Aired August 9th, 2012, on Rick Abruzzo's program Baghdad by the Bay on Radio Valencia.
Find out what one song the band thinks the world needs to hear.
We've released our cover of Bruce Springsteen's Youngstown, which we worked up for Howard Zinn & Anthony Arnove's show, A People's History of the United States.
The third release by the Bay Area group, ably produced by Austin's Lloyd Maines, displays the band's solidity and maturity, as well as the musical prowess of the individuals.
The seventeen cuts blend traditional old-time songs and tunes with striking originals that convey a rootsy feel. Though the overall ambience is one of fun, a few songs, such as Hangman Tree and David and Goliath pack a thoughtfully powerful punch.
Several features distinguish this group from others. All the members sing, and well. Each member gets to sing lead, and the harmonic combinations are varied, keeping the lush vocals fresh and lively.
Stay All Night is a boisterous all-sing that epitomizes the gals' vocal power. Secondly, there's a Dobro, and occasionally a Hawaiian slide. One might not imagine a Dobro blending well with old-time, but this one does.
While not calling attention to itself it adds muscle and texture to the backup, and the occasional twangy leads are tasteful and pithy. Thirdly, Evie's machine-gun dancing on two cuts adds percussion and energy to the whole package.
These ladies are fine players and songstresses. Though I've not seen a live show, I'd imagine it would be very entertaining, and this quality has also transferred to the CD. Recommended.
-- Toni Williams
This third Stairwell Sisters album is their best yet. With Lloyd Maines on production the Sisters are freed to do what they do best: play the heck out of their material…mountain music with total commitment and almost unbridled energy, exuberance and abandon. —SING OUT!
With creative arrangements of traditional tunes and seven originals authentic enough to sound like they've been part of the canon for ages, the Stairwell Sisters continue to pump a vibrant energy into old-time with their third album Get Off Your Money.
The five-female-piece handles multiple instruments (including feet!) with aplomb, displaying considerable chops on the upbeat “Boat’s Up the River” and “Stay All Night.” The woeful “Cinderella” is a peek into what happens when the prince doesn’t show, a memorable and pretty ballad. Get Off Your Money is both classic and timely with its penchant for up-with-the-people themes. A must-have for fans of bluegrass and old-time. --OWL MAG
Together in San Francisco, offering dance, kinetic and dynamic music with a strong country feeling and vokálmi coated in old-time style.
--FROM SLOVAKIA!
