Caspar, CA (Top40 Charts/ Green Light Go
Music Publicity) - Gwyneth and Monko announce January and February tour dates in support of their self-titled release due out February 15, 2011. With a voice that invokes Jenny Lewis' solo work crossed with the intimate folk of Gillian Welch; Gwyneth Moreland strums her guitar in subtle chords while Michael Monko accompanies her lyrical stories with trickling mandolin, steady acoustic guitar and folk accents.
The new record, which was recorded at Old School Studio in Caspar, CA, will more accurately reflect what the duo sounds like live. And it's no wonder their new work sounds this way, as they've been on the road for most of 2010, taking weekends here and there to record. Guest artists Scott Southard on bass, Jimmy Gallagher on drums and Matt Cooper Borkenhagen on pedal steel and dobro, join Gwyneth and Monko on their self-titled album.
This record exists in part because of a month of creative exploration. In July, Gwyneth Moreland and Michael Monko spent time honing new songs in a home recording studio. Those sketches came to life in Old School Studio and are filled with new elements: Moreland on banjo, Monko on fiddle and guest artists adding drums and bass. These additions allow Gwyneth and Monko to explore a different dynamic while still keeping the old-timey and Americana influences, songwriting style, Moreland's vocal style and Monko's intricate instrumentation.
Gwyneth and Monko tour across the country in an RV that serves as a temporary home on the road. The phrase "less is more," couldn't be more apt for Gwyneth & Monko. "We travel in a camper van that has a sink, cook top, and refrigerator," says Gwyneth. "We both love to travel and so we view touring as away to do all our favorite things: playing music and traveling."
Gwyneth and Monko Tour Dates
1/15/11 In-Store Performance - Dig! Music, Ukiah, CA
1/22/11 CD Pre-Release Show - The Arcata Playhouse Theater, Arcata, CA
1/23/11 CD Pre-Release Show - The Caspar Inn, Caspar, CA
1/29/11 Rominger West Winery, Davis, CA
2/2/11 Six Rivers Brewery, McKinleyville, CA
2/3/11 Sam Bonds Garage, Eugene, OR
2/5/11 The Mandolin Cafe, Tacoma, WA
2/6/11 Laurel Thirst Public House, Portland, OR
2/10/11 Smiley's Schooner Saloon and Hotel, Bolinas, CA
2/26/11 Evangeline's, Colfax, CA
Praise for Gwyneth and Monko
"...a singer with a moving voice and an amazing musician in Michael Monko." -Kevin Gustafson, Blogcritics
"The latter song ["Lexington Ballad"], which recently received honourable mention at the Woody Guthrie Songwriting competition, showcases Monko's musicianship, as well as Moreland's flair for folk-style storytelling." -Nereida Fernandes, Exclaim
"Being a sucker for traditional-style storytelling, and vocal harmonies, I found myself weak at the knees listening for the first time to the lovely song Pine Box Sailor. It's awash with imagery and longing, driven by it's waltz-like tempo and folksy, universal melody. Gwyneth's vocals and lyrics combine wonderfully in this sad lament. This song is from her solo album, but the killer harmony vocals are from Michael Monko. Lexington Ballad in the standout from the new EP. Great vocals from Moreland, with stellar mandolin lines from Monko. This is very good songwriting from a duo with lots of talent, and, we hope, at least a few more albums to come." -Call It Folk
"Lexington Ballad" is probably the EP's finest song - a ballad dressed up with flamenco-like guitar and a soaring acoustic melody - where Moreland shines as the song's especially tremendous instrument. It's her voice that serves as that extra instrument on Good Old Horse that calmly raises all of the release's quality; and right now, it looks like a winning combination." -Bryan Sanchez, Delusions of Adequacy
Read Gwyneth Moreland's responses to the NPR "Hey Ladies" questionnaire
"The folky pair's charming five-song EP (due July 20) is sensitive and sparse, with the youthful-sounding Gwyneth Moreland leading the way as both singer and songwriter." -Chris M. Junior, Medleyville
"From out of the Northern California redwoods on the beautiful Mendocino Coast comes a talent so unique, it makes me want to shout it from the hilltops to the world-wide airwaves."
- DJ Larry Hacken, KZYX
"Steady acoustic guitar, trickling mandolin and pure vocals contribute to a scaled back and earthy folk sound."-The Mad Mackerel Saturday Round-up
