Acoustic Artist Series: Libby Johnson with Chris Riffle and Jimi Zhivago (Indie / Folk)
Tickets $12.00 in Advance (online) / $15.00 at the Door
Artist, Libby Johnson, a familiar name as founding member of indie folk outfit “22 Brides”, is a singer songwriter whose folk/Americana roots are showcased in impeccable tunefulness, gorgeous melodies and a moving live presentation.
To quote “No Depression” magazine, "The hooks are unassailable, the singing and playing are felt, the arrangements an autumnal cross between Lucinda-bred Americana and kudzu-style indie rock.”
Johnson’s solo discography include Annabella (2006) and Perfect View (2010). Mike Joyce, “Washington Post” writes, “On Annabella Johnson quickly reveals her chief strengths: a hazy soprano that takes on a soulful edge when it counts, as evidenced by the album's title track; an engaging way with words”.
After a preview of Annabella, writer-director Bart Freundlich decided to use four of her songs in his film Trust the Man, starring David Duchovny, Billy Crudup, Julianne Moore and Maggie Gyllenhaal. He said that he re-edited scenes around her songs. Johnson also wrote a new song, "Indelible Mark", which plays over the film's end credits. Johnson’s film credits also include work with The Discovery Channel, MTV, Oxygen, Smallville, The Riches, and many more.
In his review of Perfect View, Mark Tucker, “Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange” (FAME) writes, “This is one beautiful CD.” Comparing Johnson as “a cross of Mary Fahl, Bonnie Raitt, and Janis Ian, a quietly engrossing woman crafting songs delicate and enfolding, works grounded in the everyday but gently transcendent… Libby Johnson feels everything she writes, plays, and sings, feels it genuinely, no exaggerations, no playing to the times and masses, not a shred of compromise.”
Libby will be joined by NYC singer/songwriter Chris Riffle, and independent musician and producer Jimi Zhivago.
Chris Riffle’s brand of heartfelt folk is a product—and a tale—of two coasts. There’s no mistaking the pastoral, spacious sound of his roots—the picturesque coastal towns of Washington state, where while still in college Riffle began making waves on local radio stations, and landed support gigs for such indie mainstays as Death Cab for Cutie.
And yet it’s the other side of the country, on New York’s famously gritty Lower East Side, where Chris has found a second home, becoming a mainstay performer at the venerable Living Room, and Rockwood Music Hall collaborating with members of The Mars Volta, Ollabelle, and Antony and the Johnsons. Chris has shared the stage with Patti Smith, Blood Orange, Mothxr, Jesse Malin & Joseph Arthur (to name a few). Chris' albums have been in rotation at over 150 radio stations & featured on Sirius XM.
His new full length, Out of town, was recorded at One East (Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, Paul Simon), produced by Jimi Zhivago (Ollabelle, Kim Taylor) and mastered at the Magic Shop (David Bowie, Arcade Fire, Coldplay). Chris just returned from an extensive North American tour opening for Heather Nova and a 20 date tour across Germany promoting his new album.
"A writer and performer of uncommon depth and intimacy -- Nick-Drake-meets-Elliott-Smith" - DIRECT CURRENT
Join us for an evening of original music by these creative artists! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required). You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" special! Click here for secret recipe.
For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.