevuebar.co.uk
