Blackbirds
Anatomy of Melancholy
© 2006 Michael Slajchert (634479389313)
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Some stories, some poltical statements, some lost love and lost friends, all done up in guitar-driven acoustic style.
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Blackbirds is an experimental mix of old and new: the old Chicago veteran and the neophyte. Mike has been around the Chicago music scene for 30+ years, with many stops along the way. Claire is his former student who has no professional experience, but adds the silk to the burlap in this mix. Contemporary folk might explain the genre, but it tends to explode in various directions.
About BLACKBIRDS
Mike has lived in Chicago his whole life, and began playing rock in the 60s (pre-DJ) era, when working bands could stay busy. The rock morphed into folk-rock, into solo acoustic folk, into some Christian, and then into a cocoon that lasted about 10 years. Re-emergence coincided with a return to teaching after a 13 year sojourn in the law. Mike now plays mostly benefits for causes supported by the campus ministry group he coordinates. He now does all his own recording, mostly on a Korg D1200 Mk II digital machine. Multi-track recording has encouraged him to learn bass, mandolin, lap steel, some keyboard and percussion, in conjunction with the guitar and harp he already brought to the mix. Much of his song writing focuses on social issues about which he is passionate.
Claire is a Chicago-suburban girl who discovered her skills in student musical productions. She brings a rare vocal clarity to the mix which will only improve with time and experience, as she discovers her style. Claire currently attends St. Louis University located (paradoxically) in St. Louis, MO.
The big challenge for Blackbirds is finding a vocal mix which allows for duets; the closest thing that comes to mind is Steve Earle's work with Emmylou Harris. The other big challenge is trading song information back and forth so the precious school-break recording time has maximum results.
Some of our music appears on SOUNDAID (see links), a place where musicicans from around the world offer their tunes to help Heifer fight world hunger.
Whatever profits come form these ventures will go to fighting AIDS in Africa.
Thanks for listening.
reviews
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"Edge of Town" in best folk traditions.
author: Sir GiantGreat Example Of A Well Written Melody And Harmony That nice descending bass part really grabs me. I like it a lot. This is a pleasant and gentle ballad well written and wonderfully performed. The mix works well between the acoustic guitar(s), the harmonica, and your emotionally effective vocal. When the choral vocals enter the performance it is clear you have a great sense of harmony and melody. Nicely done!
Art at its best. (Deficits of the Heart)
author: SKINRABBITSArt at its best production jumps at me right out of the gate hello you are singing a very well performed peice of art...so enduring you story in the lyrics... one does not Have to like this song one just does... the arrangement is so que... the players are together to complement this song you relay to this audience...beautifull job another keeper...the acoustic guitar very talented player with a good addition to round out the peice...radio wise it may be just a bit long...but what a good song that would be hard to trim anywhere of this peice...the lead guitar is pleasing not overpowering the other player but more like enhancing...the levels are que did not have to adjust anything on my player... very good job on a fresh new song that touches the heart and causes the mind to paint pics of what you are saying musicly...good song..
Raves for "requiem"
author: CRITICAL POINTVery Impressed Very universally reaching idea in these lyrics. I think they can hit people in nearly every generation. The intro is very cool. Am I right in saying you have two tracks of your vocals overlapped? Well, whatever it is, its awesome. Several layers that you only start picking apart on the second listen, that's what I like. The lyrics are very fitting to the mood.