Do312 - What to do in Chicago

Judson Claiborne
Judson Claiborne is the reclamation of a name given to him by his father. On a personal level, it means rebirth into a greater consciousness. This record was made during a period of personal and artistic transformation and was coaxing for the return of dormant creative energies. The songs are mostly narratives about strange and beautiful travels, encounters, adventures, family, lovers, and dreams.

Eiren Caffall
Eiren’s music comes from her childhood in the wooded hills of Western Massachusetts, where her bohemian parents took her to art galleries, hash parties and Shaker Barns filled with drying herbs. Her father conducted the Church of Jazz in their living room every Sunday morning, and she spent a lot of time reading about maritime disasters. And, when they lost everything, several times, it made quite an impression. These influences have resulted in her unusual lyricism, strong songcraft and the faint shock of surprise as the shy quiet of her lap steel guitar meets her longing voice. Underneath her narratives of loss, there is always the pull of joy. Her songs are tiny anthems for that moment when you think you might drown, and, failing to swim, you unexpectedly begin to fly. Currently, she is lucky enough to share the stage – and the work of arranging her songs – with three incredible musicians. Ariel Bolles plays stand-up bass and sings the world’s most gorgeous harmonies; she also plays with Rachel Ries and formerly with Bakelite 78. Joshua Dumas of Notes & Scratches, Jitney and several wonderful operas, plays essential lead electric guitar and sings. Lawrence Peters, on drums, provides an indispensable and sensitive anchor, not to mention vocals; he also performs with such diverse projects as the Lawrence Peters Outfit, The Golden Horse Ranch Band, The Velcro Lewis Group, Hardscrabble, and Plastic Crimewave Sound. Together they make quiet rocking sad songs, delicate things that are angry, plaintive harmonies that restore a sense of liftoff to a sunken heart. Eiren Caffal - vox, lap steel guitar Ariel Bolles - vox, stand-up bass, ukulele Joshua Dumas - vox, electric guitar, melodica Lawrence Peters - vox, drums, washboard

The Counterpane