MARY GAUTHIER: Filth & Fire

Mary Gauthier

Filth & Fire

© 2002 Mary Gauthier (701237127323)

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Media in Europe call Mary 'The People's Heart of Alternative Country' and fans will find plenty of the grit they love in her new songs about characters whose moral qualities are tied to spiritual struggles with chords that are thin, frayed, and well-worn.

tracks

1 Walk Through The Fire
2 Long Way To Fall
3 Sugar Cane
4 Merry Go Round
5 Good-Bye
6 Camelot Motel
7 After You're Gone
8 The Ledge
9 Christmas In Paradise
10 For Rose
11 The Sun Fades The Color Of Everything

notes

Mary Gauthier's third album 'Filth & Fire' appeared on many of the top CD of the Year lists throughout the country, with Jon Pareles in The New York Times ranking the album as the #1 Independent Album of the Year. "Unflinching honesty makes Filth & Fire a triumph, the best singer-songwriter album of the year..." reported NO DEPRESSION, shortly after the album's release in July 2002. "Filth & Fire should establish her as one of the finest artists in the whole alt country field," reported the Washington Post.

"She is the People's Heart of Alternative Country," said media in Ireland after a recent European tour, and it is a sentiment that is shared by audiences everywhere Mary tours-in the U.S., in Europe, and most recently this summer, on festival stages throughout Canada.

A Louisiana native, Mary studied philosophy for five years at Louisiana State University before traveling east to study at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Mary opened an award-winning restaurant, Dixie Kitchen, in Boston's historic Back Bay, later selling the restaurant to pursue music full-time and moving to Nashville. Today, Mary tours the United States extensively and continues to tour in Europe several times each year. Ever breaking new ground, in summer 2003 along with being invited to perform for second time on the Newport Folk Festival's mainstage, Mary will tour extensively in Canada performing in major festivals such as the Edmonton Folk Festival, Calgary Blues & Roots Festival, Festival d'ete de Quebec, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Festival, and Canmore Folk Festival, as well as other venues.

In her third cd 'Filth & Fire,' produced by Texas-based Gurf Morlix, Mary Gauthier introduces her audiences to characters whose moral qualities are tied to spiritual struggles with cords that are thin, frayed, and well-worn. Here, the listener will find some left hanging by a thread...did she jump or learn to pray out there on The Ledge? There are those who are holding on trying to find dignity like Davey, celebrating Christmas in Paradise while living under the Cow Key Bridge. People crack, crumble and burn in 'Filth & Fire' as they deal with the everyday dramas that depict universal themes of love vs. lovelessness, community vs. loneliness, and despair vs. faith. But, they're dealing. And for the artist, that seems to be what matters most. From the 'royal denizens' of Camelot Motel, with "damn good reasons for their sins" who seek anonymity not absolution, to the "dirty air, dirty laundry, dirty money, dirty rain," of Mary's Louisiana birthplace in Burnin' Sugar Cane, Mary Gauthier's fans who first embraced 'Drag Queens in Limousines' will find plenty of the grit they love.

The US release of her sophomore CD 'Drag Queens in Limousines,' was nothing short of phenomenal-within six months Mary Gauthier was touring coast to coast and accepting invitations to perform on the main stages of more than a dozen of the most prestigious festivals in U.S., from Strawberry Music in California to the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, and the CD received national airplay and media attention in publications like Billboard and No Depression in the US, and international praise in Rolling Stone (4 stars), MOJO (Album of the Month), Q Magazine, Uncut, Les Inrocktibles, and Country Music People, as well as awards such as the Independent Artist of the Year and a Silver Star from Crossroads Magazine.

Mary Gauthier will be recording her fourth album in October 2003 with Gurf Morlix producing. The CD is scheduled for a spring 2004 release.

reviews

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  • Outstanding
    author: Chris Alder

    A very authentic & powerful songwriter that has that rare capability to actually influence the listener's emotion - that's the best compliment I can give. On the nit picking side, there are just a few places where the phrasing could be improved. Given the tonal qualities, that just makes me anxious to hear her albums as her career continues to grow. A+

  • country sounds great
    author: radio ara country club

    we like have your cd for airplay on luxembourg radio radioaracountryshow@yahoo.com if your every in luxembourg stop by for a interview and see how you sound with hillbilly willie a music artist from country music highway

  • PURE HOT COUNTRY
    author: Pete Schneider

    this cd is pure hot country, gets a bit down, but doesn't all country.... I have had it on my ipod on repeat for my ride to work for a week Cant say it enough... if your into emotional hard country GO FOR IT!!!!

  • Almost perfect
    author: Dan I.

    More stories from the dark side of life. They are'nt always pretty but Mary makes you want to listen. Gurf Morlix always brings something special to whatever he produces also. Pick this up you'll love it.

  • great music
    author: Vincent Showalter

    superlative music

  • more mary, always cutting to the heart of things
    author: Joanne

    bought this so I'd have all Mary's cds, after finally hearing her live. Believe me, that is a memorable experience. Heard several of the songs on this CD at her concert and wanted to be able to relive them. This album starts to have more sophisticated instrumental backup than the earlier ones, but still it's the words and the voice that are basic, unique, and cut to the heart and bone of life.

  • One of our best poet-songwriters today.
    author: Sharyl

    Tight, well-crafted lyrics along with outstanding addition of mandolin and fiddle, add to the great sound of this CD. Also, Mary articulates her words well and you'll not have to read the CD jacket to figure out what is being said. "The Ledge" is my favorite on this CD. She was telling her story and it hit home like a hammer - because it was my story too - and probably many others. I can't think of any songwriter who has stirred up my emotions quite as this one has. Anyone who can do that, definitely gets a "5."

  • the most remarkable songwriter I've ever heard
    author: Lorna

    Two months ago I didn't know who Mary Gauthier was; now I can't get enough of her. I picked up "Mercy Now" quite by mistake -- it was a freeby with a magazine subscription my friend signed up for at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival. It took less than one song to be enthralled by her words and music; the emotions she evokes and the images she creates in a simple few words express the poetry of life (even at its dreariest) like no other songwriter I've heard. I immediately hunted down her other CDs and she is all I want to listen to. I know this will pass, but her voice speaks to me in ways I can't explain.

  • Stories of life
    author: John Ulis

    Great lyrics and music, a lot more interesting than most of the "music" available today.

  • Great CD, she is awesome
    author: Lori

    I am so glad I heard Mary on Larry's show on Houston KPFT. The interview was great. I just completed getting all her albums & enjoying them very much.

  • Mary Gauthier's 'Filth and Fire' one of the bestest ever!
    author: Sky fowler

    Filth and Fire is a wonderful CD. Yes, there really is a Cow Key Bridge (mile marker 4.1 on Rte 1 into the depths of the Florida Keys, and the Florida Keys Country club golf course is there as well). Real places, believable stories and songs that rip your heart out and make you feel loved. Like her Drag Queens and Limousines album this is a singer/songwriter who has not made a bad song yet. I'd love to hear the likes of John Prine, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely and others on some tracks. All the tracks have sparse arrangements, but have the incredible backing of Gurf Morlix on many different instruments, and Mary's aching voice that tells you she has lived all these tales, and then some, perhaps more than a few of which we may never hear about until the guilty parties are long gone.

  • The Magic Of Mercy Now Starts With Mary's Indy Releases
    author: The All Night Watchman

    Everything has a logical progression. From Filth And Fire we get Mercy Now. These early indy releases are tremendous by themselves, yet they are peerless when matched against other contemporary artists. With Filth And Fire you can see the direction Mary is heading in. This CD is not as great as Mercy Now, but it enhances and compliments her new CD terrifically. It is a standout gem that shines with each successive listening. Mary is going places and these early CD releases are a testament to that fact.

  • I listened to 'Mercy Now' & had to hear more.
    author: Carl

    Having immensely enjoyed Mercy Now I just had to hear more from Mary (Go Shay)Gauthier. In this Filth & Fire album I wasn't disappointed. Great songcraft & music. I am looking forward to more songs in the future.

  • I just bought Mercy Now,LOVE it !!!!!
    author: Mary

    Mary your music is wonderful,Mercy Now is the greatest,Please come to Vegas so we can hear some real talent !!!!!

  • 'really liked the songs and the style of mary's voice!
    author: tomawk millsaps

    sugar cane, long way to fall, and walk thru the fire are great songs! i can see how this cd made it to #1 by the new york times.

  • Terrific
    author: Frances

    I stumbled across Mary G during a web surf for some good music. I sure found it. I loved the sound of the demos and then ordered. The record lives up to expectations. I just ordered her latest and can't wait for it to come out!

  • as usual..she speax from the heart of the collective soul
    author: henry nigro

    Some folx just have a knack for the song form..and mary was born in it..coming from lousiana def doesnt hurt! each song a vignette from the past that somewhere is still ocurring...beauty by association...

  • I love this CD...
    author: Walter Zumbrennen

    Mary is the ultimate storyteller. I have played this CD over and over. I would label this CD as "Dark Country"... The songs feel real, like she has lived every word. I wish she could get the fame she deserves.

  • Brilliant Raw Truth
    author: Parker

    I heard "Camelot Motel" on the radio and was pole-axed. Had to have this CD IMMEDIATELY. She delivers her truth with honesty and grit that I have not heard in years. "After You're Gone" is so real for me it hurts to listen to it. Three weeks later "Camelot Motel" is STILL running through my head. SHE is "who is going to fill their shoes?"......

  • author: CD Baby

    This female fronted Country, reminiscent of the Indigo Girls' Shaming of the Sun album, is steeped in dusty, rugged folk and is one to kick back with this summer. Wiping the sweat of yer brow with an ice cold one, this is like the summer wind in your ears, stirring up the smells of washboard dirt roads, the sun-parched hills of Tennessee and baking asphalt.

  • Smashing directness, wonderful delivery
    author: MacRhyme

    Mary has the directness that grabs your ear, mind and soul and a vocal delivery that reminds me of Johnny Cash. She just might be the Lady in Black. The first time I sampled the songs I was hooked, I just didn't know it. I couldn't get her music out of my mind. I had to keep coming back, back.....One CD is no better than the other, you gotta have them all.

  • The BEST...lyrics, music, recording
    author: Ballydehob

    F&F is a great CD and with every playing it gets more great. Mary's earlier CD, Drag Queens in Limousines, is just as good. Never have I heard a voice and message so clear. I wish Mary's CDs could get more exposure. She is SO outstanding. Get these CDs and just listen.

  • Lyrics music outstanding
    author: ed

    song after song you hang on the next lyric, musical masterpiece

  • best cd i have .mary is right on the mark.
    author: derek

    i cant get this cd off my cd player.

  • on the mark
    author: lovely

    heard it by a friends house and just simply had to have it!!! didn't let me down!

  • Poetic genius, Music & words that capture your soul & relive the memories
    author: Michael

    Well crafted lyrics, music & visions that help the listener live the songs. An outstanding set of engaging, award winning songs. The artist has poured her heart & soul into every track. A must have.

  • if you don't have this one...you don't like music!
    author: greg..........

    this is good sh$#%...music is my life, welcome to the family filth and fire......

  • Her music reaches into my soul...
    author: Scott

    She just gets better with time. Her songs seem very tight and well crafted technically, while being sung with unmistakable, genuine feeling and honesty. Her compassion and respect for people we judge and condemn shines through.

  • Honesty so rare!
    author: Monica

    Mary is an incredible artist who writes songs about the human condition without condemnation. The extraordinary portraits she creates with her lyrics reach the heart and stir the soul.

  • Mary Gauthier an artist to watch
    author: Mystic

    Mary is one talented writer of stories that dig deep into the psyche of the American wastland. A MUST own CD in any collection.

  • Postcards from the seedy side.
    author: Loretta Vinson

    Colorful postcards from the seedy side of life, I love the imagry as well as the music. Lots of texture and soul. Along with Mary's voice , the songs remind me of Marshall Chapman and Ferron. Very engaging.

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